Annika stiffened at that, but Bella trotted over to greet her mother, breaking the tension. And Annika, a dog lover, gave the golden lots of love before she rose and said, “Now, tell me everything that’s going on.”

“Come into the kitchen and let’s eat.” Sasha had ordered breakfast, to avoid both going out in public and dealing with fans and her stalker. She didn’t want to make herself a target and the same went for her mom. If she kept out of sight, Sasha felt safer about the entire situation.

She had everything set up on the counters and took her mother to the large space that even had room for a table and chairs. The apartment was beautiful, and Sasha loved the kitchen with its black cabinets and white quartz countertops.

As if by silent agreement, they made small talk while they ate, her mother telling her stories about friends at home and mentioning a man she’d been seeing. Sasha was grateful he wasn’t in his twenties and changed the subject. As far as she was concerned, information about her mother’s love life was TMI.

“So tell me more about this stalker,” her mother said, finally bringing up the subject.

Knowing she had to fill her mom in, Sasha relayed everything she knew so far. Which amounted to not much.

Annika tapped her long nails against the white quartz table that matched the countertops. “So you’re having a problem with a crazed fan and your solution is to stay here? With your ex?” Her mother lifted her coffee cup and took a sip. “I’m not sure I see the wisdom in that choice.”

Sasha stiffened. “There’s a doorman downstairs and much fewer people coming and going. It’s a lot easier to track people entering the building than a hotel. Not to mention, Jared also can focus on his job here.”

Her mother sniffed. “I don’t suppose you’re sleeping in the guest room.”

“That is none of your business! Mom, I know you never liked Xander because you see him as a threat to my career, but you were wrong then and you’re wrong now.” Sasha pushed her plate of eggs aside. She was no longer hungry.

Her mother’s expression softened. “You know I’m just looking out for you. You’re at the wrong time of life to give away your heart. Not when your career has taken off and everything we worked so hard for is finally coming to fruition. Think back to when you were a little girl. All the commercial tryouts, the rejections… and now look at you!” Pride shone in her mother’s face.

Sasha sighed. “I’m grateful for all you did to help get me here. It’s just…” She trailed off and stared at her mother.