Page 83 of Little Bitter Truths
Realizing some wires had been crossed, Bryan said, “We didn’t mean to assume.We just thought?—”
“No, it’s all right,” Mia said.“It’s easy to miscommunicate over text.”
Renee’s face flushed like she was embarrassed.“When we messaged each other last night, and you said you didn’t want to be alone, I guess I thought you had invited me to stay with you at your house.”
Despite the awkwardness, I could see why Renee would assume such a thing.And to make things even worse, it was obvious how excited she was about the idea.
“Hey,” Mia said.“It’s okay.It’s my fault.I should have been clearer about what was going on.”
“It’s all just a simple misunderstanding,” Bryan said.
Renee tried to smile, though her disappointment lingered.
“Well,” she said, as if forcing an upbeat tone of voice, “I suppose we’ll need to find a hotel, then.”
“I can pay for a room for the two of you for the weekend,” Mia said.
Bryan shook his head.“That’s generous, but don’t worry about it.We’ll get the hotel.”
“Bryan—”
“It’s the right thing to do.”
Mia hesitated.“Are you sure?”
“I am, but I appreciate the offer.”
Renee tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and turned toward me.“Has there been any more progress on the case?”
I considered how much to tell her, deciding to keep it at a minimum.
I had no intention of bringing Jeremy into the conversation.
“There hasn’t been as much progress as I would like,” I said.
And I left it at that.
“We talked about it on the drive over,” Renee said.“Mia, if you'd feel safer coming back to Bakersfield with us after the weekend, our home is open to you.Stay as long as you need.We can move the kids around so you have a room of your own.”
“You’d want that?”Mia asked.
“Of course we would,” Renee said.“It would mean a lot to us if we could help you through this difficult time.”
Mia seemed touched by the offer.“I appreciate it, but I think it’s best if I remain here.I’m safe staying with Georgiana.She has an armed security person at her front gate.”
Renee’s eyes widened.“She does?”
“Yep,” Mia said, some of her humor returning as she added, “You’d think her husband was in the mafia or something.”
Renee laughed, yet when Mia glanced my way, I got the impression the idea had crossed her mind.
“Why don’t the two of you get settled into a hotel,” Mia said.“And then we can meet for lunch in a couple of hours.”
“Sounds good,” Bryan said.
Renee nodded but looked reluctant to leave.“I guess I was hoping we’d be able to spend the entire weekend with you.”
Bryan placed a hand on Renee’s arm.“It will be fine, honey.I’m sure you’ll get plenty of time with your cousin while we’re here.”
