Page 149 of Golden Ruin

“The truth. Okay,” she says, setting her notecards aside, tapping her finger on them once before clasping both hands in her lap. “Then, tell me about Tiffany. From your perspective, who is Tiffany Pierce?”

“I can’t do that.”

Marla cocks her head. “Why not?”

I pause, weighing my words because I’ve seen the damage they can do.

“Because I don’t know her. Not this version of her. So, anything I say wouldn’t be accurate,” I answer. “But what I do know is that the person I saw you interview, the woman who called another woman’s parenting into question in front of millions of people… that isn’t someone I respect.”

Marla nods as she thinks. “How has Lexi been through all this? Especially with what you just mentioned about her parenting being called into question.”

Again, I don’t rush to speak.

“She’s… handling it with grace. She’s human, so of course she was hurt. She’s a damn good mother, so she was also pissed hearing the lies that were told. But at the end of the day… she’s the strongest person I know, so she’s doing well.”

For the first time since this interview began, Marla doesn’t look at me like she’s a shark who smells blood. She’s staring at me like I’m just another human, someone who’s flawed, someone who bleeds when wounded just like she does.

“The fire…” She looks down, clearing her throat. “That was another matter Tiffany brought up. According to her claim, this wasn’t the first fire Lexi’s been involved in.”

This is where I hesitate. Like, really hold back, because this isn’t my story to tell.

“The house fire was an accident, not a mistake on Lexi’s part, and certainly not something she caused on purpose.”

“But–”

“If anyone wants more info about it, there was a thorough investigation conducted months ago. I invite you and whoever else to search it out, read the report, and come to your own conclusion.”

My jaw tenses, but I hold my composure, holding Marla’s gaze.

“Hm,” she says again, making it seem as though she wants to push, but now she’s thinking better of it.

I glance offset to where I know Joss and Cliff are standing, and seeing as how Joss has been silent off camera, I’m guessing I’m not fucking this up too bad.

I meet Marla’s gaze again, and I’m still locked in, ready to do whatever it takes to protect my family.

But then, my phone buzzes in my pocket, and at the risk of being unprofessional, I read the text anyway.

Lexi: Tell her. I’m not hiding from who I used to be. Better they hear it from a reliable source than someone else.

I go over the message twice, still unsure whether I’ll say more, but then I remember this isn’t for me, isn’t about me. And if this is the only way Lexi’s story gets told accurately, then I’ll do what needs to be done.

“Well–”

“Have you ever made a mistake?” The question cuts Marla off, catches her off guard.

“Of course,” she says, smiling a little.

“I figured. Because we all have. No exceptions,” I add. “So, the situation you’re tiptoeing around is one of Lexi’s mistakes. A huge one. One she’d take back if she could.”

Marla leans in, listening closely.

“The person who set fire to that car was a different version of Lexi. A version who needed validation, needed healing, but she’s not that woman anymore. In many ways, being a mom grounded her, forced her to make wiser choices because she always has, and always will, put our son first.”

Marla is still quiet, staring like she’s maybe seeing things differently. Like maybe this isn’t quite the scandal she made it out to be.

“You asked me what I think of Tiffany,” I say. “I wasn’t really sure how to answer, but I think I know now. I’d challenge you, and anyone who might be listening, to ask yourself what kind of person kicks another person when they’re down. When they’ve lost everything, when they nearly lost a child, when they’re being forced to start over. Whatever conclusion you come to, I guess that’s the real Tiffany Pierce.”

Marla stares for a moment, then nods. “Then, I guess I only have one final question to ask. Considering the accusations that were made against you and Lexi a few weeks ago, and with how it contradicts what you’ve shared here today, do you intend to take legal action against Tiffany Pierce?”