Page 21 of Dreaming Without Heartache

“She made Maisie sleep in the bed anyway. Gigi said she needed to learn a lesson. I grabbed a towel and covered it, but she wouldn’t let us change the sheets.” Kara looks down at her hands. I know how much she loves her sister, no matter how hard she’s been with me. Kara practically walks on water when it comes to Judy, but Maisie’s a different story. Kara has Annie’s protective trait. That’s the kid I’ve always known and adored.

This woman messed with the wrong kids. I push to my feet and start pacing the kitchen, scrolling to find Judy’s number. Kara rushes over and places her hand on top of my phone.

“Please don’t,” she pleads. I glance at Maisie, who seems just as scared. I wonder if she threatened the girls not to tell me.

“Gigi is wrong and needs to be told.”

“Please, Aunt Allie.” Maisie wipes her eyes as she looks at me. The fury inside me crumbles as I realize that it’s not just about me wanting to set Judy straight. I have to consider how this affects the girls. Especially because this is embarrassing for Maisie.

“Please,” Kara repeats when I don’t answer right away.

I look between them, it’s clear they’re afraid of Judy. As much as I want to tear into her, I read the moment and know that I have to put this on hold. For now. I’m not sure what she’s said or done to make them cautious, but it’s concerning. I place my phone on the table as I sit down across from Maisie. Kara returns to her side of the table. The silence is prominent as the girls wait for me to speak.

“Is your pizza still warm?” I glance between them. They nod in unison, eyes lowered. My heart aches with everything they’ve been through. Annie never wanted them to have a tough life. “Kara?” She looks at me questioning my next words. “Why don’t you call Olivia and see if she and Sam want to come over around six o’clock for s’mores by the fire.”

Kara’s eyes light up as she straightens. “Really?”

“Absolutely.” I nod. “Maisie, do you want to invite a friend over too?” She shakes her head, then looks at Kara.

“You can hang out with me and Olivia,” Kara says with a small smile. “We’ll have fun. And maybe Sam can french braid your hair tonight the way you like.”

“Yeah!” Maisie says, seeming more excited now. “I’ve been wanting to have that done.”

“Good deal,” I say. “Let’s finish lunch, then we need to go get the stuff to make s’mores.”

“Can we have hot dogs too? It’s fun cooking them with the stick,” Maisie says. Her smile spreads wide, showing all those missing teeth. I melt with it.

“Mmhmm.” I wiggle my body side to side as I lift my shoulders. “I love a good grilled hot dog. Will you cook mine for me?”

“Yes!” Maisie giggles. It’s the best sound I’ve heard all day.

“Can Olivia and Sam eat dinner with us too?” Kara sits a little more upright in her chair, hopefulness radiating from her.

“Why not!” I wink at Maisie. She giggles again. Kara claps.

It’s hard to pretend I’m okay with what I just discovered. I’m devastated that someone who is supposed to love their grandchildren would do such a horrible thing. What lesson did Judy think Maisie would learn by making her sleep in her own urine? What kind of person would do this to a child? Especially one who has lost so much at such a young age. This isn’t over for me and Judy. But right now, it’s not about me.

Chapter Nine

“Olivia!” Kara squeals as the doorbell rings and takes off down the hall. Maisie and I watch from the table as we finish up the cookout prep. She’s been quiet since lunch. It worries me.

Laughter fills the house as Olivia and Kara make their way into the kitchen. I smile, soaking in the lightness. I hope Maisie can join in on the fun and let her heartache go for a little while.

“I feel like I’ve been here more than my own home this weekend,” Sam says as she enters the room, holding a bag and a bottle of wine. “I brought my not-so-famous baked beans again, a fruit tray, and wine.” Her bright smile warms me, letting me know how much I enjoy her company.

“Hi, again!” I smile back. “This is becoming a habit.” I take the bag from her.

“Hello, my sweet Maisie girl.” Sam goes over and hugs her. I don’t know if she can read Maisie’s mood, but she definitely earns major points in my book for that.

Maisie smiles at Sam. “We’re having hot dogs and s’mores.”

“I’m so excited!” Sam winks. “What can I do to help?”

“Maisie?” Kara says as she and Olivia enter the dining room. “Come see Olivia’s nails. You’re going to love them.”

Maisie hops off the chair, her eyes bright with curiosity, and takes off toward them. I watch as the girls engage in conversation. I made a good decision this time. I’m hoping for more of those good moments than the bad.

“I guess I should go light the fire,” I say to Sam, gesturing toward the back door. “Want to join me?” The firepit we used last night is my favorite part of the house. It’s a circle of beautiful stones. I stack the new wood in the pit and light it. Sam sits down behind me as I poke the logs, helping the fire catch.