Then the woman didn’t have a chance. Nari finally relaxed, crossing her legs on the bed. “Where’s Dad?”

“Oh.” Her mom leaned toward the camera. “He’s out putting food on the grass for the darn squirrels. The man was tired of them eating the food out of the bird feeders, so he bought squirrel food off that eBay. Squirrel food.” She leaned even closer, her eyes the only thing visible as she whispered, “It’s just seeds and more seeds, Nari. The man paid a hundred dollars for seeds.” She chuckled, the sound light. “Men.”

Nari laughed. That sounded just like her dad. He’d loved her as his own from the second he married her mom. Why she was trying to impress the man who’d abandoned her, who’d only been a father via check, was something she should figure out. Angus had been right about that. “I bet the squirrels are happy.”

Her mom leaned back, showing her entire face again. “They are, because they’re still eating out of the bird feeder.” She looked beyond the phone and then returned. “So. Are you still spending time with that big lion man?”

“Wolfe. His name is Wolfe, and he has a fiancée I very much like,” Nari said, shaking her head.

“Oh yes. Wolfe. Good name. Not as good as Force, though. Angus Force is a name I like.” Her mom smiled. “How are things with Angus?”

Nari sighed. Nothing got by her mother. “I don’t know. We’re working on several cases and he’s completely focused. So am I. Also, I know he doesn’t want a relationship, so I should work on a friendship.”

“Oh, for goodness’ sake. Men don’t know what they want.” Her mother whipped off the glasses. “Just last week a very nice couple came into the store, and he was looking for the perfect oval-shaped diamond to put on her hand. She couldn’t stop glancing over at this lovely square emerald surrounded by diamonds.”

Nari grinned. “What happened?”

“I suggested she try on the emerald ring and she reluctantly agreed. The girl absolutely lit up when I slid it on her finger.” Her mother smiled.

Nari held her breath. “Please tell me the young man caught on.” Her mother had been known to smack a customer or two with a wooden spoon back in the day. That was illegal these days.

Her mom nodded. “I had to give him the ‘mom’ look, but it worked. They paid cash, too.” She sighed happily. “Oh. Before I forget, have you stopped wearing your fitness tracker? I’m just killing you on steps.”

Nari winced. “I’ve been a little busy, Mom.”

Her mom sniffed. “It’s no fun winning the spa weekend bet if you don’t at least try. Promise me you’ll get in steps this week.”