9781631054631ChoiceAffairsSalisbury by Jamie Salisbury Page B

where he was going. The
place of a gazillion calories . “Trying to appease the house staff?”
    “No, that ’ll be your job. I thought this more fun. Something we
won’t be able to do too often.”
    I settled into the
black leather seat, eyeing him from my side of the car. No time like the
present to share what little I knew. “By the way, I understand my parents had a huge blow up after we left. That explains why Daddy
left, and she stayed and escaped your observation.”
    “I was just told the
same myself. I’m trying not to get in the middle of it. It’s their private
business.”
    “When has my mother
ever thought of anythi ng as private? Everything is
fair game where she’s concerned. She probably deliberately picked the fight. Made her the center of attention.”
    “Perhaps. Have you spoken with your father yet?”
    “No, I left a text. I
didn’t want to disturb him.”
    I heard him chu ckle. That laugh when he knew I was tired and overwhelmed,
and this was definitely one of those times. “And Izzie? Did you speak with her?”
    “Briefly. Would you mind terribly if I invited
her to dinner tonight? That is, unless you have something else in min d.”
    “I don’t have anything
planned for this evening. Since we’ll be leaving tomorrow afternoon for
Washington, go ahead and invite her. I know it’ll be the last time the two of
you will have together for a while.”
    “You don’t mind?”
    “Of
course not. I can’t wait to hear about some of the goings-on at
the reception after we left, and I’m not speaking of your parent’s row.”
    “Yes, but knowing your
mind, I’m sure you’d like her perspective on it,” I teased, leaning over and
kissing him on the cheek.
    “I can’t hide anything from you, can I?”
    “No,
not really.” I grinned at him.
    “Having second
thoughts?”
    “No,
not at all. I’m sorry. It’s just all that’s going on all at once. The move, your new job,
making sure everything is organized for two households. It’s a little d aunting. Plus add the family dynamics of my mother and your
brother, and yeah. Overwhelming. But never, ever second thoughts.”
    Apolo pulled in and
found his usual spot open. As always, Marvin came rushing out the door after
seeing the black BMW. Made me wo nder if Marvin kept Apolo’s parking spot empty when he knew
Apolo was in town. Better yet, Apolo had probably texted Marvin with our
order.
    Marvin had a tray
loaded down with food, which he placed on the window of Apolo’s side of the
car. Apolo paid the older gentleman and started
passing items my way.
    “So much for
calories,” I quipped.
    “You enjoy it as much
as I do, so don’t try to tell me otherwise.”
    “I won’t. I’m happy to
take whatever time I can get with you, sweetie.”
    “That’s my girl. While
we’re eat ing, why don’t you see what time Izzie can
make it for dinner? That way I’ll know how much of a workout I’ll need to do
beforehand.”
    I reached over and
retrieved my phone from my purse, finding Izzie’s number. It went straight to
voicemail, so I left a bri ef message. “Anything else,
or can I eat my lunch in peace?” I kidded.
    “Please, eat. I like
it when you eat.”
    I shot him what I
hoped was a good go-to-hell look. Especially
after our earlier food conversation.
    “Would you mind if we
shot by the office for a second? Jacob is there, and
I wanted to check and see if he’s found out anything about either my brother or
your mother.”
    “I thought you knew
where Tony was?”
    “We do, or did. I
wanted to know more specific facts. Like who he met, that sort of thing. As for your mother… Well, she’s certainly outfoxed old
Jacob.”
    “I hardly believe
that. She might have slipped past him for now, but trust me, he’ll find her.”
    “I know he will.”
    “Okay, we’ll go, but
on one condition. You have one hour. And then we leave.”
    He g ave me a lopsided grin. Which meant I’d better keep an eye on him, or he’d have