For all her frustration, Amy obviously genuinely adored the women in her family.
Roper watched the byplay with interest. This was the only real firsthand glimpse he’d gotten into Amy’s family and background, and a few things jumped out at him immediately. Her home situation wasn’t much different from his. Her mother and aunt created situations and she rescued them on command.
It didn’t take a psychologist to figure out that Amy dove into handling his family so methodically not because she was used to handling her own, but because she couldn’t control them. In managing Roper’s family issues, she’d been able to take charge in a way she hadn’t been able to with her own family. She saw herself in Roper, and when Roper fell back into old habits, she’d backed away.
He’d gotten some insight into Amy’s emotions. But he hadn’t gotten enough. With her mother here, he hoped to gain even more.
“Mom, you really should have told me you were coming for a visit,” Amy said.
“And ruin the surprise? What fun would that be?”
“None at all,” Amy muttered. “So how do we get you two out of here?”
Rose seated herself in a metal chair. “The grumpy air marshal said he’d be back. He had to confer with his colleagues.”
“Do you think they’ll do a background check like they do on the TV show COPS?” Aunt Darla asked, walking to the small window and glancing out.
“Oh, Lord.” Amy chose the nearest chair and lowered herself into it.
Roper gave Amy’s shoulder a squeeze. “Why don’t I go outside and see what I can find out.”
Amy glanced up. “I’d appreciate it.”
“Not so fast,” Rose said. “Amy introduced you and we know you’re a professional ballplayer, but she didn’t say what your relationship is. What are your intentions? Because when you come to help rescue a woman’s relatives from the hoosegow, then you must have some personal interest, yes?”
“Remember, my sister is like a professional lie detector,” Darla said. “If you’re not telling the truth, she’ll sniff it out.”
“Oh, for God’s sake, leave him alone,” Amy said. “Roper, please go find out when I can take them home,” she said, pleading with him.
Because her mother and aunt were wackier than his family, he took pity on her and agreed. “Okay. When I get back, we can discuss your questions,” he promised the women.
They reluctantly agreed.
So Roper headed out of the room to get Amy’s mother and aunt sprung. Afterward, he thought, the real fun could begin.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
HER FAMILY WAS FREE. Amy sensed Roper had signed a few autographs and promised tickets to Renegades games in order to hasten the release process. He hadn’t said, but the people who’d eventually released her mother and aunt had been huge fans, shaking Roper’s hand and thanking him. He refused to say for what.
TSA and Homeland Security actually did perform a background check on the women and discovered their penchant for getting into ridiculous trouble back in Florida. It was soon obvious terrorism wasn’t an issue. Insanity was, though, Amy thought wryly. But since the incident had been more of a misunderstanding than any kind of practical joke, the women were released into the general population of New York—complete with a behavioral warning for the future.
Amy was exhausted.
“So what are we doing tonight?” Aunt Darla asked, from her seat in the back of Roper’s car.
Amy closed her eyes and groaned. But at least they hadn’t started asking Roper questions about his intentions again.
“I need to make some calls and find you two a hotel. I’m afraid my apartment is too small,” Amy explained. “By the time I get you settled, it’ll be too late to do anything tonight.” Amy turned around in time to see her mother wink at her aunt. “What was that wink for?” Amy asked.
“You can go home and sleep. Darla and I want to hit one of the clubs,” her mother said.
“Oh, no.”
“Ladies, I think I have a solution,” Roper said. “Do you want to hear it?” he asked Amy.
She leaned her head back and nodded. “Yes, please.” She owed him more than she could say for just being here.
“Instead of a hotel, why don’t your mother and aunt share my guest room? It has two double beds and they’ll have their own bathroom. And I’ll be there to keep them company.”