So she’d let Angelica drive her here, where they’d surprised Alma, who was supposed to be at her own home resting, but instead turned out to be sitting on the sofa pressing a framed photo of Celeste to her chest. After a brief introduction, which was less about Mia and more about Isaiah’s sins, Alma and Angelica had steered Mia to Celeste’s room where she’d promptly dropped her purse on the floor next to the bed…
Her purse!
Mia suddenly felt nauseous.
Celeste’s big, fluffy, pom-pom keychain, a highly recognizable and damning piece of evidence, was still inside. Mia could only imagine what the Coopers would think of her if they found out what she’d done.
Nabbing those keys had turned into much more than a selfish mistake. It had set in motion the chain of events that had led to Celeste’s disappearance. But returning the keys would be of no use now.
So how would she ever make things right?
A new wave of nausea rolled over her, and she sat up clutching her stomach.
Alma rose and approached Mia with a fringed cashmere throw, tucking it around her stocking feet. “Are you okay?”
Mia tried to make her voice sound normal. “Perfect. I was just clearing my throat.”
“May I get you more tea?”
“No, thanks.” Mia unwrapped the throw Alma had just arranged and swung her legs off the side of the bed. She’d caused enough trouble already. “Thanks for everything, but I feel fine. I really should go. I don’t want to be a bother any longer.”
“But you’re not a bother at all. A little rest. A little more tea. It’s the least we can do after what my son did,” Alma said.
If anyone should feel guilty, it was Mia. “His fist barely grazed me. I’m good as new. Honest,” she said, gingerly touching a sore spot on her chin.
“If you’re absolutely sure you’re okay,” Angelica said, “I would like to get some door-knocking in before it’s too late. I don’t expect you to come with me after the day you’ve had, but I can drive you to your car.”
“She can’t leave in those clothes.” Alma turned to Mia. “I’m so sorry about Isaiah. I hope you understand spilling that flask was an accident, and when he grabbed your blouse he was only trying to help.”
“Did he get drunk by accident, too?” Angelica scoffed.
Her mother’s face fell. “Your brother is crazy with worry.”
“I’m crazy with worry. You are, too. But neither one of us got drunk.”
“Let’s not do this in front of Mia.” Alma leaned over to pat Mia’s hand. “You know, dear, you remind me of Celeste. So sweet.”
Mia’s throat constricted, not only from the comparison but also because Alma was so quick to defend Isaiah.
A mother who stood up for you, who loved you—that was what every child longed for.
Did her children realize how lucky they were?
Angelica touched her forearm to her head. “Sorry, Mom. You’re right. We should all take a page from your book and be more understanding.”
“Thank you. Now then, let’s get Mia fixed up. She can wear something of Celeste’s.”
Angelica’s lips tightened into a strained expression. “Mom, really. I don’t think we need to—”
“We can’t send her home in torn clothes reeking of alcohol. And you’ll come straight back after dropping Mia? Let the police handle the door-knocking. I don’t want to have to worry about where you are.”
“I’ve got find my phone turned on so you can track me.” Angelica flung open the closet and, seemingly carelessly, grabbed an outfit that turned out to be a stretchy skirt and sheer top. She held it out to Mia. “I think these will fit.”
Mia shook her head. She didn’t have what it took to pull off a look like that. Yes, she might have the figure, but she lacked the nerve. “I-I can’t.”
Angelica sighed. “Okay. Maybe you’d feel more comfortable in something a little less, um, you know…”
Hangers rattled and clothes whooshed.
By now, all three women stood staring into Celeste’s closet where a bookshelf leaning up against the wall caught Mia’s eye. Sitting on the top shelf, opened and turned over, as if to quickly mark one’s place, was a copy of Jane Eyre. Mia’s hand flew to her chest where she felt a sharp, stabbing pain.
Celeste had been planning on joining Mia’s book club.
Angelica pushed aside more garments. “This isn’t so racy. Will it do?”
Mia gaped at a classic black dress with pockets. “It looks expensive. Are you sure it’s okay for me to borrow this?”
Angelica looked at the frock, as if reconsidering, and then back at Mia.
“We insist,” Alma said, just as the silence was becoming awkward.
Angelica handed Mia the dress. “Not to rush you, but I want to get started on my section of the Gaslamp Quarter before it gets dark.”
There was a hint of consternation in Angelica’s voice that Mia resolved not to take personally. She scrambled out of her clothes and into the little black dress while Angelica stood by with folded arms. Then Angelica scooped up Mia’s things along with her purse.
“I’ll take those.” Mia snatched at the clothing, nearly upending her bag in the process. If those keys fell out, she would never be able to look the Coopers in the eye again.
Thankfully, the keys stayed put, and Mia clutched the purse to her body.
“Are you ready? I can drop you at your car before I head out on my own,” Angelia said. The way she emphasized the on my own part made Mia wonder if she’d done something to offend.
Alma shot a pleading look at her daughter. “I’ll ask you again to cancel your plan of going door to door. It’s not right to put me through the worry. You may drive Mia to her car, but then I’d like you to come straight back.”
“Fine. I don’t want you stewing—but you have to promise me you’re going to follow doctor’s orders and get
