“I’m on it.” She swooped the plate away.
Chloe plated several slices while her mom hovered nearby. Her stillness—and silence—made Chloe cut her a look. Mom stared at her, head tilted, eyes curious.
“Do I have food on my face?”
She leaned a hip next to Chloe. “Do you have something to tell me, daughter dearest?”
“No...”
“Something special that a mother should know about her favorite daughter...?”
Sean approached, wiping his hand on his apron before giving Mom a sideways hug. “Thanks for bringing the cheesecakes, Mom.”
“Does he know?” Mom asked.
Sean’s gaze toggled between them. “Know what?”
Great. It had to be the tabloid story. What else could it be? Chloe’s stomach sank. She wasn’t ready for questions.
“It seems Chloe here has been keeping secrets from us. Mary Lou showed me a very interesting picture today—from one of those tabloid sites.”
“You were on a gossip site?”
“With none other than Liam Hamilton.”
“I can explain.”
Mom laughed heartily. “Oh, the picture said it all, sweetheart. I’m only mad I wasn’t the first one you told.” She gave Chloe a little whack on the back of the head. “You know I’ve always loved him. He’s such a cutie pie. Way too young forme, I know, but as you’re aware, my youth was wasted on your father.”
“I don’t understand,” Sean said.
“Your sister’s dating Liam Hamilton—on the sly it seems. But not anymore! The news is out now.”
Chloe opened her mouth but the words tangled in her throat.
“Mary Lou said people are Twittering about it and everything.” Mom wrapped her arm around Chloe. “Liam’s been a little naughty lately, but he and Katie Simpson or Brittney Bloom? No way. He took one look at my baby girl and lost his heart, didn’t he, sweetie?”
“Well, I—”
“The expression on his face in that photo...” Mom pressed a hand to her heart. “You’ve got him wrapped around your little finger,I could see it just plain as day. And why not? My baby’s as beautiful as all those starlets and twice as nice.”
Sean’s eyes narrowed on Chloe.
What should she say? She hadn’t discussed strategy with Liam and she was afraid to—
“I need a salmon on the fly!” a server called through the window. “This one’s dead.”
“I got it, Chef!”
Mom gave Chloe’s shoulders a squeeze. “Well, you guys are busy. Do you need an extra set of hands?”
“We’ve got it covered,” Chloe said. “Enjoy your night off.”
“If you’re sure. See y’all later.” Her gaze homed in on Chloe. “Call me. We’ll set up a coffee date—I want all the details.”
“Uh, sure, Mom.”
She left as quickly as she’d arrived.
