“What about his uncle? Are you getting along?”
I thought about what to say. “When I see him, yes.”
“Don’t youlive together?”
“No, Mom. I wouldn’t move Chloe into a strange man’s house.”
“Only right next door.”
“You met some of my neighbors in the apartment building. Miles is a dream compared to them.”
“He’s a dream now, is he?”
I sat up and ran a hand through my hair. “You’re twisting my words.”
“You’re touchy today. I think there is a story there. Speaking of stories, I’ve been readingSilent Stones.”
I told her to start with that one. It was my favorite, after all. “What do you think?”
“It’s very well written.”
Cindy Parker was a tough critic, so that was a major compliment.
“But I do find it interesting that his heroine, Isabella, reminds me an awful lot of someone. It’s almost uncanny how much.”
I stared out into the distance, not really focusing on anything other than avoiding Mom’s gaze. I knew who she was talking about.
Mom took my hand. “You have to see it too? It’s like he took every part of you and created her, right down to your golden-brown hair, quiet intelligence, and closed-off nature.”
I whipped my head toward her. “I’m not closed-off.”
Mom squeezed my hand. “You didn’t use to be, and for a chosen few I suppose you’re not, but I think even for us who are closest to you, you hold part of yourself back. Like Isabella, you know you would have to feel again if you opened yourself up. It’s why you avoid men.”
Iscowled at her, not liking the direction of this conversation at all. “I avoid men because they’re idiots.”
“See, you’re doing it again. Deep down, you know that’s not true. Granted, you married the biggest idiot of all, but he’s not why you close yourself off. It’s you. You can’t forgive yourself for it.”
Tears stung my eyes. Truth hurt.
Mom wiped a few escaped tears off my cheeks. “Honey, I didn’t mean to upset you. I just worry that if you keep going down this road you might end up like Isabella, way over your head, alone, and scared.”
“Since Dad isn’t a serial killer, I think I’m safe,” I said dryly.
Mom laughed. “He does know a lot about decomposition and where to bury a body.”
“Mom.”
“I’m kidding. Besides, I don’t think Isabella’s father is the real serial killer.”
“I don’t either.”
“I think her father gets redeemed,” Mom said wisely.
“Huh. That’s interesting.”
Mom tilted her head. “What?”
“It’s just, Miles has some father issues.”
