Bittersweet childhood memories tore at her heartstrings. “You haven’t asked that in a long time,Mom.”
Kimberly’s eyes softened. “Some things are worthreliving.”
“I was reunited with Gavin Aviato. He’s a cameraman I teamed with in California. He’s the best of thebest.”
Kimberly tilted her head toward Crockett and waggled her eyebrows. Subtlety wasn’t her mom’s strong point. She wanted Alexandra to mention something aboutCrockett. So, she added, “And Crockett offered to drive me around since I’m not comfortable navigating the icyroads.”
Her reward? A beaming Mitus grin. “That’s a relief. Thank you,Crockett.”
“Kimberly, I’m hoping you can help me with something,” he said. “A reporter wants to interview me for astory.”
As Kimberly hitched a brow, she asked, “Onwhat?”
“Me.”
With precise movements, she set down her silverware, then tapped her fingernails on the table, one at a time. “You never grantinterviews.”
“I thought I’d make anexception.”
“Why?” Kimberlyasked.
“The journalist is your award-winningdaughter.”
Kimberly’s eyes slid from one to the other, then her face burst with happiness. “That’s wonderful! What a fantasticsurprise.”
“Crockett wonDC’s Brightest Tech Star,” Alexandrasaid.
“When will it be on? I’d love to see it,” saidKimberly.
“I’ve been told late spring. I’ll let youknow.”
Though subtle, a shadow fell over Kimberly’s eyes. “If you interview him right away, will it airsooner?”
Panic churned in Alexandra’s guts. Was her mom sicker than she’d let on? “Crockett hasn’t even agreed to doit.”
“He wouldn’t have brought it up if he wasn’t going to doit!”
Wide eyed, Alexandra fidgeted in her seat. “I’m not sure the air-date can be changed. Why therush?”
Kimberly smacked her palm on the table. “I ask the questions aroundhere!”
Alexandra startled, then composed herself.She never flies off the handle.“I’m worried about you. Maybe I should move in here for a littlewhile.”
On a huff, Kimberly threw her napkin on the table. “Absolutelynot.”
Mixing meds with the wine was a bad combination. She rubbed her mother’s back. “Can I get you sometea?”
Jerking back, Kimberly pushed out of her chair. “What is the matter with you, Alexandra? We’re having a nice dinner, thanks to Crockett, and you’re treating me like I’m an invalid. I don’t want tea! I want normal conversation. Just go!” And with that, her mom left the room. Several seconds later, she slammed her bedroomdoor.
Alexandra stared at her plate of half-eaten food. Appetite gone, her head throbbed. Embarrassed that her mother had yelled at her, she didn’t know what to say to fill the uncomfortablesilence.
“I’m sorry,” Crockett said after a moment. “Why don’t I cleanup?”
“Her behavior has been erratic.” Shaking her head, Alexandra added, “I don’t know what to do. Do I go to her? Do I call the service to confirm the night nurse is on herway?”
Crockett rose. “Let’s give Kimberly some space. She might come back out. If she doesn’t, you can check onher.”
As they put away leftovers, Alexandra flipped on the TV. The familiar cadence of the news broadcasters comforted her. When finished, she excusedherself.