"It's not your fault, sweetie.''
The gentleness in her voice relaxed me slightly. For a few minutes, our conversation stayed light. Safer. She asked about the move, and I told her the movers Remy hired had been amazing.
She shook her head knowingly. "My baby is always trying to take care of everybody."
"Yeah," I smiled softly looking down at my coffee. "He really does."
Silence settled for a moment before she finally set her fork down. "Gianna…" she said gently. "Can I be honest with you?"
My stomach knotted instantly. "Of course."
She nodded slowly gathering her thoughts. "I judged you too quickly before. I think as a mother…I panicked." Her eyes held mine sincerely. "But seeing you with Remy and the way Melo gushes about you…" she smiled faintly. "I understand now."
Emotion flickered across my face.
"He loves you," she continued softly. "And maybe more importantly…my grandson loves you too."
My throat tightened. "I love them too," I said earnestly. "I only want to do what's best for them, Ms. Betty."
"I know you do." She nodded. "That's what makes this so hard."
The warmth I had started to feel slowly faded.
Ms. Betty folded her hands together on the table. "When Remy came to pick up Melo yesterday…" her eyes lowered briefly. "Seeing my son bruised up like that shook me."
I swallowed hard.
"And then seeing Melo scared?" She shook her head slowly. "That really hurt my heart."
Guilt immediately tarted creeping in.
"I know Remy." She looked back at me. "That boy loves hard. Always has. And when he loves somebody, he'll put himself on the line for them without even thinking twice."
Every word felt heavier than the last. "Ms. Betty—" I began.
"Let me finish, baby."
I nodded quietly.
She reached across the table, gently covering my hand with hers. "I'm not blaming you for any of this. I truly hope you know that." Her voice softened further. "But I can already see where this is heading if things keep escalating."
My heartbeat quickened.
She continued, "He has a son depending on him. A business. A life he has worked very hard for." Her eyes searched minecarefully. "And I think Remy would risk every bit of it for you if it came down to it."
Tears instantly burned behind my eyes.
"That scares me, Gianna," her voice shook. "Because I don't think he'd even hesitate."
The tears that were burning behind my eyes finally fell. I brushed them away quickly with my free hand.
Ms. Betty patted my hand gently. "You know…you remind me of her in some ways."
"Kendrix?" I asked softly.
She nodded.A distant look crossed her face. "Yeah—that woman—"she let out a soft breath and smiled sadly to herself. "She was beautiful, just like you. Warm. Kind. Loving. Had this little feisty attitude too." She chuckled quietly. "Melo gets that from her."
A watery smile broke free on my face. "She sounds amazing."
