Page 2 of Two of a Kind
“I have no use for it.”
“Lexi might.”
Patricia waved her hand dismissively. “She’s head chef and partner at the Celtic Goddess, Kayla. She’s worthmillions. She’s not going to care about worthless, sentimental trinkets. Besides, she chose to leave that life behind when she moved to Georgia and broke her father’s heart.”
That wasn’t quite the way Kayla remembered things happening, though Patricia did have one thing right. Brian’s heartwasbroken over the events that led him to send his daughter Lexi to live with some aunts in Georgia. He withdrew from the world until his heart couldn’t take it anymore.
As for Lexi, well, she might be rich and successful, but she was also Brian’s daughter. Kayla had no doubt she would at least want the option to keep some of her father’s things for sentimental value. Unlike Kayla, Lexi was softhearted that way.
Kayla made a mental note to visit the house and go through some of those old boxes to see if there was anything salvageable after all these years.
“Have you contacted a realtor yet?”
“No, not yet. I was hoping you would take care of that.”
Kayla put her fork down and pushed the plate away as the true motive for this cozy mother-daughter dinner was revealed. She had known all along it wasn’t just to discuss Patricia’s plans; a simple phone call would have sufficed.
“Things will be hectic for a few weeks,” Patricia continued. “The stress of moving, the drama I’m sure I’ll have to endure. Putting the house on the market and dealing with the realtor would be one less thing for me to worry about. Plus, you’re right here, and it’s not like you have anything important going on.”
Some daughters might have taken offense, but not Kayla. She was used to her mother speaking her thoughts aloud, and had braced herself accordingly before entering the restaurant. In an odd way, it made Kayla feel special. She was quite possibly the only person Patriciawashonest with. Her mother cared too much about what other people thought to tell them what was really on her mind. Appearances were so important to Patricia.
“I can take care of it,” Kayla agreed.
Patricia nodded. No praise, no thanks. Kayla hadn’t expected any.
“Anything else?” Kayla asked. Now that Patricia had achieved her objective, there was no reason to linger.
“No, I think that’s it.” Patricia signaled for the server. “I’ll call once we’re settled in Denver.”
They settled the bill then parted ways with a brief hug outside the restaurant.
Kayla drove back to her place, the tension slowing fading away as she put the restaurant and her mother far behind her.
Chapter Two
Kayla sighed in reliefas she kicked off her shoes and slid the deadbolt in place. She loved her mother, she really did, but even a few hours with the woman was exhausting. She didn’t realize exactly how much so until she had been living on her own for a few years.
