Mama’s color deepens. “I couldn’t look. It was like seeing my own son . . . you know. For Pete’s sake, how was I supposed to watch after that? It isn’t as though I could do a search. ‘Will Macon Saint have sex on Dark Castle tonight?’”

I snicker and quickly swallow it down. “I haven’t watched either.”

Big mistake.

Mama’s expression turns sharp. Another glance at JoJo has my honorary auntie suddenly finding a deep interest in the view.

Mama moves close to me and sets a cool hand upon my wrist. “You know I’m not one to question your choices, Delilah, but you’re truly working for Macon Saint? Living with him?”

“I’m not living with him. I live on the property.” It sounds lame even to my ears.

She shoots me a quelling look. “Macon has his good and bad points, just like anyone else. But the two of you got on like gas and fire. He’s the last person I’d expect you to work for. Now, tell me what is going on with you.” Her eyes pin me to the spot. “Is it money? Has it something to do with Sam? It must, what with the way you’ve been desperately searching for her.”

My mother isn’t stupid. I knew she’d figure some things out. So I have my excuses planned.

When lying, it’s best to stick as closely to the truth as possible. You’d think Sam taught me that, but it was my daddy. Trick is, I have to tell my mother a twisted version of the truth for her to believe it.

With a sigh, I meet her gaze. “Sam stole money from me.”

Mama’s expression crumples. “Oh, Sam, my misguided baby. My stupid, misguided child.” With a shaky hand, she cups my cheeks. “Tell me everything.”

I feel like a heel. A horrible, lying heel. “She took my savings, and I’d already closed up shop, as you know.”

Grimly, my mother nods.

“Macon had heard about my catering through friends and happened to call at an opportune moment. He offered me a job as his assistant and chef. The pay is enough that I can save up to go to Asia next year.”

“This won’t do,” Mama says. “I have some money—”

“No, Mama. Absolutely not.”

Her lips purse. “It’s my money. I get a say—”

“Not with this.” I lay a hand on her shoulder. “I’ve already given my word. I won’t turn back on that.”

With clear reluctance, she nods. And I smile. “Besides, look at this place. I’m not hurting here. It’s beautiful, and the work is easy.”

She glances around and then shakes her head. “It is. But it won’t stop me from tanning your sister’s hide when I find her.”