| were here. He’d know what to do.” There wouldn’t have been funds to lend if Dad were still alive, but I kept quiet. He’d been so careful planning for retirement and protecting Mom with those policy proceeds. He’d be heartsick that we had handed them over for a deal we knew so little about. All my life I’d followed rules and weighed my decisions precisely to avoid this kind of situation. The one time I acted like my sister, this was the result? I wouldn’t let this be the way our story ended. And I wouldn’t let Lyle ruin my mother’s future, either. I had no idea how I’d fix this, but I wouldn’t rest until I did. Kevin sighed, studying our mom. “I’m sorry I lost my temper. You’re right, it shouldn’t be a mistake to trust family. I’m cynical because of the stories I hear at work. Try to relax while we sort it out, okay? I promise I’ll do everything I can to get answers quickly.” “Okay.” I probably should’ve felt better about his apology than I did. Kevin strode over to hug me, speaking softly right in my ear. “Sorry my reaction made this harder. I didn’t mean to do that. I love you, sis. I only want what’s best for you.” “Thanks.” I eased away, having nothing more to say. Kevin hadn’t been all wrong. If Marcy hurt him, I’d be equally mistrustful of her. “I’ll call later with a name and number, and we’ll |
kicked off her shoes by the door. “I thought you were making spaghetti.” “I am.” “Don’t you just boil water and open a jar?” Her quizzical tone proved she wasn’t joking. Her disinterest in cooking puzzled me, yet she existed fine on granola cereal, canned soups, sandwiches, and eggs. Lucky for her Max hadn’t been particular about his diet. “I’m making a homemade ragù.” Meatballs slow cooked in the sauce, along with some pork ribs, hot sausage links, onion, and plenty of garlic. A go-to comfort food. As she made her way down the hallway, Erin grabbed her chest. “It smells so good. I love you!” That made me smile. With everything else going downhill, I soaked up any affirmation. “Hopefully, its taste will live up to your expectations.” Erin scrubbed one hand along the shorn side of her head. “Want me to clean lettuce?” I hesitated. There is a proper way to clean lettuce: first you chop it into small pieces, then rinse and dry it with the spinner and crisp it in a metal bowl with paper towels to absorb any remaining water. Keeping the lettuce crisp also requires making sure that diced cucumber, tomatoes, and onions are placed at the bottom of the bowl, beneath the cleaned lettuce, so the liquid in those veggies doesn’t make the lettuce soggy. Unfortunately, I’d seen Erin make a salad. She rips the lettuce in a haphazard fashion and leaves too much water on the leaves, then dumps everything on top |
