I laughed. “No. He and his father sat down with Sierra and her father.”
Pushing the past aside, I looked at my beautiful mother. “I’ve got something for you.” I reached into my purse and pulled out the velvet box. “It’s an early Christmas gift.”
“Oh sweetie, you could’ve waited until Christmas.” Sheheld the jewelry box, examining it. “Do you want yours now too?”
“No, mine can wait.” I gestured to the box. “Open it.”
I watched as her face transformed.
“Oh my gosh! Ava!” Her eyes brightened with tears. “Iloveit. This is the bracelet from the commercial!” She got up and embraced me. “Help me put it on.”
I didn’t tell her I was among the several people who had been robbed recently. It would only have worried her.
“I’m showing this off tonight when I go out with the girls for dinner. Thank you, sweetie.”
Seeing the joy on my mother’s face added a layer of peace to my heart.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
AVA
The restof the week flew by, and Saturday arrived with me starting at No Name early in the morning. Austin had to help his parents with a new furniture delivery, so he’d be coming to the bakery later today.
We were dating again. It had only been a week since that icy storm, but our relationship had gotten steamier each day.
I spent most of the previous week at his house and loved every minute. Austin had asked me to move in with him, but I declined because it was too soon.
Though we had resumed our relationship, I needed to protect myself. I still remembered the heartache and didn’t want to ever experience that again, so I wanted to take my time.
I spoke to my mother the day before and told her about Austin and me. Though she was happy for me, she asked me to be careful. I understood her concern. She was my mother, who had seen me at my worst, so she was being protective.
Officer Jensen called me last night to let me know Juan had successfully lured out the members of a New York gangresponsible for the thefts around the nation. The WPD was now working with other law-enforcement agencies nationwide to apprehend the rest of the crew. I learned Juan was doing community service at a homeless shelter as part of his plea bargain.
“Do you know Sierra Montage?” Officer Jensen had asked.
My stomach contorted. “Not personally. Why?”
“She was Juan’s acquaintance. He met Sierra when he cleaned her house. She hired him to hurt you, but he couldn’t do it, so he took the bracelet instead.”
My jaw dropped. “She’s crazy.”
“Not going to disagree with you. She’s also linked to the New York gang. We’re working that angle now.”
“Oh my god,” I said, wondering if those gang members would have followed through with the plan to hurt me.
“The DA is building a case against the Montage family. This new evidence will help him immensely. As far as I know, you’re not in danger anymore. Sierra has new targets.”
Officer Jensen showed me pictures of three men who were at the mall that day. Two of them were the men who stole my parking spot. The third was the man who had yanked at my purse. A chill rushed down my body, remembering how close I’d been to those dangerous men. I prayed Sierra and her family would get the punishment they deserve.
During my lunch break, I used my tablet and had a conference call with my friends, who
all had various backgrounds and cultures. My Scottish background seemed mundane compared to all the stories they shared with me. I loved these girls like sisters, and it was time they knew about me and Austin.
“I can’t wait for the holiday gathering next week!” I waved, missing my friends.
“I’ve got beauty samples for you guys.” Kendra, my Vietnamese-American friend, showed off a bag in front of the camera.
“I need a good moisturizer for my dry skin.” Rhea patted her adorable face, which was sprinkled with freckles.
