A Fool's Gold Christmas (Fool's Gold #9.5)(49)

Evie was tired and ready for a few hours of quiet, but somehow she found herself wanting to spend more time with her mother. After taking Dante’s advice and accepting her share of the responsibility for their continued estrangement, she found herself a little more open to the thought of family.

“Sure,” she said.

They discussed options and ended up deciding on Angelo’s for Italian food.

They drove into town and found parking behind the restaurant. The whitewashed building had been draped in colored lights that glowed against the pale background. In the spring and summer, a big patio provided outdoor seating, but in the middle of winter, the tables and chairs had been put away. A Christmas tree took their place.

They walked inside and were shown to a quiet booth by the front windows. After glancing over the menu, May looked at Evie.

“Thanks for helping with the hayrides,” she said. “I think everyone had a good time.”

“They did,” Evie agreed. “The kids loved having a chance to pet Priscilla.”

“She’s very good with children. I think she’s happy, all settled with her new herd.”

Evie wasn’t sure Priscilla would consider a pony and a pig much of a herd, but they were company.

Their server appeared, and they each ordered a glass of wine and the house lasagna. For once Evie wasn’t going to sweat the calories. She’d been dancing a lot, and if she had to deal with an extra few pounds after Christmas, then just like much of America, she would make a resolution to lose weight.

“Are you happy with your townhouse?” May asked.

“It works for me,” Evie said. “The location is good. I can walk to work, which is kind of fun. I’m sure saving on gas.”

May offered her a piece of bread from the basket, which Evie refused, then took one for herself. “You’re renting, aren’t you? I was wondering if you’d thought of maybe buying something.” Her mother picked up the small ceramic container of butter, then put it back down. She glanced at the table, then the bread, then back at Evie. “I would like to help with the down payment. If you plan to stay. In town, I mean.”

Evie stared at her mother, confused about the entire conversation until she realized that May was nervous. About the offer and maybe the question of whether or not Evie was planning on staying in Fool’s Gold.

As little as two weeks ago, Evie would have announced she was leaving as soon as she had a year’s worth of experience. That would have given her enough time to save enough money to relocate. But since talking to Dominique, she was less sure about her plans. Her boss’s suggestions for the business were exciting, and the idea of being a partner thrilled her. There was also the unexpected tug of family.

The server appeared with their wine and their salads. Evie waited until she was gone, then drew in a breath.

“I’m not sure what I’m going to do,” she admitted. “Whether I want to buy or not. But I appreciate your offer. It’s very generous.”

Her mother studied her anxiously. “So you might be staying?”

Evie smiled. “Yes. I think I might.”

May relaxed against the back of the booth. “That’s good to hear. I had hoped you would like it here. Everyone is so welcoming. The town has an interesting history. You should get Annabelle to tell you about the women who first came here. They’re from the Máa-zib tribe. Very matriarchal. It’s fascinating.” May frowned. “Hmm, didn’t the Mayans predict the world is going to end soon? Sometime this year?”

“If it is, it had better hurry,” Evie said, stabbing a piece of lettuce with her fork. “The year is nearly over. And if anyone is listening, I would really appreciate being able to get through The Dance of the Winter King before the world ends. My girls have worked hard and deserve their chance to shine.”

May raised her wineglass. “We’ll toast the girls.”

They sipped their wine. Evie gave in to temptation and took a piece of bread, then put a little butter on her plate. She’d just taken her first, amazingly delicious bite when her mother asked, “How are things going with Dante?”

Fortunately Evie hadn’t started swallowing yet, so she was able to compose herself and not choke. But chewing and swallowing only took so long, and then she was still left with a question she didn’t know how to answer. Despite her tentative peace with her mother, she wasn’t ready to announce she’d fallen in love with a man who didn’t want to love her back.

“We’re doing well,” she said instead. “He’s a good guy.”

“So Rafe tells me. Although he does have a bit of a reputation with women.”

“Dante made it clear from the start that he doesn’t do long-term relationships.” She couldn’t fault him for leading her on.

“You’re all right with that?”

“I wasn’t looking for a relationship at all,” she admitted. “This whole thing started with us getting each other through the holidays. Now it’s more than that. We like each other.” Which was the truth. After all, she did like him. She also loved him, but she wasn’t ready to talk about that yet.

“Tell me about the other men in your life.”

Evie wrinkled her nose. “There’s not much to tell. I’ve dated some good guys and some not-so-good guys, but I haven’t ever fallen in love. I guess I haven’t met the one.” Until now, she thought with a sigh. But why go there?