Page 60 of Rebellious

“I’m sorry, CJ,” Harley said. “I know how much you wanted you and Molly to win.”

“No, bae. That entry didn’t advance. Skye and me placed fourth.”

“No shit?” Ryan blurted. “A Caldwell boy lost?”

“Fuck off.” CJ snickered and flipped Ryan off. “If that pie was mine, you should’ve saved me a slice.”

“Mom’s acting weird, so she didn’t say anything when Dad asked for a piece at dinner, then more for breakfast.”

CJ scratched his temple. “I, uh, yeah, dude. I understand.”

“I-I can make the pie,” Harley admitted hesitantly, wondering if CJ knew Aunt Zoann’s secret. “Aunt Zoann showed me how.”

Shaking his head, Ryan set his cigarette in the ashtray on the coffee table. “Still a lucky motherfucker, CJ.”

Harley wasn’t sure what that meant, so she remained silent.

“What do you say, Harley?” CJ asked, ignoring Ryan. “Would you like to visit Rebel?”

“Does she want to see me?”

Before CJ answered, Lolly walked into the den, though Harley hadn’t heard the bell again.

Lolly’s eyes were swollen and red—clearly she’d been crying. She wore no makeup and her hair was brushed back. Though she wore a simple jean dress with a flared hemline, she carried a large leather Prada tote bag.

Harley glanced behind Lolly, hoping to see her mother, but Mommie wasn’t there.

“She’s still at the hospital, baby,” Lolly told her, somehow always knowing Harley’s thoughts.

Tears rushing to her eyes, Harley nodded and sucked her lower lips between her teeth.

CJ sat next to her and hugged her. “It’s okay. Harley. Aunt Bailey is going through a lot right now. She’s always been a good mom. Once she’s better, she’ll talk to you again.”

“You know?” Harley asked around a sob.

“I was on the way here when Grant called me and gave me an update.”

“If you want to go with CJ, Grant, and Ryan to the hospital and visit Rebel, that’s fine, sugar,” Lolly told her, then held the bag a little higher. “I brought everything I need for your hair.”

It wasn’t time to re-braid her hair, but after several washes some needed tightening. “We can do it here and have a hot meal waiting for when Zoann gets back home. Or you can go with the boys and I’ll cook at home. I’m fine either way, but I couldn’t rest knowing what that bitch said to you. How she rejected you. I was ready to beat her ass. She’s already at the hospital. What’s one more goddamn injury? No motherfucker, alcohol, or problem will ever make me turn against my children.”

“Was Daddy in the room?” Harley asked in a small voice.

“When she said she wished you’d never been born and all that other shameful bullshit?”

Harley nodded.

“No, him and Knox were on a conference call with Hal—” Pop’s father. “Mama is beside herself and your aunts are ready to beat that bitch sober. If they get their hands on her, she won’t need rehab, she’ll need a long fucking hospital stay.” Lolly started to fan herself. “Lawd Jesus, I’m so fucking angry and hurt and worried.”

Harley cleared her throat. “Wh-what do you want me to do?”

“This isn’t about me or Bailey or Mortician, Harley,” Lolly told her. “It’s about you and what you need.”

“Where are Kaleb and Lou?” she asked, worried about her brothers.

“With Bunny and Digger,” Lolly answered.

Harley rested her head against CJ’s chest. She didn’t want to offend Rebel or disappoint CJ, but she wanted to stay with her grandmother. Despite what Lolly said, her grandmother needed someone, too.