As soon as she stepped inside, her mother stood up. “Julia, it’s about time. You’ve had me very worried, and so is…” She stopped as soon as she realized that Julia wasn’t alone. Jake held his hand out to her, and Julia introduced them. Tiffany came into the room, as if attracted by the drama, a shocked expression on her face, so Julia introduced her to him, too. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Ross. Tiffany.” Julia’s mother sunk back down in her chair. “So that’s it. You’re already seeing a different guy,” the older woman said with a sigh. “You’re a fool, Julia.” Tiffany just stood there, taking it all in. Julia glanced at Jake as her face blushed a deep shade of pink. “Mama, I don’t want anything to do with Vincent, and you know why. I wanted you to get to know Jake. He’s on the police force here in Summerhill, and he has been watching over me.
