Page 82 of The Prince Who Loved Me

The emotion. Interesting. It was true, though. The past few weeks with Brandi had made him the happiest he’d been in his life. It was no surprise that came out in his art.

“Maybe for your next show we can get some later pieces. The early ones were good, and showing your progression was an inspired idea. But it’s your later ones that really had tongues wagging.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” He gave her quick peck on the cheek. “Thank you. For everything.”

“Yeah.” She laughed. “Don’t mention it.”

***

Brandi lay on the soft bed a few more moments after Sebastien left, dreading the approaching hour. The air still held the scent of their lovemaking from the previous night, before her mom showed up with her chaos. She didn’t want Sebastien dragged into her mess. She just wanted her mom to listen to herfor once, to acknowledge and accept what her actions had done to Brandi and her life. To apologize for stealing her money. And driver’s license. Might as well tack on wasting time at the DMV, too.

She put on minimal makeup and a tasteful blouse, then trudged to the restaurant off the lobby, her emotions going haywire. With any luck, she’d be there first and she’d be able to pick a small, quiet table in the corner, away from any outsider attention.

The air seemed to still as the other diners took in the new arrival, but then the steady chatter continued. Carolann was already there in a bright boho chic maxi dress, chatting with a couple at another table. She laughed at something they said, full and exaggerated with her head thrown back, designed to garner attention.

Other guests waved to her and pointed at Brandi. Carolann turned around, beaming. “There she is! Isn’t my daughter lovely, everybody?”

She opened her arms and embraced Brandi, who stood awkwardly in her grasp. Flashes went off around her and she stiffened. Being with Sebastien had taught her to be wary of photos. “Who are these people, Mom?”

“Just some friends I picked up along the way. Everyone here is so nice and they want to talk to me.” She clasped Brandi’s hand and led her to their table, front and center as the hotel segued into the restaurant. A stack of pancakes sat in front of her mom’s seat with a plate of bacon next to it.

Despite her misgivings, the delicious scent of the bacon struck a harmony with her belly.

“I knew you’d want this,” Carolann said, pushing the bacon over to Brandi.

“I do.” Brandi picked up a piece to cover her shock. Her mom had remembered how much she adored bacon. Sheordered coffee and some eggs, then warmed up to the big discussion with small talk. “I hope your room was okay last night.”

“I tell you, Brandi, hooking up with a rich man is the way to go.” Carolann pointed her fork. “He takes care of you, he takes care of me. We have a win-win here.”

Brandi grit her teeth. “We don’t have anything. I have a new relationship and you have Grant. Don’t you?”

“What’s Grant when compared to living in this kind of style? I bet you don’t even miss the ten grand. I saw the dress you wore last night.” Carolann gave a low whistle. “Your prince has a good eye.”

So much for leading up to the point of contention. “That’s one of the things I wanted to talk to you about, Mom.”

“The dress?” She leaned her chin on her hand. “Do I get to borrow it?”

“No, but you do get to hash out a payment plan with me.”

Carolann’s eyebrows drew down. “For the dress?”

Could she really be that self-absorbed? Was Brandi ever this self-absorbed? “Mom. You stole money from me. I want it back.”

“You’re supposed to be in a good mood! Guess Wendy was wrong when she told me to order bacon.” Carolann helped herself to a piece and chewed, her eyes narrowed at Brandi.

Brandi felt her heart break in slow motion, like a spiderweb crack on ice that grows and shatters. How foolish of her to think Carolann actually paid attention to what Brandi liked, no matter how small.

“Two hundred fifty dollars a month. Pay me back or I’ll have you arrested.” The words put a bitter taste in her mouth, but she steeled herself to force them out.

“Oh, baby, don’t be silly. I can’t afford that!” Her mother waved a dismissive hand and ate another bite of her pancakes,Brandi’s feelings already relegated to the ignore pile.

She held Carolann’s wide-eyed and guileless stare that Brandi recognized as her own. Guess that’s where she learned it from. But she wasn’t going to blink on this one.

Her mom dropped the connection first as her mouth broke into a wide smile as she waved at someone walking by. “Pat! We’re over here!”

Brandi looked over her shoulder at a woman waving back. “So sorry I’m late.” She pulled out a chair and sat down, putting her oversized purse on the floor between her and Brandi’s chair. “I’m so delighted to meet you, Brandi! Your mom told me all about you.”

“Who are you?” Brandi looked the woman over. Jeans and a crisp shirt, casual but sensible flats, and a designer bag finished the look. Her dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail, revealing some greys underneath.