Finn (Blue-Collar Billionaires 2)

After we climb in, Finn gives Jonah a signal. I pout. I'd figured that I'd finally learn where we were going once we got in the car but it seems Finn has thought of that, too. My mind goes back to what he said earlier about having an appointment. I'm not sure what that even means but the excitement of not knowing has me practically bouncing in my seat.

Finn watches me squirm with an amused grin. "We're almost there, angel."

The car slows and turns. I peer out the window, reading the signs as we pass. Finally we pull into the driveway of a modest brick house.

"You're taking me to a house?" I look over at Finn. Then I realize where we are. "You're taking me to see Claire?"

"Yeah, I hope that's okay. She could really use the pick-me-up and I know she'll get a kick out of seeing us in our fancy clothes."

"Of course it's okay. I can't wait to see her again."

He opens the door with his key and ushers me into the living room. "Mom? We're here."

The house is cool and quiet. If I didn't know anyone was here, I would think it was empty. I glance over at Finn. I can feel the change come over him. I wish there was something I could do to help him but I don't know what. If my mother was sick, I'm not sure how I would handle it.

Finn squeezes my hand. "Have a seat. I'll just go make sure she's awake."

I nod. "Of course. And if she's not up for visitors, I completely understand."

He kisses my hand and then disappears into one of the bedrooms at the end of the hall. I walk to the couch and sit down to wait. A few minutes later, Finn leans his head back out. "She's ready now."

As soon as I walk into the bedroom, Claire lets out a little gasp. "Rissa Blake! Look at you. All grown up." Her voice is softer than I remember and she looks delicate. The scarf tied around her head makes her seem even smaller and fragile for some reason.

My heart breaks a little but I'm not here to remind her of how crappy she's been feeling. So with bravado that I don't really feel, I do a little twirl so she can see the full effect of the dress.

Claire claps and her smile widens. "You look so beautiful. Come here."

Dutifully, I approach and lean down to give her a hug. "It's really good to see you again, Claire. I was so sorry to hear about you being sick when Finn told me."

She glances over at her son. Finn has lowered himself to sit on the other side of the bed. I can tell that his leg must be bothering him again by the way he's got it stretched out. He never tells me when it's hurting but I'm starting to pick up on the signs.

"I can't believe Finn has been keeping you a secret all this time. I should have known there was something going on when he looked so happy the last few times he's visited. You always could make him laugh."

"He makes me laugh, too. And drives me crazy. He tells me to get dressed up but won't tell me where we're going!"

She looks over at Finn. "That sounds like him. But you both look wonderful. I love the neckline on this dress, too."

Fashion was always one of the ways Claire and I connected. She'd welcomed me with open arms and declared that now she had someone to talk about "girl things" with. I know Finn and Tank both used to complain that their Mom would tell them stories with way too much romantic detail in them. But I personally loved hearing her stories. Claire was always animated and fun, a lot like my mom.

Funny how I never realized how much I missed this, being a part of Finn's family until now.

"I know my mom would love to come visit you sometimes, too."

Claire reaches out for my hand. "Oh that would be wonderful. Gloria was always a lot of fun. You kids don't even know some of the fun we got into when you weren't around. Two hot mamas on the prowl!"

Finn groans and I can't contain my laughter. "Gloria is sti

ll on the prowl. I'm sure she'll tell you all about her newest boyfriend."

We chat for a little bit longer and I give her mom's cell phone number since I know my mom won't mind.

After about half an hour, Finn glances at his watch. "Well, I guess we'd better get going."

He leans down and kisses Claire's cheek. I do the same.

"We'll let you get some sleep now, Mom."

"Thank you for coming by. Now take this beautiful girl out and show her a good time." Claire's eyes are already drooping so I know it's definitely time for us to leave.