Jenna frowned. “Hismicrowave?”
“No reason she’d need help with that unless she was living there, right?”
“I guess it’s possible his daughter lives with him.”
“Or it could be someone else.”
Jenna’s heart clenched. My gosh, what if he already had a girlfriend? What if he was alreadymarried? Could he be one of thosemen who created two separate lives, leaving both women in the dark about the other?
“It’s not looking good. I hated to worry you like this, but I knew you’d want to know.”
“I’m glad you told me.” Shewasglad, even though she really hoped she’d be proven wrong.
Chapter 23
It didn’t matter that it was a weeknight—Island Creamery was always a hive of activity in June. Jenna and her mom were lucky to snag a picnic table on the deck after waiting in the long line for homemade ice cream. The shop, with its appealing lighthouse exterior, was now run by the third-generation owners and was a favorite with Teaguers and tourists alike.
The sun was just setting and a warm breeze ruffled the colorful table umbrellas as Jenna took another lick from her Marsh Mud cone. She moaned as she savored the rich chocolate. “It’s been too long. How have I been on the island over a month and not stopped in for my favorite flavor?”
“Now that you’ve had a taste, you’ll find it hard to stay away. We should make it a regular event, just us girls.” After a beat Mom rolled her eyes. “Listen to me, talking like you’re staying forever when you’re about to get that fabulous job in Alexandria.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I haven’t even interviewed yet, and let’s not forget my previous employer is unlikely to recommend me.”
“Oh, you can explain all that. You’re a shoo-in for that job, and I’m happy for you, truly. But I sure will miss you around here.”
“I’ll miss you too, Mom.” This was a good opportunity to swing the conversation to Gordon. “But you have Gordon to keep you company.”
Mom lowered a spoonful of Orange Juice Sorbet. “He’s great company. I’ve had so much fun since he got here. I didn’t even mind when the cruise ended once I knew he’d be coming back to the island with me.”
The richness of the chocolate suddenly became too much. Thankfully Jenna was almost finished. “What are your plans? Have the two of you talked about the future?”
“We’re just playing it by ear for now. But...” Her eyes went all soft and warm. “I’m falling for him, Jenna. He’s such a wonderful man, and he’s so good to me.”
“Wow, Mom.” Jenna forced a smile. “I can see he makes you very happy.”
“Oh, he does. In so many ways.” Mom sobered as she grabbed Jenna’s hand. “I know you’re skeptical, but he really is a good person.”
“I understand. It’s just fast, that’s all. It’s been less than six weeks since you met. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
Mom gave Jenna’s hand a squeeze and scooped the last of her sorbet. “You’re sweet to be worried about your old mom. But I have a lot of life experience and I have a good feeling about this.” She popped the bite into her mouth, her blue eyes lighting and crinkling at the corners. “When you know, you know.”
Jenna’s stomach twisted as she took the last bite of her cone. “You’d mentioned taking a trip with Gordon to DC. Is that in the works?”
“There’s nothing on the calendar yet, but we’ll definitely get around to that. I used all my PTO for the cruise. Besides, I don’t want to take a trip while you’re here and miss out on time with you.”
That was a blessing in disguise. Jenna didn’t like the thought of Gordon taking her mom away on their own. Speaking of which, this would be a good time to gather more information. “Maybe when you go you can meet his kids.”
“Well, certainly his daughter, Katie, since she lives in the city. But I doubt his son will be able to make the trip from Detroit. He has a job and a family.”
“Gordon has grandkids?”
“He does. Joe has three kids: two girls and a boy. Gordon goes out there at least once a year to visit.”
“How nice.”
“They’re one, three, and five and they’re so adorable! I can’t wait to meet them all.” Mom grabbed her empty bowl and their napkins and stood. “I’ll be right back. I have to use the restroom.”
Jenna watched her go, her heart sinking like an anchor. She suspected her mom was very close to being in love with Gordon. Jenna and Ty had to figure this out before Mom got in any deeper. They might have to make that trip to DC. Gordon had left a piece of mail on the table last week, which confirmed that his name and the address they had for him were correct. So that took those concerns off her list.
