Page 37 of The Clause in Christmas
Cassie fingered the heart charm at her throat, feeling the tension creep up her shoulders. There was another downside to being back in San Francisco. It would be harder to keep her mind off of Derek’s job offer. A small part of her—the one with a penchant for morbid curiosity—couldn’t help wondering where his new coffee shop was located. Not that it mattered. It wasn’t like she’d pop in for a visit.
Cassie had already been seated for fifteen minutes—enough time to down one glass of water and two breadsticks—before Donna waltzed past the hostess desk, and several impatient patrons, to their small table by the window.
“Yikes! It’s a madhouse in here.” Donna flopped onto the high-back chair and shrugged out of her wool coat, revealing a V-neck sweater much too tight for a lunch date with her daughter. Or anyone, for that matter. “Good thing you got here early.”
Cassie offered a thin smile before taking a sip from her empty water glass. A few drops trickled down the side, providing her little comfort—or hydration. Gratitude wasn’t Donna Hayward’s style. Nor was motherly warmth or affection. But Cassie showed up at her beck and call, anyway. Even if it meant dropping everything to drive the three-plus hours back to the city. Although, this time, Donna’s phone call had sounded urgent.
“What is it you wanted to discuss?” Cassie asked, praying her mother didn’t need to borrow more money. At this point, all Cassie could offer was an IOU.
Donna pouted over the top of her menu. “No small talk for your only mother?”
Suppressing a sigh, Cassie obliged. “How was your day?”
“Fine,” Donna quipped. Then, noticing the waiter approach, she flashed a dazzling smile.
Even though she was twice his age, Donna’s overt beauty wasn’t lost on the flustered boy, who tried very hard to keep his gaze at eye level. Not that Donna’s inappropriate neckline made it easy. “Welcome to Salvatore’s,” he stammered. “Is this your first time with us?”
Donna tossed her long, mahogany curls over one shoulder and batted her thickly mascaraed eyelashes. “You must be new. I’m a regular here.”
“Oh.” The server looked momentarily taken aback, but to his credit, recovered quickly. “Iamnew. Otherwise, I’d definitely remember you.”
“Well, isn’t he the sweetest?”
To a random observer, it might have appeared as if Donna were addressing Cassie. But knowing better, Cassie remained silent, allowing her mother to continue her performance.
“I’d like to order your finest red wine,” Donna told him with a ceremonious flair.
“A glass or bottle?” For the first time since arriving at the table, the smitten server acknowledged Cassie’s presence with a curt glance.
“Oh, what the heck? Let’s order a bottle!” Donna giggled as if they were about to celebrate something monumental. Never mind Cassie had never touched a drop of alcohol in her entire life. And wasn’t about to start now. Orever.
“I’ll be back with that in a moment. Don’t go anywhere.” The server grinned before turning on his heel, leaving Cassie holding her empty water glass aloft.
“They have such lovely service here, don’t you think?” Donna shook out the white linen napkin and draped it across her lap.
“Is a bottle really necessary?” Anxiety churned in Cassie’s stomach. Both because her mother would have no qualms about consuming the entire thing.Andbecause Cassie would most likely be stuck with the bill.
Donna narrowed her green eyes. “If you must know, yes, it is. I have great news.”
Cassie really needed to be hydrated to hear any more of her mother’s ‘great news.’ Usually it had something to do with her latest flavor of the week. And the flavor of men Donna typically chose was a mixture of sardines and antifreeze. “Please don’t tell me you’re eloping with Jimmy.”
Donna snorted. “Asif.I’m seeing Tyler now, anyway.”
Cassie tipped the water glass, desperate for the few drops of liquid clinging to the edges.
“Besides, it has nothing to do with men,” Donna huffed.
That’s a first.Cassie tapped the bottom of the glass, dislodging a chunk of ice.
“I’ve decided to enter rehab.”
The ice cube sailed down the slick surface and slammed against the back of Cassie’s throat. She sputtered and coughed, certain she would die right there, facedown on the red checkered tablecloth.
“Are you okay?” Donna asked, looking more embarrassed than concerned.
As the ice cube melted, it slid down her esophagus, finally giving Cassie a chance to breathe. Eyes watering, she nodded. “Whatdid you say?”
“IsaidI’m signing up for rehab.”
