Page 50 of The Next Mrs. Parrish

Her business was the last thing on her mind right now. Although she’d never admit it to him, Mason was right, her vendetta against Amber was becoming all-consuming again. “I haven’t given it much thought, Wade. Can’t it wait a little longer?”

“Not too much. They could lose interest. They have some great ideas for expansion. I think it could be a mighty fine deal. It could mean lots more business and could pay you back at the same time. Guy named Hugo Bennett, with Delancey-Flynn, wants to meet.”

“You’ve vetted them?”

“Naturally.”

“I’m not sure, but I guess a meeting can’t hurt. Set it up.”

“It may have to be virtual. He’s traveling in Europe right now.”

“That’s fine, just schedule it.”

“Will do.”

The sound of a car driving up surprised her, and she walked to the living room and looked out the window. She sighed in exasperation when she saw the white Mercedes sedan. What was Birdie doing here? Taking a deep breath, Daisy Ann walked to the front door and opened it, pasting a smile on her face as her mother-in-law walked toward her.

“What a nice surprise.”

Birdie gave her a peck on the cheek. “My apologies, dear, you know I’d normally never drop by unannounced, but Mason asked me to come.”

Daisy Ann felt her stomach clench. “You’re welcome anytime, please come in.”

She started to take a few steps across the hall and Daisy Ann made a point of looking at her shoes.

Birdie stopped and sighed. “I forgot. Your generation is so germophobic.” She slipped off her Emmy London pumps and placed them on the custom shoe cabinet Mason had built for the hallway.

“Thank you,” Daisy Ann said.

Suddenly, Buck and Shot dashed into the entry hall, tails wagging, and ran up to Birdie. Before she could stop him, Shot jumped up, both paws on Birdie’s chest.

“Shot, down,” Daisy Ann commanded, but he ignored her.

Birdie laughed and ruffled his head. “All right, boy, down now.” The dog immediately sat.

“I’m glad he listens to someone,” Daisy Ann said, rolling her eyes.

“You have to be stern, darlin’. They have to know you mean business.”

The women made their way into the kitchen.

“Can I get you some coffee or tea?”

“No, thank you. I’m not staying long. I’m sure you’ll be having supper soon.” Birdie sniffed the air. “Although I don’t smell anything cooking.”

Daisy Ann thought back to when Birdie had come to stay for a week after Tucker was born. The first thing she did every morning was plan the menu for that evening. Daisy Ann was more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants gal, and fortunately in recent years Rosalie was here five days a week and did all the cooking.

“Dinner plans got away from me, so I’m ordering pizza.”

Birdie pursed her lips. “It’s a good habit to decide the day before what you’ll be having for dinner. Good planning is the key to running an efficient household.”

That and a huge household staff,Daisy Ann wanted to say. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said, fighting to keep the sarcasm from hervoice. She ran a hand through her hair and sighed. “It’s been a day,” she said, leading Birdie to the living room where they sat together.

Birdie folded her hands in her lap. “Well, that’s what I’m here to talk to you about. Mason told me that you’ve been traipsing all over the country trying to get evidence against that horrid woman.”

Daisy Ann took a deep breath, telling herself to stay calm. Why did everyone have to stick their nose in her business? It was maddening. “Did he tell you that she came to my trunk show in New York?”

Birdie nodded. “Yes. I can’t imagine how awful that must have been. But, Daisy Ann, honey, you’ve already looked into this, and it was fruitless. What makes you think you’ll find anything now, other than heartache?”

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