Zach paused, remembering suddenly, "My mother visits for dinner every other Tuesday evening." It was worth noting. Neither of them needed that sort of drama in their lives, not right now. Especially from someone who was as insufferably well meaning as his dear mother.

"Of course. You may stay as long as you like. I told the shop I was feeling under the weather." He hadn’t known how long she planned to stay, so Zach had covered his bases. Also, now that he had learned more details about what ailed her, he was determined to do a little research of his own after she departed. "I have a warmer robe if you are in need of it."