"I left them in the car." I said it lightly. "Something that expensive—carrying it up and down, I was afraid I'd accidentally bump it. Anyway, it's the underground garage, and the car's locked. Safe enough."
Mother and son exchanged a quick look.
Mrs. Lambert pulled out a fake smile and scooted closer toward me. "Joy, well, um, winning a prize is a huge deal. How are you planning to use this money?"
Here it comes.
I lifted my eyes and met her flickering gaze. "How to use it? Wasn't it planned ages ago? Buy a bigger place and bring my mom and dad over so we can all live together."
Her fake smile froze instantly, and her voice shot up. "Buy a place and bring your parents over? No! Absolutely not!"
"Mom, what are you saying?" I frowned slightly. "What is there to disagree with? A bigger place, my parents here to enjoy their retirement—it won't affect you. Isn't that a good thing? Ryan and I agreed on this a long time ago."
"Agreed on what!"
Mrs. Lambert waved her hand dismissively. "This liquor was bought with my son's money! The prize money belongs to him—to the Lyons family! We decide how to use it!"
"What does this money have to do with your parents? Bringing them here to live—no way!"