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good-looking guy from the bar had kept his word. At least she didn’t have to report the car missing to the police. When she arrived home from work the day before, the vehicle was parked in a guest spot outside her apartment building.
    She really should thank the man for retrieving her baby, but she had no way of reaching him. Riley—was that a common name in this state? She collected the collated document and dropped her cell on top of them.
    Her phone vibrated, skittering across the paper as she walked down the hall, a generic melody floating behind her. It stopped as she entered her office. She set the load on her desk and grabbed the cell, swiping her fingers across the screen. It rang again with a number, but no ID attached. She tapped the speaker button. “Hello.”
    “Why aren’t you answering your phone?” Della’s disapproving tone filled the air.
    It had been weeks since she’d spoken to her mom. “I must have done something wrong if you’re calling.” Her parents were miles away. They couldn’t hurt her anymore; and yet, whenever she spoke to her mom, she became the little girl desperate to win her mother’s approval.
    “We need your new address to send you an invitation to Charlotte’s wedding. We’re also a bit short on funds for the reception, and wanted to know if you’re willing to contribute something toward your sister’s special day.”
    Savannah narrowed her eyes at the device. They wanted her to help pay for her siblings nuptials to the man she was once engaged to. Get the hell out of here . “Exactly how much money do you need?”
    She rose and closed her door. When she said no, she could imagine the ensuing fight.
    “The reception is…” Papers shuffled in the background. “Twenty- three thousand, seven hundred dollars.”
    “So what portion are you paying for?” She leaned back in her chair.
    “At the moment we are strapped for cash.” Della sniffed. “We take care of each other, and right now Charlotte needs you. She was even entertaining the idea of asking you to be in the wedding party.” Her mother’s desperation was clear from the last statement. They wouldn’t take family portraits with her. To offer a place in the bridal party must mean they had no other options.
    “Do tell, when have you ever taken care of me?” Savannah shook her head at the device.
    “All your life, you ungrateful—”
    She interrupted her mother. “Charlotte hasn’t bothered to contact me regarding my participation in her day.” And probably never would.
    “How do you know since you don’t bother to answer your phone?” Della snapped. “I said we talked about it, not that she would ask you to actually do it. She does have the final say, after all, and after viewing the bridesmaid dresses, we decided your body type wouldn’t be a good fit for the group. I’m sure you understand with pictures and all, you wouldn’t fit in. Come to think of it, perhaps you shouldn’t attend since you and Dwayne have a bit of history.”
    “That’s fine.” She closed her eyes
    “I hope this doesn’t change your decision to help Charlotte.” Della’s voice softened. “We all need to chip in when we can.”
    “I didn’t agree to pay for her reception.” She kept her tone calm.
    “Why are you always so selfish?” The chill returned to her mother’s words. “You’re lucky to have a family. Think about all those children that grew up without the benefit of parents to help them.”
    “Tell me how you really feel.” She could feel tears starting. She would not cry. A brisk knock on her door called her attention away from the conversation. “I have to go. Some of us do work.” She tapped the end button. “Yes?” she called out to whoever was on the other side of the barrier.
    Brad pushed the door open and stepped halfway in. “I wasn’t sure if I gave you the appointment time for my clients.”
    “No, you didn’t.” She pressed the back of her hand to her eyes. “Sorry, allergies