Unexpected tears prickle behind my lids, and I have the urge to rush over and beg for hugs. Because the two of them together make me feel like a kid again, safe and protected. I always looked upon them with awe, wanting to be as uniquely confident as they were when I grew up. I still want that confidence.

JoJo is on the move, investigating the great room for clues. “So,” she says, peering around. “Who is it? A movie star? Big producer? Musician? Tell me he’s handsome.”

“Maybe her boss is a woman, Jo.” Mama smiles at me. “Put your sexist auntie JoJo out of her misery, and tell us, sweetheart.”

Auntie JoJo flips Mama the bird under the guise of scratching her eyebrow. As much as I’d love to see them go at it—because their squabbling can be epic—I take a breath and confess. “It’s Macon.”

Mama tilts her head as if she’s misheard. “Macon?”

Dully, I nod.

Her mouth slowly drops open. “As in Macon Saint?”

“Macon Saint?” JoJo parrots. “Sam’s childhood beau?”

Ugh. I hadn’t really thought of Macon in those terms lately. It somehow makes it all worse—Sam’s theft, the fact that I’m taking up her debt, all of it.

I clasp my hands tightly. “Yes.”

They exchange a long look.

Mama’s voice is subdued. “I see.”

I fear she does and scramble to reassure. “It’s a great opportunity. Macon is famous. Chefs get a lot of exposure working for famous people.” I fear that sounds as horrible to their ears as it does mine.

But JoJo gives me a kind look. “This is true. And if I do say so myself, Dark Castle is my favorite show. Have you seen it, Andie?” she asks my mother.

“No. Or rather, I viewed the first few episodes.” Her pale cheeks pinken. “But then there was that scene.”

“Ah, that scene,” JoJo says, failing spectacularly to hide her grin. “I must say, it was a shock to see . . . that.”

Yes, “that” being Macon’s ass. It seems the whole world has seen his ass except for me. I’m beginning to feel sorely left out.

Mama’s color deepens. “I couldn’t look. It was like seeing my own son . . . you know. For Pete’s sake, how was I supposed to watch after that? It isn’t as though I could do a search. ‘Will Macon Saint have sex on Dark Castle tonight?’”

I snicker and quickly swallow it down. “I haven’t watched either.”

Big mistake.

Mama’s expression turns sharp. Another glance at JoJo has my honorary auntie suddenly finding a deep interest in the view.

Mama moves close to me and sets a cool hand upon my wrist. “You know I’m not one to question your choices, Delilah, but you’re truly working for Macon Saint? Living with him?”

“I’m not living with him. I live on the property.” It sounds lame even to my ears.

She shoots me a quelling look. “Macon has his good and bad points, just like anyone else. But the two of you got on like gas and fire. He’s the last person I’d expect you to work for. Now, tell me what is going on with you.” Her eyes pin me to the spot. “Is it money? Has it something to do with Sam? It must, what with the way you’ve been desperately searching for her.”

My mother isn’t stupid. I knew she’d figure some things out. So I have my excuses planned.

When lying, it’s best to stick as closely to the truth as possible. You’d think Sam taught me that, but it was my daddy. Trick is, I have to tell my mother a twisted version of the truth for her to believe it.

With a sigh, I meet her gaze. “Sam stole money from me.”

Mama’s expression crumples. “Oh, Sam, my misguided baby. My stupid, misguided child.” With a shaky hand, she cups my cheeks. “Tell me everything.”

I feel like a heel. A horrible, lying heel. “She took my savings, and I’d already closed up shop, as you know.”

Grimly, my mother nods.

“Macon had heard about my catering through friends and happened to call at an opportune moment. He offered me a job as his assistant and chef. The pay is enough that I can save up to go to Asia next year.”

“This won’t do,” Mama says. “I have some money—”

“No, Mama. Absolutely not.”

Her lips purse. “It’s my money. I get a say—”

“Not with this.” I lay a hand on her shoulder. “I’ve already given my word. I won’t turn back on that.”

With clear reluctance, she nods. And I smile. “Besides, look at this place. I’m not hurting here. It’s beautiful, and the work is easy.”

She glances around and then shakes her head. “It is. But it won’t stop me from tanning your sister’s hide when I find her.”

“I’ll help you do it. But you know Sam won’t turn up until she’s good and ready.” I take her elbow and guide her back to where JoJo is staring out of the living room window and undoubtedly eavesdropping the whole time. “Now, who’s hungry for lunch?”