“I think so.She said it’s a lot better than being in New York City at the moment.”
“We’ll both need to go back to testify against McGibbons, but that won’t be for a few months.”
Barbara leaned into his shoulder.“Tell me about your mom and dad.Were they happy when you told them Steve has been charged with tax evasion?”
“I haven’t told them.”
“Why?”
Theo looked down at his mug.“There’s plenty of time.I’d sooner wait until closer to the trial date.”
“In case something happens?”
From the frown on Barbara’s face, he knew she was confused about why he hadn’t said anything.“When I wrote the story about Steve McGibbons, I showed my parents all the evidence.I even played the recordings of interviews with people who’d provided the services Steve wrote off as business expenses.But they still refused to believe he had a dishonest bone in his body.”
“They believed him and not you?”
Theo nodded.“It hurt.I always thought my parents would be there for me, no matter what happened.”
“But they’ve apologized.”
“It still doesn’t stop the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach when I talk to them.”
“From what you’ve said, they sound genuinely disappointed by their behavior.If you told them how you feel it might change—”
“I’m not telling them.From when I was little, there was always one drama or another happening.I don’t want to be the son who always needs their help.I can stand on my own two feet.”
Barbara held onto his hand.“I know you can but, sometimes, it’s nice to have someone to lean on.I’m always asking my family for help.”
His eyebrows rose.“I don’t believe you.”
“It’s true,” Barbara protested.“Ask Penny.I’m always banging on her office door, wanting her advice.The only difference between you and me is that my problems don’t involve corrupt city officials.”
“My parents were half right.Steve McGibbons did do a lot for the community.He also used his reputation to pressure people into doing what he wanted.”
“Do you think there are more illegal things he’s done?”
“I know there is.”
Barbara’s fingers gently squeezed his.“It sounds as though you need to write a follow-up story.”
Theo didn’t say anything.He knew why his editor had asked him, but proving he was innocent of all the accusations people threw at him didn’t matter.The only two people who mattered in the whole sordid mess, were his parents.And nothing anyone said could change that.
“I’ll think about it.”
Barbara sent him another searching look before reaching for her bag.“While you’re doing that, I have something for you.”
Theo took the white business card she handed him.“Is this the woman you spoke to in Bozeman?”
“It is.Your listeners will love hearing about what Tess and her friends are doing in The Bridesmaids Club.By the time we left, Mom was so impressed that she’s considering doing something similar in Sapphire Bay.”
“Will your Mom have the time to start another project?”
“Probably not, but that hasn’t stopped her before.Tess said if you want to interview her, she wouldn’t mind.The Bridesmaids Club’s social media accounts are on the business card, too.”
Theo placed the card on the table.“I’ll call her tomorrow.”
A quick smile flashed across Barbara’s face.“Good.Do you want to come back to The Lakeside Inn for a barbecue dinner?All our guests are having dinner in town, so Mom and Dad are coming.Wyatt and Ethan will be there, too.”
