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me about Eric working for you."
    He groaned. "Carmen does not have any business dragging you into this," he said rather angrily.
    "I did tell her I don't know anything about your plans for your new property. But she begged to see me. It sounded like Eric's desperate for the job, so I agreed for her and Sandy to come over. Eric's busy so he won't be joining us."
    Adam exhaled forcefully. "I'm sure you can deal with them, Mum. Just keep saying you doubt you'll be able to change my mind about hiring Eric."
    "Adam, Carmen wouldn't have been so emotional if this wasn't a big thing. Could you at least listen to what she has to say? Please? And why drop Eric? I know he's only just started his own business but he's very experienced. He's worked as a landscape designer for years. I'm not saying you should hire him, but at least continue to consider him."
    Adam rubbed his face. "Kane knows landscape designers who are much better than Eric."
    "Please, Adam. Join us tonight," Marie said quietly.
    An idea popped in his head. "Only if I can bring Sam with me," he said to his mother.
    Marie gasped. "But Sandy will be here. That would be insensitive."
    "It's about time Sandy realises we're over for good, Mum," he said, thinking his mother needed proof of that just as much as Sandy. "If I can't bring Sam then I can't go," he insisted.
    "Okay," Marie conceded with a sigh. "We'll see the two of you then. I better warn Sandy though."
    "If you must. We'll be there soon."
    Adam ended the call, shaking his head in frustration. He loved his mother. She had one of the biggest hearts he knew. But it annoyed him that she was also one of the biggest suckers for sob stories.
    Now, he had to ask Sam for that return favour. He went back to the meeting room, curiously getting excited about the night ahead. Surprisingly, the thought of Sam playing his girlfriend was enough to erase his earlier displeasure.

    *******

    "Ready?" Adam asked Sam as they walked to his parents' front door.
    Sam gave him a nervous smile. "I guess."
    He grabbed her hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. "We just need to be like we were in front of your parents, that's all."
    "Are you sure I'm dressed okay?" she asked with worry.
    Sam was still wearing the blue summer dress and flat sandals she'd worn to the beach earlier that day. They didn't have time to get changed for dinner.
    "You look great, Sam," he said, truly meaning it.
    The front door opened. His mum must have seen them approach.
    Adam gave his mother a peck on the cheek, then introduced the two women to each other.
    "We brought dessert, Mrs. Craig," Sam said politely, holding up the box of cake they picked up on the way.
    "Thank you," Marie said, taking the box. "Come on in."
    Adam frowned at his mother's rather cool tone. Marie was usually warm and welcoming to her guests. He hoped that wasn't a portent for what was in store for the rest of the night.
    As he was introducing Sam to his dad, who was watching TV in the living room, a cheerful female voice greeted them.
    "Hi, guys!"
    Adam raised an eyebrow as Sandy gave Sam a friendly kiss and a hug.
    "Good to see you again, Sam. Glad you could join us for dinner," Sandy said.
    "Thanks," Sam said, surprised.
    Sandy turned to him and kissed him chastely on the cheek.
    "My mum's in the kitchen," Sandy said. "We're helping Marie prepare dinner. Would you like something to drink, Sam?"
    "Uh, sure. Just some soft drink or juice would be nice, thank you," Sam responded, giving Adam a quick glance.
    "Adam?" Sandy asked him.
    "I'll get it, thanks," he responded.
    Adam put his hand on Sam's back as he led her to the kitchen, hoping to put her at ease. He'd quickly read the situation. Since Sandy knew she couldn't stake a claim on him, she was keen to show Sam how at home she felt at his parents' place. No doubt Sandy wanted Sam to get jealous and insecure of her relationship with his mother.
    It irked him that his mum was playing right into Sandy's hand. He wouldn't be surprised if