Page 132 of Fauxmance

"I'll get it," she said.

I heard her open the door followed by the sound of voices. A minute later, she walked back into the room…with Constance Davenport, trailing after her.

I blinked certain I must be mistaken.

But then Constance removed her oversized sunglasses, placed them into her designer clutch, took one look around the room and said, "Is this your workspace?"

Mom nodded. "Yes, when I'm at home. But I also rent out a storefront about fifteen minutes up the road."

"Oh yes, Wedded Bliss Boutique?"

"That's right."

"I've been by once or twice," she said with a nod. "Charming shop. The country romantic aesthetic is a little understated for my tastes, but elegant none the less. A bit quaint, but not so small as to feel crowded. Still wouldn't you prefer a larger place?"

Mom shrugged. "Not really."

"But more space could mean more clients. It would allow you to grow."

"I like the size. It's intimate which makes for a more personal client experience. It's close to home, and the rent is affordable. The store fits my needs perfectly,Mrs.Davenport. I don't need more."

Constance clucked her tongue and then looked to me. "Well?" she said. "Are you just going to sit there, Magnolia, with your jaw hanging open, or will you offer a tired, old lady some tea?"

"Of course!" I said, remembering my manners and jumping to my feet. "I'll go start a pot."

"You do that. In the meantime, I'll just be having a nice chat with your mother," she said.

"O-okay."

This was unbelievable. I half-expected her to be gone by the time the tea was ready. I came back out several minutes later, but nope. Constance Davenport was there, sitting on our couch with her back straight, ankles crossed, hands clasped in her lap, and chin held high. Placing the tray with the teapot and cups on the coffee table, I sat across from her and poured.

"Where did my mom go?" I said, realizing we were alone.

"I asked if she would give us some time to talk," she said. "I hope you don't mind."

"Ah, no. I don't."

I watched as Constance added milk and sugar to her tea. She picked up a spoon, stirred the mixture several times then took a sip. Her lips lifted slightly.

"Earl Grey, you remembered," she said.

"Of course. So,Mrs. Dav—" She shot me a quelling look, and I quickly amended, "I mean, Constance. I'm glad to see you."

"You, too, dear."

"Honestly, I didn't think I would after…" I couldn't bring myself to say it, didn't want to have to acknowledge the fact that Hayden and I were over out loud, so I skipped ahead. "Anyway, do you need something from me? Is everything okay with Hayden?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do." After taking another drink, she place the cup back in its saucer and looked me in the eyes. "And no, my grandson isn't okay. Not at all. That's why I'm here."

Fear clawed its way up my throat, making it difficult to speak. "Oh no. Did something happen? Was he in an accident? What—"

Constance held up a hand. "He's fine."

"But, you said…"

"Physically, he's in perfect condition. It's the state of his emotions that I worry about. Yours, too, if I'm being honest."

I gulped, and Constance tilted her head.

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