Page 7 of Sunkissed Colorado

“Hey, Mom.”

She looked over my shoulder toward the driveway. “Why didn’t you tell us you were on your way? Where’s Ian?”

Before I could answer, she was bustling me into the living room, where Dad sat in his leather chair, scrolling through a tablet that probably contained the latest market reports. He’d gotten softer around the middle over the years, but he was still handsome with his silver-streaked hair and a neatly trimmed goatee.

“Zan!” Dad jumped up to give me a hug. “Where’s Ian?”

“Well, he’s?—”

“Is that cat hair?” Mom eyed my blouse. “You know your father’s allergic. Come wash your hands. Gladys, get the lint roller! She’s covered in dander.”

“Good to see you guys too,” I muttered.

While Gladys lint-rolled me, Mom launched into an update about the chaos since Grandpa’s injury. “We just got back a little while ago from visiting hours at the hospital. Thank goodness Manny’s in a better mood.”

“That’s partly why I’m here,” I said. “To see Grandpa. But also, the thing is?—”

Mom went on like I hadn’t spoken. “I was just about to head off to bingo. At the club, not that rec-center bingo Dixie Haines frequents. They serve corn dogs there.” She shuddered. “You can come along with me this afternoon. The ladies will be thrilled to see you and hear about Chicago.”

“But Mom?—”

“When is Ian getting here?” Dad asked eagerly. “I’ve got some stocks I’m eyeing that I’d love to get his thoughts on.”

“Yes, Ian,” Mom gushed. “We can’t wait to see him.”

“Would you bothpleaselet me speak?” I shouted.

And of course, they looked at me like I was a zoo animal who’d just thundered into their home.

I took a deep breath. “Ian and I broke up. Months ago, in fact. Our company failed.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Mom’s too-smoothface was hard to read, but her disapproval oozed from her pores. Dad just looked confused.

“What do you mean, failed?” he asked. Like it wasn’t possible.

“I mean, we lost everything.” I didn’t mention that Ian had lied to me, and I’d been too trusting to see it.

The concept behind our company had been my idea. I’d made a personal pitch to every investor. When it all blew up, my reputation blew up with it.

“Well,” Mom said after a long pause.Verylong. “These things happen in business. But breaking up with Ian? Zandra, you can’t just throw away six years because of one setback.”

“It wasn’t just the business, Mom. We were wrong for each other. It’s over, okay? All of it. I packed up Chloe and my stuff, and we came home. I’ll need to find a new job and a new place to live. It’s going to be hard, but I can do it. You don’t need to worry.”

More uncomfortable silence.

Mom nodded slowly. “Maybe a few days away will be just what you two need. I’m sure you and Ian can work this out.”

“Did you not hear a single thing I said?”

“Gladys will get you set up in the guestroom,” she continued. “Though you’ll have to board your cat at a kennel.”

“That won’t be necessary,” I said firmly. “We’re not staying here.”

“Then where will you stay?”

“I was thinking a hotel for a few nights until I figure out something else. First thing I have to do is see Grandpa. Then I’ll look for work. Somebody’s got to be hiring, right? I can flip a burger if I have to.”

“Don’t be absurd,” Mom said. “You’ll stay here. And I’ll have a list of appropriate positions for you on Monday. I could’ve had it ready before now if you’d given me notice.”