"They have shade and stores in the Bahamas," I said. "And you'll look amazing, because you always do."
This time, the laugh was real. She clapped a hand over my wrist. "You're the worst liar. You know that, right?"
"Maybe. But I mean it. You really do deserve to go after everything you've been through. And don't worry. I'll ask your neighbors and Katrina when she'd be back to help me with your plants and stray cats. I truly want you to go and have a good time. The case is almost over. It's all just a matter of paperwork."
She looked at the ticket for a long time as if she was trying to figure it all out.
"I don't want it to go to waste," I said, my heart pounding so hard it hurt my chest. "And if my workload were different, I would have jumped on the opportunity."
Margaret put the ticket in her lap and picked up her tea again, staring at the swirling steam. Her hand still trembled, but not as much.
After a minute, she said, "Is it safe there? The Bahamas? You hear things about those places…"
"It's very safe," I said, quickly. "Brynn's been three times. She says it's paradise." I had no idea if Brynn's been to the Bahamas, but I needed to say something reassuring.
Margaret looked at me over the rim of her mug. "Are you sure youdon't want to go with me?" However, her eyes communicated a different set of questions though.What is really going on? Are you okay?
I hesitated, searching for the right answer. "I have only one ticket, Mom. And I already told you I need to get caught up on work stuff. It's going to earn me a bonus."
She watched me, sharp as ever. "Is there something you're not telling me?"
I thought of the man in the car, the strange comfort I felt knowing he was out there, the way he'd stood between me and the world when it turned ugly.
I shook my head. "Not really."
She held my eyes, not blinking, like she was waiting for me to break and tell her the truth. "I think there is, dear."
I desperately searched for any excuse that might convince her to go and justify why I couldn't. And then it came out. "I'm seeing someone."
"Ooooh." She smiled, sly and genuine. "Now, I see. No wonder you're glowing."
Was I really glowing? I doubted it. But I just nodded.
"When can I meet him?"
"Mom," I protested. "It's…it's too soon. We are still getting to know each other." I felt bad because there was no man. There was only Seven. An enigma, whose face I'd never seen. And he'd be gone once the job was done. But if that's what it took for me to get Margaret to leave town for a couple of weeks, then I had no choice.
"What's his name?" she asked.
I almost said it. Almost. "I don't want to jinx it, Mom. Can you just go on vacation and while I see how it goes with this guy?"
"Alright, dear." She patted my hand. "You'll tell me when you're ready."
"I will." I took another sip of tea, then stood up and said, "I'll help you pack."
"Right now?"
"Yes, right now, Mom. I might not have time later."
A few seconds ticked by before she finally nodded in agreement.
Seven was still in the car and the engine was still idling when I returned.
"How did it go?" he asked as I slipped into the passenger seat.
"Fine." I shut the door.
As always, his eyes flicked to the rearview for a moment. His profile wasall angles and shadow and I wondered how he looked under that bandana, but I respected his need for privacy.
