As Suzanne studied the photo, she saw a girl who was a near replica of her mother, with the same big, blue eyes and long blonde hair. Admittedly, she was beautiful. But one difference did exist. The girl in the picture was smiling. The only expression Suzanne remembered Adrianne having resembled more of a smirk. Suzanne attempted to smile as she returned the photo. “She’s lovely.”

Nathan replaced the picture in his wallet, his glare still intact. “What’s wrong now?” Obviously, her expression hadn’t been convincing. But it was hard to appear happy with the remembrance of one of her worse adversaries. “She reminds me of someone I once knew who wasn’t a nice person.”

“Well, A.J. is a good person, and I like her.” He turned back to the cabinets.

She braced for his impending anger. “I’m sure she is, son, but you still can’t date her.

”He straightened again and frowned. “What gives you the right to tell me who I can or can’t date? I think I’m old enough to make my own decisions.”

“You are, but…”

"But nothing, Mom!”

Her concern deepened. He’d never lashed out at her like this before. Perhaps, her approach had been wrong, but coherent thought had been almost nonexistent since he’d given her the news—along with sleep. Thank goodness, she hadn’t had a court case this week. “Nathan, settle down. Let’s discuss this.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” He walked into the living room.

She fought her building anxiety as she followed him. “You don’t need to associate with the LaSalle family, Nathan.”

He stopped and swung around. “Give me one good reason why not. They’re a decent family.”

“There are things you don’t know.”

“I know her parents are divorced, and her mother is an alcoholic. But her dad’s a good man.” He turned back toward his bedroom.

“Scott is too much like his father, Braxston.” The words had rushed out before she could stop them, but Nathan would learn the association soon enough.

“Scott? A.J.’s dad’s name isn’t Scott, it’s Matthew.”