Page 121 of Sterling Stone

She has nothing to apologize for and nothing to thank me for either.

I’m the grateful one tonight.

This evening has been . . . everything.

For the next week, Taxi and I don’t see much of each other. I’m focused on that case with the shoe that was found near the falls, a child who was still missing from the area. And Taxi takes extra time to spend with her sister.

But after our fourth phone call about Taxi and Jolene bickering over the littlest things, I suggested Taxi take a break and meet me for lunch. I’ve been working on something for her anyway, and I’m ready to share it with her.

We plan to meet at the diner for lunch. They serve the perfect grilled cheese with tomato soup.

As I’m early, I already have a seat in a booth toward the back when Taxi tosses herself on the bench seat across from me.

A sharp huff exits her, and I chuckle. “You alright?”

“Define alright. I’m always confused. Is it one word or two?”

I chuff. “What’s wrong?” Jolene has been at the heart of Taxi’s frustrations this week.

“If I thought taking care of Trudy was exhausting, now I have Jolene to contend with. And while living room campouts were fun as kids, they are not fun as adults.”

Taxi goes into a long tirade about her sister and their fight over the use of the couch.

“Like I want to be couch surfing at my age. Playing eenie-meenie-miney-moe to see who gets that lumpy old thing.”

She sighs heavily and waves a heavy hand. “I get it. We probably have unresolved issues from our childhood. Some psychology book somewhere has a case study about us.”

“Really?” I ask, a bit surprised.

Taxi shakes her head. “I’m being dramatic. I’m learning from Jolene.” She squints, looking out the window at her side.

“It’s just . . . she’s my sister. And I love her. I do.” She glances back at me. “But she can just get under my skin.”

I snort, knowing exactly what she means. Sebastian was never easy. Ford was so determined. Judd closed in on himself. Even Knox could be evasive. Only Clay and Vale were the open ones.

“And I try to be understanding.” Her voice lowers. “Our mother is in jail. Killed their father.” She whispers. “I only ever had Mama, but she took their daddy, too.”

From what I remember, her sisters were pretty young when their dad died. I don’t know how strong their memories of either parent might be. Vale certainly has none of our mother; Sebastian and Ford both admit their memories of her are weak.

Trudy and Carlton Wallace are the only parental figures they’ve known, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t without their own personal trauma. Hurt and frustration that only they understand.

“We aren’t close,” Taxi admits. “But we do stay in touch. When we can. When we have cell service. I try to stay in touch with them.”

She rolls her eyes. Apparently, this must be an excuse for a lack of communication. However, there are places that still don’t have the best service.

And I understand again. Taxi wanted to keep her sisters close, maybe. Keep tabs on them. Make them feel like they have her. Whether that’s to ease the unnecessary guilt she harbors or because she truly wants a relationship doesn’t matter. It’s most likely both.

“Ugh.” Taxi leans forward and presses the heels of her hands against her eyes. “And I’m trying to be so good for Aunt Trudy.” Her voice is thick; watery but resolute.

“Taxi,” I say slowly. “Take a deep breath.”

She keeps her eyes closed, elbows on the table, and blows harshly from her lips.

“Try again. A little slower.” I slide my hand across the table, wanting her to take it. Wanting to comfort her somehow, ease her burden. Wanting her to know she doesn’t have to feel alone, be alone. I’m here to shoulder what she’ll give me.

When she still doesn’t look at me or my hand, I breathe in, hold a second, and slowly release, willing her to follow my lead.

She tries again, but her breath is still choppy, eyes still shut. She swipes underneath one of them, and something in me cracks. I do not want to watch this strong, proud woman fall apart.