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Another small laugh from Ruth. “Ronan really likes you. Says we’ve misjudged you. That you’re just a big softie under the gruff exterior.”
“A … softie?”
“Look at how happy the dogs are. You stepped up there. Big time.”
“I got a house out of the deal.”
Ruth gave her a long, considering look. “But it was never about the house, was it? Ms. Harmon was your friend.”
A shot to the heart. “Yeah.” And then — because Ruth’s hazel gaze was warm and open and, fuck it, sympathetic — she blurted, “My mom died today.”
Ruth paled, eyes widening. “My God,” she whispered, placing a hand on Felicity’s arm. “I am so sorry.”
“Not today, today.” Felicity let out a harsh laugh, already regretting the slip. “It’s been almost thirty years.”
Those fingers tightened on her arm. “But the pain lingers. The space never quite fills.”
“No.” Her throat tightened, her nose burning. “No, it doesn’t.”
Maggie returned from her patrol and started snuffling at the basket. Grateful for the distraction, Felicity retrieved the container of treats and offered her a biscuit.
The movement had Millie lifting an eyelid. She let out a put-upon sigh and lumbered to her feet, as if she were doing Felicity a favor by accepting one, too.
That, of course, got Maisie’s attention. She abandoned her intimidate-the-ducks routine and waddled closer, pressing briefly against Felicity’s knee for a rubdown before accepting her treat.
“They really are the cutest,” Ruth said.
Finally. Even footing. “Yeah. They’ve grown on me.”
A few beats of silence followed, filled only by the sound of munching dogs and the soft coo of a brave pigeon edging closer in search of crumbs.
“If you don’t mind me asking … how old were you when your mom passed?”
So much for even footing.
She didn’t pass. She was brutally murdered.
By her own brother.
The confession sat there, hovering on the tip of her tongue.
But of course, she couldn’t admit all that. “Nine.”
“Just a baby,” Ruth murmured. “That’s rough.”
“My sister was only six,” she blurted.
Fuck. What is it with me today?
Felicity straightened, fixed the foil around her wrap, and dropped it into the basket, unable to eat another bite. “Look. Forget I mentioned anything. Not sure why I even did.”
Ruth nodded. “I get that. I really do.”
A loaded silence settled between them.
Felicity just wanted the woman gone.
Ruth shifted beside her. “I know you want to be alone. And I’ll go … just—” She broke off, like she was second-guessing herself. “I’m not sorry we talked. I think … maybe you needed to say it out loud. About your mom. Your sister.” Picking up her muffin, she added, “We can forget this ever happened.”
