Page 83 of Shake Your Boo Thang

The first important step in that direction was changing my return date back home. After our pedal boat adventure, which involved quite a bit more making out until we were worried we might get ourselves in trouble, we celebrated back at his place, where I had a second-go at a bedroom rodeo queen blue ribbon, if you will.

Afterward, when we were sharing a Chinese takeout in bed, I contacted the airline to change my ticket. Then I called Miz Edna about ending my stay at her B&B early. She was very accommodating, even offered to refund some of the money I’d already paid for those few extra nights, but I waved it off. It was money I could afford to spare, and Miz Edna would no doubt put it to good use. She gave us both heartfelt well wishes when we went around to pick up my things this morning and I made sure to have Callum take a Polaroid of us for my scrapbook.

After Callum had gone to take my suitcase outside, she hugged me and thanked me once again for helping her son move on. I quietly told her that I’d be sure to come back and visit if things work out the way I’m hoping they will. She was pleased as punch when I told her that.

“Let me put the kettle on,” Callum says now. “Do you fancy a cuppa?”

I smile at him. “I’ll take some coffee if you’ve got it, but I’m afraid y’all haven’t turned me into a convert of British tea quite yet. I still prefer coffee.”

Callum shakes his head in mock disbelief. “Now that’s a real tragedy! You just haven’t learned to truly appreciate the power of a good cup of tea.”

“If you say so, sugar.”

But I’m pleased when he pulls out a French press to make coffee for me.

We’re sitting down with our drinks and Callum’s so-called biscuits when my phone starts ringing and I pull it out. I grin at the screen and then swipe to answer.

“Hello, Mama.”

“Hi, sugar. How are you doing today?”

“Fine as can be.” I put her on speakerphone and glance at Callum. “I put you on speakerphone, Mama. I’m sitting here with Callum and having a cup of coffee.”

“Hello again, Callum. That sounds lovely. And how are things going with your investigation?”

I take a few minutes to fill her in, then she clears her throat. “I wanted to ask, Beau, am I still picking you up at the airport next Tuesday?”

I may have The Gift, but I swear Mama has a sixth sense of her own when it comes to me.

I wince and clear my throat awkwardly. “About that, Mama… I’ve decided to extend my stay and changed my plane ticket to the end of the month.”

There’s a long silence.

“And when did you decide this?”

“Last night,” I confess sheepishly.

“And you didn’t think to tell me until now?”

The maternal outrage in her voice is palpable.

“I’ve been real busy, Mama, and you know how the time zone difference can get a bit tricky. But I was planning to call you later today and let you know—you just beat me to the punch.”

She huffs. “Beauregard Jeremiah Montgomery, you’re a smooth talker, and you always have been. You get that from your daddy, God love him, but I can see through you every single time.”

“Yes, Mama.”

A well-brought-up Southern boy knows not to sass his mama.

“Put me on the video chat,” she orders.

I glance at Callum and he shrugs but nods.

I switch over to the video function, and Mama’s face appears on-screen. The sight of her is immediately comforting, and I’m glad to see she’s looking well. She had me rather young, so she’s only fifty-one, and still beautiful. Her wavy blond hair has shots of silvery gray through it and falls down to her shoulders, and right now her hazel eyes smile warmly at me from below wispy bangs.

“Point me so I can see Callum better. I know what your face looks like.”

I pout a little and turn the phone camera to face Callum.