She nodded. “My son fancies you, it seems.”
“Mostly, he knows I care about Franny.” I tried to keep it professional and casual.
“Is that all, you think?” She stared at me with an older version of the blue eyes that could see into my soul.
“Anything more will have to wait and see.” I met her gaze head-on and tried to hold my ground.
She hummed lightly and nodded before straightening her dress. “Well, Franny told me it was your idea to have tennis lessons every other day of the week?”
“Yes, I think it’s good for her to get out of the house, and I played tennis back in the day. So, it’s easy,” I answered, wondering if it would be rude to run after Franny and Jameson and ask them if I could play too just to get out of this awkward moment.
“Do you think it’s good for her to spend less time with her grandmother also?” she asked as a follow-up, and her tone held a bite to it.
I scrambled for an answer but frowned and bought myself time with a question. “I’m not sure what you mean?”
“Jameson said Franny will be spending more time at home on the weekends after having conversations with you and others.I’m assuming that’s mostly your doing, considering Valerie would never.”
Of course she knew she had Valerie in the palm of her hand, and that alone had me standing a little taller. Franny’s well-being was priority even at the detriment of every relationship I had here in Paradise Grove. That’s how it should have been with Valerie too, but I wouldn’t judge her. I got the allure of Jameson Knight. I just wouldn’t succumb to it like others had.
“Franny enjoys having a close relationship with her father, and I think they should nurture it when Jameson has free time. A daughter needs her daddy, after all.”
She let the silence build, and I heard Franny and Jameson chattering back and forth out near the forest trees. Then a laugh burst out of Franny so loud and genuine, I smiled and glanced their way. Mrs. Knight did too before she sighed and nodded. “I don’t tend to defer to my son’s employees, Mia. But I’m starting to see that’s not all you are to Jameson or Franny. I hope you intend to stick around.”
Her statement was respectful but much too inquisitive when I didn’t even know the answer myself. I bit my bottom lip before I answered quietly, “For the summer. I’m not sure about after.”
Thinking of how far in I was getting with this family, knowing there would be an end to it had my heart stuttering and my mind working overtime on how I could stop the inevitable heartbreak.
“Well, I am sure.” She patted my shoulder. “I’m happy he’s listening to you,” she said. “And I’m pleased you put my granddaughter first. Don’t stop.”
That was all.
She folded into the SUV and waved goodbye as Franny ran through the grass to find a toy of Malek’s. She threw it as Jameson walked back up to me. “My mother likes you.”
“Does she now?” I peered up at his dazzling blues and immediately felt the butterflies in my stomach. I was so screwed.
“Of course. She doesn’t stop and talk to anyone else.”
“She seems to talk with most of your staff just fine.” I didn’t mention Valerie specifically.
“She talksatthem. With you, she listened.”
“She listens to you though. She said you told her Franny would be spending more time here. Your day clear up a little?”
“No,” he answered, not offering more of an explanation.
Before I could pry further, though, Franny ran up with Malek, who stopped by my side for a pat on the head. “You’re going to watch a movie with us tonight too, Ms. Darling? Rosy and Hades will too, right? And Archer maybe? It’ll be movie night!”
“Movie night?” I raised an eyebrow at Jameson, wondering what this whole night might consist of. But also realizing I shouldn’t be a part of it. This was father-daughter time. Not father-daughter-teachertime. I had to remind myself of my place even if Jameson and I had fun the night before. “Oh, Franny, I think I might have some plans, but—”
“What plans?” Jameson frowned.
“Is it a date?” Franny asked, like she knew all about boys and dating.
“How do you know what a date is?” Jameson looked doubly concerned now.
“Because, Dad. I’m not four. Of course I know what dating is, and Ms. Darling is pretty, isn’t she? She probably has lots of guys wanting to go on dates with her.”
I wish.
