Chapter 13: A Smile Too Perfect

Jocelyn Valerie Jones knew about Dad’s job offer before I’d even told my closest friends. I discovered that when she appeared at his front door that afternoon, carrying a decorative box filled with condolence cards and wearing the expression of a woman who had come to offer comfort. I’d spent the morning at the law firm and returned home to review the information I’d gathered. Dad had stayed behind for meetings, leaving me alone in a house that still smelled faintly of funeral flowers. “Jocelyn, sweetheart. I hope I’m not interrupting.” “Not at all.” “I brought some cards delivered to my house. Several people addressed them to Luke’s family, and I thought your father should have them.” “That’s thoughtful. I’ll make sure he gets them.” I reached for the box, but Valerie stepped inside before letting go. “Goodness, this place hasn’t changed much, has it?” Her gaze drifted toward the staircase and photographs lining the walls. Dad had redecorated over the years, but some things remained: family photographs, Mom’s favorite landscape painting, and the wooden bench Dad had built when I was twelve. Valerie softened when she spotted a photograph of Luke as a teenager. “He was such a handsome boy.” “He was.” She touched the frame. “Your father must be struggling terribly.” “He is.” “And you? How are you holding up?” “I’m managing. It’s been a difficult few days.” “Of course.” She gave my arm a sympathetic squeeze. “At least you have something positive to look forward to now.” I frowned. “What do you mean?” “Your father’s offer, silly. I hear he wants you to join the firm.” I stared at her. “How did you hear about that?” Valerie laughed lightly. “New Mexico isn’t Chicago, sweetheart. People still talk to one another here.” “Apparently.” “I ran into an old friend who knows someone at the firm. She mentioned your father was hoping you’d come home permanently.” I thought about the receptionist who’d greeted me that morning, already acting as though my employment was settled. “Nothing has been decided,” I said. “Oh, I know. But I hear he’s considering you for a leadership position eventually. Isn’t that exciting?” She smiled, but the expression was a fraction too controlled. The corners of her mouth held in place while her eyes remained carefully watchful. The receptionist might have heard about a prospective hire. Dad’s long-term succession plans were another matter. He’d discussed those with his partners, not the public. I intended to ask him how far the information had traveled. “Which friend mentioned that?” I asked. “Oh, you know how it is. Someone mentioned it over lunch, and I can never remember who first said what.” She laughed, though I hadn’t. “Besides, the important thing is that your father wants you close.” An old friend who knew someone at the firm had suddenly become an untraceable lunch conversation. It was possible the information had traveled innocently, but Valerie had answered a simple question without giving me a name. That, too, was worth remembering. “He’s discussed a possible succession plan,” I said. “Several years down the road, assuming I join the firm and everything works out.” “Well, that’s wonderful. Although I suppose it would be an adjustment. You’ve worked so hard to establish yourself in Chicago. Giving all that up because your father is grieving might not be wise.” “That isn’t why he made the offer.” “Of course not. I’m sure he’s very proud of you.” “He is. And he’s been considering retirement for years.” “Perhaps.” She sighed. “I just worry about people making permanent decisions during emotional times. Luke’s death has affected all of us. Your father might be looking for something to fill the emptiness.” My jaw tightened. Dad had spent years supporting my independence. I wouldn’t let Valerie recast his offer as a symptom of grief. “I’ve reviewed the work and met the partners,” I told her. “This is a professional opportunity, not an emotional impulse.” Valerie’s smile didn’t shift. “I only want what’s best for both of you.” She’d spent years taking care of the boys, feeding them, buying them things, and opening her home whenever someone needed somewhere to stay. But there had always been an expectation attached to her kindness. Gratitude was supposed to last forever. “I noticed you and Brian talking at the funeral,” she said. “Did you two have a chance to catch up?” The change of subject was so sudden I almost laughed. “We spoke.” “He seemed quite pleased to see you. I remember how close you two were before you left. Such a sweet friendship.” I said nothing. “Of course, Brian has a great deal of responsibility now. Running the club is demanding, especially with everything Luke left behind.” “I’m sure it is.” “And you’ll have quite a reputation to protect if you join your father’s firm. People can be terribly judgmental about attorneys involved with motorcycle clubs.” I nearly asked whether she was offering that advice from personal experience. Valerie had spent years calling the Vipers her boys, involving herself in their lives and taking pride in her connection to them. Apparently, those associations became a professional liability only when they were mine. “Are you suggesting I shouldn’t speak to people I’ve known since childhood?” “Goodness, no. I’m suggesting appearances matter. Your father has spent decades building his reputation. You wouldn’t want anyone questioning his judgment because of your personal associations.” “I’m perfectly capable of managing my professional reputation, Valerie.” “Of course, sweetheart. I never meant to suggest otherwise.” “Then we’re agreed.” She held my gaze before looking away. “I suppose I just worry about you returning to a life you’ve outgrown.” “Maybe I’ve outgrown parts of it. That doesn’t mean New Mexico has nothing left to offer me.” For the first time, I thought I saw genuine irritation beneath her composure. Then she smiled again. “Well, whatever you decide, I’m sure it’ll be lovely having you around a little longer.” I walked her to the door, accepting another sympathetic hug before she stepped onto the porch. “Give your father my love. And do think carefully about Chicago. Opportunities like yours don’t come along every day.” “I know. Neither does the one Dad just offered me.” Her smile faltered for a moment before she nodded and walked down the steps. After closing the door, I looked at the condolence cards she’d brought. She’d barely mentioned them once she was inside. Instead, she’d spent the visit explaining why I should return to Chicago and keep my distance from Brian. I wasn’t sure why my career choices mattered so much to her, or how she knew details Dad hadn’t made public. But I was beginning to suspect Valerie wasn’t concerned about whether coming home would make me happy. She was concerned about what might happen if I stayed.