“I’m sure you’re in the middle of something.” She gripped her throat, drawing my attention from her eyes to her neck. “We won’t bother you anymore.”
“You’re not bothering me,” I told her before I introduced them to Dom and Mama Lil. “Do you like pancakes, Mehki?”
The boy nodded rapidly. “With lots of butter and syrup. Mommie makes the best.”
“Really?” I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. “Mommie cooks?”
Mehki shouted yes. “She’s the best!”
The more I learned about Angel, the more I wanted to learn. “Maybe your Mommie can make me some pancakes when I come over to help you find all the spiders?”
The corner of Angel’s mouth lifted. “Will you be ridding the house of those spiders?” she asked. “If so, you can have all the pancakes you like.”
I raised a brow. “Promise?”
She let out a shaky breath. “Deal. I wanted to talk to you about the house anyway. I decided to stay in Rosewood Heights a little longer, because I want to be able to settle Aunt Lou’s affairs.”
“Oh,” Mama Lil’s hand flew to her mouth. “You’reLou’sniece, Angel?”
Angel nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I haven’t seen you since you were a little girl.” Mama Lil hugged her. “I’m so sorry for your loss, baby. Your aunt was a force to be reckoned with in this town. She talked about you a lot, told me all about you and your baby. She was so proud. We were good friends, ya know?”
“I’m so glad to hear that.” Angel flashed a wobbly smile. She pointed toward the window. “My mother is here, too.”
“I remember Theresa,” Mama Lil said. “I’ll have to go over and say hi.”
“We released her ashes into the ocean,” Mehki announced proudly. “I did the honors.”
Angel shrugged nervously, guilt passing over her face. “I’m sorry. She didn’t want it to be public.”
“I know, sweetie.” Mama Lil grabbed Angel’s hand. “I spoke with Lou about her plans a few months ago.”
“If you don’t mind,” Angel shifted her purse to her other arm, “I’d love to ask you some questions about Aunt Lou sometime soon?”
Mama Lil smiled. “Anytime. I’ll write down my phone number for you.”
Embracing Mama Lil again, Angel thanked her.
Dom expressed his condolences. “Ms. Fox was always nice to me.”
I stared at Dom, and wondered why I didn’t remember Ms. Fox. The name sounded familiar, but I had no memory of her.
“Thanks,” Angel told my brother before she met my eyes again. “Well, I hope to talk to you soon?”
“I can come by tomorrow,” I offered. “If you want.”
“Sure. I should be there most of the day.” She pulled out her business card and slid it over to me. “Call me before you come.”
“I will.” I looked at Mehki and held up my hand. He gave me a high five. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Lil Man.”
“Awesome!” He took off toward the booth where their group was seated.
“He has a lot of energy,” Angel explained. “I’ll let you get back to your meal.” She looked at Mama Lil and Dom. “It was nice to meet you both.”
“I look forward to talking to you again, sweetie,” Mama Lil said. “We’re open seven days a week. Stop by for a hot meal when you don’t feel like cooking.”
“I will. See you soon, Cooper.”
