Page 6 of The Honeymoon Hack

“She’s in the east wing,” Will said, his voice tight. The dark circles under his eyes had only deepened after our op briefing with Scarlett. “The memory care unit. Apartment 212.”

Will’s hands had been shaking when he reached for his car keys. It was only a brief tremor, but enough for me to notice. Between the jet lag, moving his mother into her new place, and everything waiting for him in the Bahamas, he looked like he might fall over.

“Let me drive,” I’d said.

The answer he’d normally give was, “I’m notthattired.”

But when he handed the keys over without argument, I knew what he actually needed was a friend.

“She was upset this morning when I left. Didn’t understand why I was leaving her here.” He stopped at a door with a wooden plaque with his mother’s name, his hand hovering over the knob. “Just… be prepared.”

I’d known Diane since I was seven years old. She’d welcomed my family when everyone else treated us like we carried some contagious shame. She’d taught me to make Christmas cookies, let me sleep over dozens of times, and hugged me after every painful prison visit.

Will had been telling me about her quick decline, but this would be the first time I’d seen her since it started. At least, since anyone other than her husband knew it had started.

“Okay,” I managed.

Will knocked lightly and pushed the door open. “Mum? It’s me.”

A short hallway led to the living room, where a large window provided a view of the surrounding trees. It was mid-October and still light at five o’clock, but the sun was hanging low between leafless branches and pine needles.

Diane looked up from her armchair, reading glasses perched on her nose, and her whole face lit up. “Will! You’re back already?” She set her book aside and stood, arms wide. “And Brie! What a lovely surprise!”

I stepped in for the hug, a lifetime of memories filling my heart. “Hi, Mrs. Reaney. Your new place looks beautiful.”

“Diane, dear. You’re not twelve anymore,” she said, giving my cheek an affectionate pat. “Though if I made a batch of lemon squares, I bet you’d still be sneaking them when I’m not looking.”

“Probably,” I admitted with a grin.

The apartment was homey, with new carpet, plush furniture, and photographs lining the windowsill. I spotted a photo of Will and me at fourteen, holding up a circuit board we’d built together, both grinning like idiots.

“We can’t stay too long.” Will moved around the living area, checking a list on his phone. “I still need to finish some paperwork with the director.”

“No rushing allowed.” Diane waved his comment aside. “Sit down, both of you. Tell me about work, darling. How does it feel to be home again?”

Will’s shoulders fell, but he inclined his head toward the couch by her chair. We sat, and I tucked my legs under myself.

“It was weird,” he said, his voice gentler than usual. “Brie let someone steal my desk while I was gone.”

“It was temporary,” I protested, giving his arm a swat. “I told you that!”

“You two.” Diane laughed. “It’s wonderful to see you together again.”

“Honestly, it’s good to be back.” He nudged me with an elbow, but not hard. “We’re still working on the big project I told you about.”

He continued talking, giving her vague details about the client “down south” who needed his expertise. He used shorter sentences than usual, provided simpler explanations, and showed more patience. This was what the last year had taught him.

Diane’s gaze shifted between us, warm and loving. Like the last time I’d seen her, before her husband, George, passed away. Not a sign of what Will had described.

“The building’s like an all-inclusive resort,” I said. “The dining room looked nice. Are you going to eat there tonight?”

Will glanced at me. It was quick, but it came with a warning. About what?

“I might, but…” She smoothed her hands over her pants. She leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice. “It’s all old people here. I mean, much older than me.”

“Mum, Auntie Evie picked this place out.” Will’s smile tightened at the corners. “She thought you’d like not having to cook anymore.”

“She did?” Diane blinked, and her finger found her wedding ring, tracing slow circles around the band.