Page 82 of Little Bitter Truths
“Oh, honey.Everything is going to be okay now.I got you.”
Mia glanced at me over Renee’s shoulder, rolling her eyes as if to say,Help.
Bryan approached a moment later, far more reserved than his wife, his expression marked by sorrow and quiet compassion.
“It’s good to see you, Mia.”He hugged her, but unlike Renee, he kept it brief.“I’m so sorry about everything you’re going through right now.”
“Thank you.”
“You holding up okay?”
“I’m doing my best.”
“That’s about all anyone can do.”His gaze shifted toward me, and he tipped his head.“Hello again, Georgiana.”
“Bryan.”
“I wasn’t aware you were coming with Renee,” Mia said.
“We talked about it, and I figured it was for the best.I didn’t feel right letting her drive out here alone since Wren’s murder hasn’t been solved yet.”
It made perfect sense, and unlike some people, Bryan struck me as someone whose concern came from logic, not emotional impulse, like his wife.
“I understand,” Mia said.
I tipped my head toward the patrol car.“She’s got people looking out for her.The police department is one of them, and I’m another.”
Bryan nodded.“That makes me feel better.”
“I didn’t expect to see you this morning, Georgiana,” Renee said.
“Mia stayed at our house last night,” I said.
“I see.”
A slight look of disappointment crossed her face.
It was subtle, but it was there.
Bryan excused himself, and a minute later, he pulled a suitcase out of the SUV.Then another, and another, like they were prepared to stay for weeks, not a couple of days.
Mia’s jaw dropped, and she turned toward Renee.“What’s going on?”
“Sorry,” Renee said, swishing a hand through the air.“I hope we didn’t bring too much.I didn’t know what all we’d need, so I threw in a little of everything.”
A look of concern flickered across Mia’s face.“It’s just that I … I …”
Before things became any more awkward, I stepped in to offer my assistance.
“The house is still considered an active crime scene, so Mia’s been staying with us,” I said.
It wasn’t a total lie, but it bordered on one.Not that I cared.
“I had no idea,” Renee said.“If that’s true, what are you doing here?”
“We stopped by so Mia could grab a few more things,” I said.
“Oh.”
