"If that's what you want. But again, that's your choice, not me demanding it."
She leaned up and kissed him. "You're too good to me."
He kissed her again. "Maybe later."
She pushed on his chest as she opened the door. "Get your mind out of the gutter."
"You love it, and you know it."
She did, but she caught sight of her mother sitting on a bench watching a couple of ducks. "Come on. She may not remember you, but I'll introduce you anyhow."
Marcelle glanced up at them when they approached. "Hello."
It was obvious that she had no clue who they were. Joey sat down next to her. "Hi. I'm Joey, and this is Drake."
"Joey? That's a strange name for such a beautiful young woman."
"Thanks." Joey wanted to hug her mom, but she knew it would spook her. "Are the ducks keeping you company?"
"They're entertaining, that's for sure. Sometimes I like to just sit here and pretend they're on television. Much healthier than sitting in my room."
Drake moved around behind them to stand at Marcella's side. "I should have brought some bread."
"No bread, young man," Marcella scolded. "Bread is bad for ducks. Frozen peas, now, do the trick."
Joey leaned forward. No time like the present. "Do you recognize this at all?" She dangled her pendant so her mother could see it.
Marcella reached out and grasped it. "It's very pretty, but I'm afraid I have no idea what it is. Should I?"
"No. I was just wondering."
"Well, it's been pleasant chatting with you, but I should be heading inside. It's almost dinner time." Marcella rose to walk away, but her foot caught on the leg of the bench. She stumbled, and Drake reached out and grabbed her.
"Whoa, there. We don't want any broken bones."
Marcella froze and stared up at him. "Thank you."
Joey watched and saw Drake get a strange expression on his face. "Mom... err... Marcella, are you okay?"
Marcella glanced at her sharply. "Josephine Preston. Since when do you call me by my given name?"
"Mama?"
Marcella straightened up and looked from Joey to Drake. "Are you going to introduce me to your friend, or just stand there all afternoon?"
Joey knew they only had precious seconds. "This is Drake Hale.”
“Is he your boyfriend?”
Joey looked at Drake, who smothered a grin. “Yes, ma’am, I am her boyfriend.”
Marcella shook his hand. “You better be a good guy.”
“He’s the best,” Joey snickered. “But Mama, do you recognize this pendant?" She held it out again.
"Of course I do." Marcella moved over and didn’t pay any attention to the pendant as she pulled her daughter into a big hug. "Why?"
Joey allowed herself a second to cherish the embrace. The moment was about to run its course for a couple minutes if they were lucky. "Do you know what it is?"
