Rosie turned sharply. "Don't be rude."
"What did I do?" His hands flew wide.
"You're making my daughter-in-law uncomfortable," she fired back.
The words detonated—absurd and premature.
"Mom," Damien warned.
"Fine." She let her arms drop and turned back to the bed, emotion spilling over. "I apologize for finding an ounce of happiness in this shit show."
Damien's face twisted.
She leaned into him.
"I'm only teasing, hun," she said, turning to me. "I apologize if it landed wrong."
"Not at all, Mrs. Holt," I said. "If poking fun at me helps you, I'm more than happy to volunteer."
Her hand found my arm, warm and brief. "You're a sweetheart. And call me Rosie."
I offered her a tentative smile.
She drew a shuddering breath. "Emma, dear, would you mind grabbing a coffee and a snack from the cart downstairs?"
"Of course." I turned to go.
Damien moved to follow, but Rosie stopped him cold.
"Damien," she said tightly, "I'd like a word with you."
I left the room and didn't turn back.
Chapter two
Damien
Emma disappeared down the hall, the distinctive click of her heels retreating.
"Damien." My mother's tone cut through—sharper now, stripped of the warmth she'd shown Emma. "Why didn't you tell me about her?"
"I—" I faltered. "Things are complicated between us."
She fixed me with a look. "Things seem pretty solid to me."
The corner of my mouth twitched. "No, not between us, necessarily." I paused, searching for the right words. "Remember the merger with Elion?"
She nodded, the motion heavy.
"She's the CEO."
Her spine stiffened, adding inches to her frame. "What?"
"I told you it was complicated."
"I'd say that's putting it lightly."
She sank into the chair by the bed. I grabbed two more—one for me, one for Emma—placing them where she'd sit when she came back. I lowered myself into mine, elbows braced on my knees.
