“She’s still here?” he asked.
“Yes, they’re staying over for a week or two. Just visiting and all. We never get to see them. Sebastian has already headed home with Lazarus and his family, though. Something about football practice.”
Remi smiled. “I’ll talk to them later.”
“Want to talk to Delilah or Maverik first?” she asked. “I can call them over if you don’t want to go over there. I can advise you all day long on affairs of the heart, but I only know about mates what I’ve learned through my own experiences.”
“I think you know more than most, Mom. Thanks for talking to me.”
“Always.”
“I’ll see you later. I’m going to go home and spend some time with me for a little while.”
“I love you, baby,” she said, standing up to kiss his cheek. “Remember, whatever you do, do it with your heart, and you’ll make the right choice. Trust your soul to know better than your head.”
He nodded. “I love you.” He hugged her again, then left with his cardboard tray in his hand with his extra coffee and his scone still in it.
Remi walked out of his mother’s house and got in his car. He backed out and allowed his vehicle to idle away from his mother’s house. Out of the corner of his eye he caught movement and turned to see what it was.
Cristie was hurrying toward his car, waving her arms and smiling brightly at him.
Remi stepped on the brake, bringing the car to a stop and rolled down the window. “Morning,” he said.
“Morning, Remi! I thought that was your car.”
“Yeah, just stopped to see my mom for a little while.”
“That’s sweet. I always admired the relationship the two of you have.”
“Thanks. She’s the best mom.”
“Aunt Avaleigh is very, very special. She makes everyone feel loved.”
“Yeah, she does.”
“So, what are your plans for the day?”
“Oh, I have to get going. I have a few things to see to.”
“Oh, yeah. Okay. Well maybe we can get together to hang out before we leave.”
“Yes, definitely. That sounds good. When are y’all leaving?”
“No definite date. Just a week or two. Playing it by ear.”
“Alright, okay. We’ll definitely get together before then. I just have some work I need to take care of today. You know how it is.”
“Yeah, sure do. I’ll see you later,” she said, backing up a couple of steps from the car, her smile not quite so bright anymore.
“Oh, wait!” Remi said, as his gaze picked up the scone and extra coffee cup. “Here, you take these. I’ve already had so much!”
“No, that’s okay. I’m good.”
“Take them, Cristie. I want you to have them. It’s a raspberry scone and a cup of fresh coffee. But it’s black. You’ll need to add creamer and sugar probably.”
“No, you keep them,” she said, her hands clasped in front of her as she waited for him to drive away.
Remi put the car in park and got out, taking the coffee and scone with him. He held them out to her, even pursuing her a few more steps back as she avoided him. Finally he shoved them at her. “Cristie, you don’t understand this, but I really, really need you to take these. I need you to have these so I know you’ve had breakfast.”
