After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 65

Waldo sat there with a cold, hard look on his face. He let out a sharp laugh. “I want Catherine to see for herself what kind of guy she picked.”

After Shirley left, Waldo snatched up his phone and called a private investigator he’d used before.

“Hey, Waldo.”

“Tom, I need you to look into someone for me.”

“No problem. Just send me whatever info you have on him.”

When the call ended, Waldo felt a little better. He was sure that a guy like Lawrence had plenty of skeletons in his closet, things that would make anyone look down on him.

...

Up on the twenty-eighth floor at Nexus Dynamics, Catherine stretched in front of the big windows. Finally, it was the end of the day. She planned to take the rest of her work home. Just then, her phone lit up with a call. It was Lawrence, of course.

She picked up, her voice warm and sweet. “Hey.”

“Tonight, I want you to meet someone,” Lawrence said, his voice low and gentle.

“Who?” she asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

“My mom,” he replied, and she could hear the smile in his voice.

Catherine’s eyes widened. She felt a twist of nerves in her stomach. “Wait, tonight?”

“Don’t stress. It’s just dinner,” Lawrence said with a soft laugh. “My mom’s easy to get along with.”

“But I haven’t prepared anything...” Catherine glanced down at her work clothes. “Should I go home and change first?”

Lawrence just shook his head, but his eyes were full of affection.

As they drove out of the garage, something occurred to Catherine. “Wait, should we get your mom a gift? It feels weird to show up empty-handed. Is your dad coming too?”

Lawrence’s voice was calm and deep. “My dad’s too busy. He’s in Harrisburg and couldn’t make it. My mom said no gifts, that you’re the best gift she could get.”

Catherine’s heart melted, but she was still determined. “I can’t show up to meet her for the first time with nothing. I have to bring something.”

Lawrence thought for a moment. “Let’s stop at a tea shop. She loves tea.”

“Perfect,” Catherine said.

A little while later, they pulled up at an upscale tea shop. Catherine hopped out, picked out the best tea they had, and got back in the car with the gift in hand. Then they headed straight for the restaurant.