“I think your Mom has something to do with it,” she replied, taking a sip.
“No way, not after the last time, she wouldn’t do that,” he protested.
“No, I mean, people are speculating that she helped Kim, and because of that, they don’t trust her or the Capshaw brand.”
“What? No.”
"Kayden, think about it from his perspective. He's essentially a stranger. Why would he trust a company when its matriarch—your mother—just did all ofthat? How could he believe any deal with this family would be honest or anythingbutdrama?"
“But it’s not Capshaw Realty, it’s KDN, it’s me, Lana.”
“Yeah, but youjustwon the town over after a long period of time when they didn’t like you. Then they sympathized with you over what happened, but I think if she’s attached to the company business, in any way, nothing is going to happen for a while.”
Kayden snorted and shook his head.
“That makes sense, I guess,” he said and slid the phone back in his pocket.
“Why, though?”
“Why what?” Kayden asked.
“Why would she help that scum get a lighter sentence?”
“I don’t know, and I don’t care anymore. It’s done, Lana. I just want to move forward and forget her,” he replied.
“Move forward? I can’t!” She rose to her feet, her voice louder than she intended, and glanced upstairs.
“Paula’s gone for the night. I asked her to give us some privacy.”
That made her feel better.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t just get past it, Kayden.”
“I don’t know what you want me to do anymore,” he pleaded helplessly.
“It’s like you’re giving up,” she accused, pacing the room.
“The only thing I want to give up is ever uttering her name again. I want to forget her, Lana.”
“If only it were that easy. We know Maureen didn’t do that for free. Kim has something on her, she admitted that. I know she didn’t end up in house arrest in Shelby by accident. Open your eyes, please!”
“Maybe you’re right, maybe not, but I can’t let what she did continue to replay over and over, or I’ll lose my mind.”
“I’m gonna find out why. I have to,” she said, stopping in front of him, her arms crossed over her chest.
“Lana, please. I don’t want you to be wrapped up in this and lose focus on us. We have a wedding to plan, a house to finish...” he started.
“Which all means nothing if Kim is around to ruin everything again. And I’m not gonna let her. I’m done crying and sticking my head in the sand, wishing it all away.”
Lana stormed away and grabbed the keys off the countertop.
“Where are you going now?” Kayden yelled.
“Back to the hotel to see your mother.”
“What about dinner?”
She looked at the gorgeous meal, but her stomach protested.
