“It’s not ‘miss,’ it’s ‘missus,’” Lucinda instructed. “Or have you already forgotten that I am married?” Despite her initial attitude, she simply sounded as if she was asking a question this time and not ready to bite his head off. The calm way in which he answered her reminded Lucinda she could be civil about this and get to the bottom of what was going on between Sascha and her son. Zach had been fine so far, and it was a while ago when she found out about Sascha. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been a miss.”

Kelsey had nothing to do with Lucinda coming here. In fact, he had constantly tried to prevent her from seeking out Sascha and succeeded once before. When she couldn’t find him the first time and had that unpleasant encounter with a blonde woman, Kelsey told her it wasn’t worth it and that Zach could take care of himself. Lucinda had fumed for a few days, but given up her overall search for him. It wasn’t until recently it was reignited by a simple misfortune. She had heard Sascha caught Zach and Adrienne having intercourse in the library, and her mind went south due to her previous knowledge of Sascha. It didn’t make a very happy mother.

“You and my son,” Lucinda said calmly, looking him dead in the eyes. “I want to know exactly why you are friends with him, and why you insist on being a part of his life. From what I’ve heard, you haven’t been completely honest towards him when it comes to your intentions — and I don’t like that.” Surprisingly, Lucinda hadn’t once raised her voice. “It’s one thing to be open about them. I wouldn’t hold that against you. My son is plenty capable on his own.” Lucinda chewed on her bottom lip. “What bothers me, Mr. Connolly, is deception. And I want to know why.”