Summer on Highland Beach

Chapter Five The Other Woman

May 2022

“We need to talk.” Olivia’s low voice broke the morning quiet. She’d walked in on CJ, who was reading the Bay Journal at the kitchen island.

It was far too early for Olivia to lecture anyone, let alone her biological father. But if she’d learned anything the previous summer, it was how to exhume seemingly dead feelings and bring them to the surface.

He straightened and then waved toward the open seat at the kitchen island.

“No.” Olivia shook her head. “Let’s take a walk. What we need to discuss won’t take long, I promise.”

CJ glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to get going in the next fifteen minutes. I’m sorry, but today I’m in back-to-back meetings.”

“Fifteen minutes will be more than enough time,” she assured him. “But I would like to take this outside.”

“O-kay.” He lifted his eyebrows, but she didn’t give anything away. Wordlessly, he stood and opened the front door. Together they walked down the quiet street to the shoreline.

Sometime overnight a rainstorm had paid a quick visit, amplifying the smell of salt in the air. The normally smooth, dry sand, now damp, sucked the soles of their shoes, leaving memory-foam footprints in their wake.

Olivia exhaled a few seconds later. “I think we’re far enough, so I’ll get right to it. Yesterday, when Christine and I had lunch, we ran into Lauren Miles.”

CJ stopped walking, looked around, sighed—not toward Olivia, but to the sky. “I hope Lauren wasn’t rude—”

“Lauren was fine.” Olivia rushed on. Never mind that the woman didn’t let go of her hand and stared as if she’d seen a ghost. “But Christine confirmed that you two are dating.”

They’re well matched.Her grandmother’s words had pinged and ponged around her mind all night.

A frown formed on his face, deepening the grooves on his forehead like bulked-up biceps.

“We dated, but we aren’t anymore.”

“Since when?”

“I broke it off weeks ago, just before you arrived.”

Olivia rolled her eyes.

“And let me be clear, we were more partners than friends. She offered help when... when my character was questioned.”

“How did she help?”

CJ looked at the sky. “I was hoping to never have this conversation, but I don’t see it going away. Honesty is best, right?” He seemed to speak to himself more than to Olivia.

“Right. It’s best not to lie to us,” Olivia advised.

He cleared his perfectly dry throat. “I was in a relationship with someone on my staff. Only a few months.”

“People who work together often date.” Olivia summoned a magnanimous tone.

“She was young.”

“How young?”

“Twenty-four.”

“Oh God.” The magnanimous tone fled the scene. “She’s half your age... younger than me.”

“It wasn’t about age...”

Olivia held up her hand.

“No. You want the truth and I’m giving it to you. I was lonely. She was... is... a bright young lady who was eager to make a big splash.”

“Are you saying she seduced you?”

“No.” He shook his head. “No. It was consensual. I liked Riley, and I hadn’t been with anyone in a very long time. All I can say is that we had mutual respect. But she’s the niece of one of our long-term residents, who wasn’t pleased about our relationship. So Riley told her side of the story, which made it seem like I took advantage of her.”

“Was that before or after the summer you found us?”

“Before. It’s been nearly two years, but people have long memories. And I won’t lie. I lost the trust and respect of many people.”

Olivia guessed. “So now you’re using Lauren to—”

“No. Lauren offered help. She has her own goals and agenda, to be sure, but there is nothing romantic there. She’s more like staff than anything else.”

“Like Riley was staff?”

“Lauren and I are friends who occasionally have dinner or escort each other to industry events. Nothing more.” His tone remained even and matter-of-fact, with just a hint of annoyance, as if Olivia were a pestering reporter at a press conference.

“And does Riley live here? Is there a chance either Cindy or I will run into her?”

“No. She’s back in DC, and I haven’t spoken to her in over a year.”

“Do you love her?”

“No, I don’t. The only woman I’ve ever loved or missed is your mother. I don’t love Riley or Lauren. That’s the truth.”

Is he telling the truth?

Olivia examined his body language. He hadn’t crossed his arms and turned away—gestures that could confirm his guilt. Olivia remembered Lauren’s surprised response when Christine assumed that Lauren and CJ hadn’t talked much lately because she was too busy.

Olivia cleared her throat, nodding, though she wasn’t 100 percent convinced of his innocence. “Are you sure Lauren feels the same way? That you’re just acquaintances who occasionally serve as dates?”

He opened his mouth, shut it, then placed his hand on his chin. “I... well... I don’t think so. She didn’t want to be physical with me.”

“Are you sure?” Olivia challenged.

“Very sure. Lauren once said that she viewed me more like a cousin or big brother. We’d known each other for five years prior to our agreement.”

“Was she ever jealous of other women? What about Riley?”

“No, not even Riley.” He shook his head. “The only time I felt a spark of jealousy was when I left unannounced last summer to visit Sag Harbor. We’d just started our fake relationship, so I found that odd.” He stroked his chin. “Maybe she wanted something more.”

Olivia shrugged. “People’s feelings can change.” Just two summers ago, she wanted to marry Anderson. But now she couldn’t imagine her life without Garrett.

“Regardless, I told her that some things in my life had changed, and I wouldn’t make a suitable partner. She said she understood and took the news in stride. She didn’t seem particularly hurt or upset, but asked that I keep her in mind if I needed a partner for future events.”

Olivia channeled the spirit of objectivity and refrained from rolling her eyes. There was no way this woman suggested they date seriously, got rejected, and did not feel a modicum of hurt or embarrassment. “I know I’ve no say in your personal affairs. Not to mention you are an adult who runs an entire town. That’s no easy feat,” Olivia began diplomatically.

“Thank you,” he replied, in a get-to-the-point tone.

“You and my mother have spent lots of time together. Quality time. You seem to like her.”

“Without a doubt,” he confirmed quickly. “I want her in my life.”

“Then I suggest you square things up between my mother and your mother. Then you’ll need to tell her the truth about Riley and tie up loose ends with the beautiful Ms. Miles.”

“Beautiful?”

“Yes.” Women, especially Cindy, would home in on her beauty. And what was more, Olivia did not want her mother to question her own looks or self-worth.

“You have my directness,” CJ said, inclining his head toward her. “I like that.”

“I think it’s best to lay all the cards on the table this time around. Don’t you?”

There would be no more missed connections. No misunderstandings because of meddling mothers. And absolutely no driving off with someone else in the rain—not on Olivia’s watch.

“I agree that it’s best to be up front. And I’ll handle things with Lauren and Christine because I want to spend all my free time with you and your mother. You two are the most important people in my life.”

Olivia turned around and looked away to hide her blooming smile. “Very well then.” She gave him an awkward thumbs-up. “Our fifteen minutes are done now.”

He glanced at his watch to confirm. “It is. You’re dressed up. Are you meeting with Christine again?”

“No. I have a conference call with my partner Whitney today, but otherwise, not much else.”

“How about you come to the office today? You can see me in action.”

“Wouldn’t people ask questions? Especially with another young woman around. They wouldn’t want a repeat of the Riley scandal.”

“I’ll tell them you’re a relative. There are a lot of us Joneses around the world,” CJ said with a hopeful smile.

Lots of Joneses, huh?

He said it easily, unaware that his words detonated an emotional earthquake. Olivia wished she had known the Jones family earlier. When she received the governor’s award for academic achievement in middle school, she wished she had family to cheer her on like the other students. Or at fifteen years old, when she delivered a winning argument for her debate team.

“Lots of Joneses...” she whispered. That’s why she was here. To get to know her father. Her family. She couldn’t allow the past to get in the way of what she was doing now.

CJ’s smile morphed into concern. “I know you’re still getting to know my side of the family and our history. The best way to do that is to explore Highland Beach and meet people.”

She shook her head. “I just don’t want all the questions from strangers. Maybe I should—”

“I know this sounds cliché, but the people here are friendly and accepting. Just give us... give me a chance.” CJ swallowed. “I would really like to get to know you, Olivia Charlotte Jones.”

“You know my middle name?”

“It’s a matter of public record.” He smiled slowly. “Hey, I just realized... did your mother name you after me?”

She laughed at his dumbfounded expression. Something that felt like the sun warmed her chest. “I don’t know. I guess we’ll have to ask.”

“So will you come to the office with me, Olivia? I promise I won’t let you down.”

Somehow it was the silliest yet most profound conversation she’d had with her father. He was trying. She would go with him. It was time.

“I... yes.” She lifted her hands up in defeat. “I’ll grab my purse and laptop, and then we can be on our way.”

On the way back she had the oddest feeling of being watched. She quickly glanced over her shoulder but found no one behind them.

When they returned, Cindy stood in the kitchen making a veggie and ham omelet.

“Well, hello.” Cindy greeted her daughter and CJ with a wave of the spatula. She then pointed the utensil toward Olivia. “You got in late last night,” she said to Olivia.

Olivia could hear the question in her mother’s voice. She’d told her mother in passing about her plan to meet with Christine. Did it go okay? Did Christine frighten you away?

“We had lunch, and then I went shopping after.”

“Oh?” Cindy whisked eggs and a few other ingredients into a bowl and then poured it all into the hot skillet.

“Yes, but all is well. We’ll talk later, okay?”

“Why not now?” Her voice was calm, but she flipped her omelet so hard it smacked the skillet.

Despite Olivia’s little white lie—implying that she’d gone shopping alone—her heart galloped as though she were a teenager who’d missed curfew.

“I’m going into work today with CJ.”

“Oh... that’s a change.” Cindy didn’t sound concerned, but curious.

“I traveled all the way here to get to know CJ. So... if he’s busy with his reelection and job, I should go to where he is.”

“And what about the good people of Highland Beach? I thought you were worried about the rumors.”

“We’re going to say I’m a distant relative for now.”

The stiffness in Cindy’s shoulders relaxed. “Keep it simple and as close to the truth as possible. That’s your style, CJ.” Cindy nodded at him. “Hit them with the truth and let them deal with the rest.”

Olivia just barely covered her snort. If only Cindy knew about him covering up the truth about Little Miss Half His Age.

“Sometimes I don’t get to do the things that I want, but I try to stick to the truth.” CJ leveled his attention at Cindy.

Cindy gave him a weak smile and then swung her attention to Olivia. “Have fun.”

“I won’t be out all day, so maybe—”

Cindy shook her head. “I’ve got plenty to do here... reading, relaxing by the pool. Don’t worry about me.”

Olivia smiled. Her mother had never experienced the luxury of unwinding. Even during the summers, she usually taught school or tutored English to incoming middle schoolers.

“Good for you.”

Olivia grabbed her purse and laptop. While CJ was in meetings, she could work on the proposal to the government of Sag Harbor to add more homes and buildings to the National Register.

“There she is,” CJ said when they parked on the road in front of a small gray-and-white clapboard house. The drive to Town Hall had taken less than five minutes.

A stone column stood just before the building, bearing a brown placard. Gold lettering etched in an epigraph read:

Highland Beach

Incorporated 1922

Founded 1983 By Charles R. Laura A. Douglass

Though a part of her was ashamed of the history surrounding her birth, another part of Olivia wanted to shout the news from the rooftop that the founders were her relatives.

They entered the building, crossing over the square gravel pit that surrounded the front wooden steps. On each side of the steps stood a planter filled with colorful flowers. Beyond them, Olivia quickly recognized the flowering begonias, thanks to all the hours she and Mr. Whittingham had spent in Bea’s Garden and Apothecary.

Just under a window hung a bulletin board encased in glass. After getting a closer look, Olivia noticed a mishmash of flyers, including local community events.

CJ pulled out a key, opened the door, and let himself in. Olivia found a few others milling about at their desks with their mugs of steaming hot coffee in hand. A fifty-something woman with a small crowd around her was animatedly telling a story about her weekend. She turned to face Olivia and CJ.

“Good morning, Mayor Jones.” She smiled, revealing deep dimples in her cheeks. She nearly spilled her coffee with her enthusiastic greeting.

“Good morning, Janice.” He turned to Olivia, though Janice already had her attention fixed on the young woman standing next to the mayor.

“Janice, this is Olivia. Olivia, Janice. Janice is a local and has been kind enough to volunteer with admin work on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.”

Olivia stretched out a hand and shook the admin’s hand.

“Janice, Olivia has a nonprofit that helps historic Black neighborhoods fight those developers that like to eat up our land and drive up our property taxes. Olivia has already done some great work in Sag Harbor. She’ll be observing how we run things around here to see how she can replicate our success in other historic neighborhoods.” He looked down at Olivia with a proud dad smile. “She’s a Jones, and she’s good people. It’d be great if you could be a resource if she needs anything.”

He’s quick.Before rumors could circulate, he had clearly sought out Janice first, confirmed their familial connection, and validated Olivia’s reasons for visiting the office.

“You’ve got it, Mayor Jones. Olivia, I love that you’re focused on protecting historic Black neighborhoods. I’ll give you access to anything you need.”

She pointed to CJ. “Oh, and I’m sorry, but I had to add another meeting to your schedule to discuss the beach erosion project with that marine scientist.”

CJ pumped his fist. “Thanks for getting that back on the books.”

Janice shook her head. “I can’t believe we have to start over again.”

CJ nodded. “Everyone’s feelings were valid. We just need to figure out a compromise to contain the beauty of the bay and protect our shoreline.”

Janice, who looked positively forlorn, seemed to brighten at his words.

While Janice ran down a list of to-dos for CJ, Olivia examined the tight quarters. Though it was small, with four offices and a wide-open space with several desks lined up along the wall, it wasn’t confining. Olivia thought it might have been all the bright smiles and coffee that made the place seem open and welcoming.

Janice, who’d just finished her conversation with CJ, touched Olivia’s hand to get her attention. “Come swing by my desk after the morning crush, around eleven a.m. I’ll get you anything you need.” The admin pointed to her desk in the corner, near the back office.

“Thank you, Janice. I’ll do that.”

The woman nodded and returned to her desk.

“Olivia, you’re welcome in my office, though I’ll be on calls most of the day,” CJ reminded her.

She patted her laptop bag. “I’ve got all I need to assist,” she replied, keeping up the pretense as Janice listened from behind her desk.

On the way back to his office, he greeted his team and briefly introduced Olivia.

True to his word, as soon as he had sat down at his desk and booted up his computer, he dialed into his first meeting.

Olivia listened in on the conversations. CJ met with the volunteer fire department about being up to date on codes. He spoke to a representative at a local hospital about easier access and improvement in triage times. Occasionally he’d look up to find Olivia staring in fascination, flash her a winning smile, and then resume his conversations.

He was straightforward and honest, with an earnest delivery, as he smoothed ruffled feathers and navigated critical conversations. And most of all, she could tell that his constituents trusted him.

CJ didn’t have the larger-than-life personality common among politicians, but people still gravitated toward him. His team squeezed in five minutes here and there between calls to catch up or pitch something that could have been relayed in an email.

He was also a creative problem-solver, a skill that was important to Olivia and one she continued to refine herself.

She added that trait to the list of what she and her father had in common. It seemed she really was a Jones. She and Christine had even more in common—they were both in Greek organizations, they both loved shopping, and judging from a text message Christine had sent the night before, they enjoyed the same books.

Olivia’s stomach sank at the thought of being so like the woman who’d terrorized her mother.

What would Cindy think? And a more terrifying thought—what would Ama think? Before her thoughts jumped off the deep end, Janice, who’d at some point lightly knocked on the door, waved at Olivia.

Olivia glanced at her watch and saw that it was a quarter past eleven.

“Sorry,” she mouthed and quietly stepped out of the office into the main room.

“My apologies. I was just fascinated by CJ’s conversation and time got away from me.”

“Oh, that’s fine. It’s fun to see the mayor in action. CJ is exceptional at his job.”

“That he is,” Olivia agreed.

“Did you get any ideas so far?”

“No.” Olivia shook her head. “But I am getting a sense of what makes Highland Beach special. He’s got a meeting at noon with the Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce about new business coming in nearby, and I think that meeting will give me some ideas on how to translate your town’s strategy to other neighborhoods.”

Janice sucked her teeth. “Now I told him to stop taking lunch meetings. He never eats on camera.” She sighed. “I’ll get him a sandwich.”

“I can get it,” Olivia offered.

“No, ma’am. That’s my job.”

“I guess I’m looking for an excuse to explore.”

“Oh, that’s a must. How long have you been here?”

“A few days,” Olivia answered with a tight smile.

“And how are you and Mayor Jones related?”

Olivia nibbled her lips. She wanted to say they were cousins, which was easy enough, but she didn’t want to take away from CJ’s honest approach, especially if the truth got out. Olivia stuck as close to the truth as possible.

“I just discovered this side of the Jones family last summer. Once we connected, he invited me to learn more about our history. So... here I am.”

“Oh, that’s so lovely! Like one of those online family tree things, huh?” Janice nodded, as if answering her own question.

Olivia took the brief reprieve to pivot the conversation away from the personal to the professional. “Now, the best way I can help other cities is to understand the history of this city as well as how you approve your real estate developments.”

Janice snapped her fingers. “I know just the thing. Give me a minute.” She stood and marched over to a small bookcase that stood opposite CJ’s office, then pulled out a slim volume with a glossy cover.

“Here’s everything you need to know about our history.”

Highland Beach on Chesapeake Bay: Maryland’s First African American Incorporated Town.

Janice also provided Olivia with some old newspaper articles. “But if you stick around town a few more days, we have a nice Memorial Day event at the Pavilion and on the beach. You can ask our residents about how they came to inherit or purchase their home here. Honestly, it’s the best way to learn about how we operate. It’s not just something you’ll find in books and articles.”

Memorial Day was only a week away, and Olivia would probably be around. Still, she didn’t want others to know her plans. “If I’m still here, I’ll try to make it out.”

“I’m on the planning committee for our holiday celebrations, and this year our Labor Day weekend celebrates 130 years for Highland Beach. All of that is to say, if you end up sticking around even longer, or if you want to come back to visit, let me know.”

“Of course.”

Olivia pored over the documents and found out a few more new and interesting things about the family and the history of Highland Beach. The residents obviously loved this special gem of a town, and its history was one that Olivia felt should be widely known and celebrated. Even Harriet Tubman had visited Highland Beach.

Janice had been spot-on about the publicity side. Awareness of the historical significance of places like Highland Beach might discourage residents from selling to the highest bidder. But it was more than that. Olivia knew the younger generation wanted a place to socialize and party. They wanted to walk from a bar to their resort. Even on vacation, many people wanted the noise.

It was quiet here, even in the summer. And perhaps it was a testament to Olivia’s nearly three decades on the earth, but she now preferred quiet and peace.

She hadn’t known peace like that until Sag Harbor—or rather, she hadn’t appreciated peace and quiet until adulthood. Martha’s Vineyard certainly could be very peaceful in the fall, but during the summer the Vineyard was party central, especially in August.

She stared at Janice, a busybody for sure, but she seemed to care about CJ’s success—and about the residents of Highland Beach.

Would Janice be so understanding and welcoming to Olivia if she found out she was CJ’s secret daughter?

Over the lunch hour, a few employees—or rather volunteers—introduced themselves, each clearly curious about her and focused on her every word. Meanwhile, Janice had bought CJ a sandwich and ordered Olivia a Cobb salad.

CJ stuck his head out, searching the room until his eyes landed on Olivia. He waved at her to come into his office.

“I didn’t know you would be out there for so long,” he said once she closed the door behind her.

“Oh, well, I had a delightful conversation with Janice. She’s given me great resources about the town.”

“Anything you can use?”

“You all have truly protected the town to remove commercial development, which keeps the property taxes from skyrocketing. The next step is talking to the elders in the community to fill in the gaps.” Olivia tapped her chin. “By the way, what’s the average household income here?”

“A little over $130,000. We have a low poverty rate. Under 4 percent. Still work to be done, but we’re under the national average by eight points.”

Olivia nodded. “What’s your goal for Highland Beach?”

“On a local level, I want our residents to keep homes in their family. It’s not that we don’t want new blood, but it’s hard to see someone I’ve known all my life being forced to sell something so precious to their ancestors. I also want to figure out a sustainable way to protect our beach against natural disasters. On a national—hell, an international—level, I want the world to know our history. I want Highland Beach to be revered, and its history held dear. I want to seek advocates who’ll protect and invest in the neighborhood. And I want those damn redevelopers to stay far away from us.”

“Yeah, get in line,” Olivia agreed.

“So how did you get them out of your hair, anyway?”

Olivia’s face grew warm as she recalled all that had transpired. She wasn’t quite ready to confess that her ex-fiancé was related to those developers—the CEO of ASK Developers was Anderson’s father.

“We, umm...” Olivia cleared her throat and tried again. “We knew the owner, and we gained certain information that dissuaded him from further development in the area.”

CJ lifted an eyebrow almost as high as his hairline. “So you blackmailed the man?”

“Not exactly,” she replied slowly. “He just found out that he had his hands full with other things in his life.” Olivia’s voice nearly squeaked.

She bit her lip. She did not want her father to think she used strong-arm tactics.

The grin on CJ’s face spread slowly and wide, like the Grinch’s infamous smile. “I look forward to learning more about you, daughter.”

Olivia put up halting hands. “I assure you our strategies were legitimate.”

CJ chuckled. “I’m taking all the advice. We could use a little innovation for sustainability.”

“It’s not in my wheelhouse, but I’m always willing to try.”

“Oh, I think one of the Forbes Top 10 Rising Financial Analysts will knock it out of the park.”

“You... you know about that?”

He nodded. “Now, I didn’t have you investigated, but I did my research.” He looked down at his hands. “I know this doesn’t mean much, but I’m so impressed and I’m so proud of you. Cindy did a great job.”

Hands clasped in her lap, she acknowledged his praise with a tight smile. “Thank you.” She looked out the back window.

“It’s the truth. Christine tells me you had a great time shopping.”

“We did.”

His lips turned into a frown. “Did she—”

“She was a perfect angel,” Olivia answered. “We connected well and had great conversations.”

“Really?” He didn’t wear that Grinch grin anymore. He looked uneasy.

“Yes, really. We have lots of things in common, and she’s... somewhat agreed to be cordial to Cindy. It’s really all I can ask for.”

CJ sighed. He opened his mouth, but a ping dinged from his laptop. “That’s my next call. Sorry, but someone added a last-minute meeting that won’t end until five, maybe later. Please take the car if you want.”

“No, that’s okay. I’ll just walk back to the house.”

“No, no. Take the car. There’s a coffee shop about five miles down the road called Main Market. I noticed you’re a caffeine fiend, so you’ll enjoy the coffee.”

Olivia laughed. “Okay, I’ll do that.”

CJ reached inside his desk, then handed over the keys.

“Now, I know I’m about a decade late. But be careful.”

Olivia rolled her eyes. “Yes. You are much too late for that, CJ.”

He winced, but quickly recovered. “Am I? Well, I know you New Yorkers are aggressive drivers. Don’t scare the old folk around here with all that beeping.”

Olivia laughed and grabbed the keys. “I’ll do my best. See you at home.”

“Knock, knock!” Before CJ could beckon her into the office, Lauren stepped in.

“Oh, hello.” Her smile tightened. “Olivia, right?”

“Yes. Right.” Olivia swung her attention to CJ, who frowned at Lauren.

“What are you doing here, Lauren? You don’t have an appointment.”

“I didn’t think I needed to make one.” She glanced at Olivia, hesitated, then pivoted her attention to CJ.

“We should talk.”

“I have a meeting.”

“Then you can move it,” she nearly growled. “Or I can wait.”

“The conversation is confidential, so you can wait outside.” He motioned to the door.

Lauren, with balled fists, turned on her green Louboutin heel and stormed out of the room.

“Seems like you and Ms. Miles have some unfinished business.”

“Olivia.”

She raised her hand. “I’m going to repeat my advice from this morning... tie up those loose ends.”

Before he could say anything further, Olivia shut the door. At a quarter past five, most of his staff had already left, except for Janice, who clacked away at her computer. She was surprised when she didn’t see Lauren stewing at one of the desks.

Olivia walked to Janice’s desk and asked about Lauren. Janice harrumphed. “The one and only? Oh, she sashayed out of here.” She shook her head and continued typing.

“If you don’tmind my asking, how long have they been dating?”

Janice paused and gave Olivia a who-wants-to-know look. “A little under a year. But CJ told us they were no longer an item. Imagine my surprise to see her here.”

“Maybe it’s a business meeting.”

“Hmm. Maybe. Our mayor needs to focus on town issues, not another... not her,” Janice mumbled under her breath. “Anyway, are you heading out?”

Olivia walked to her desk. “Yes, and it was an absolute pleasure to meet you. Thank you for taking some of your precious time to help me today.”

“Of course! I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Olivia shook her head. “I’m not sure about tomorrow, but I’ll definitely return to review those records again.”

She stopped typing and waved. “Headed home? I guess you’re staying with Mayor Jones.”

Olivia nodded before she could think through her answer. “I’m headed to the coffee shop.”

“Oh good. You’ll meet lots of residents there, and I’m sure they’ll recognize that you’re a Jones,” she laughed. “Whew! Y’all have some strong genes. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say Christine had a child later in life.” Janice laughed at her joke.

Olivia choked.

“Anyway, have fun!” Janice wiggled her fingers.

“I will. Thanks again.” Olivia hurried to open the door, walk out, and close it shut behind her.

She smiled, relieved to be outside of the scrutiny of the office. And best of all, the sun was still shining after a long day.

But when Olivia clicked the alarm and opened the door to the Audi, she had that same weird feeling she’d had that morning. She hurried into the car, locked the doors, and checked her surroundings.

A couple walked a few feet away, engrossed in their conversation. But no one seemed to notice the woman who jumped into the mayor’s car.

Then a fleeting thought occurred, a fear no bigger than a mustard seed. What if someone recognized her and remembered Cindy and Chris?

What if someone figured out that she was the mayor’s daughter?