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I’ve heard about Jordan and her mouth.
But none of them say anything.
Instead, a small warm hand slips into mine, and a sweet voice starts.
“That’s really great that Tanner took over the family business for you, Mr. Coleman.”
I look over at Lola.
Her eyes aren’t on me.
They aren’t on her plate.
They are on my father.
My father stares her back down, and I’m prepared to back her, to back her and leave.
Things have never gotten full-on toxic with my father; there’s never been a screaming match. He’s more about subtle digs and obvious disappointment. But it’s always brewing there.
“Did Ben tell you the business was supposed to go to the oldest son?” His eyebrow is raised like he caught me telling a lie to her. “That he was offered this business and, instead of taking it like a man, ran off to art school?”
“Dave!” my mother says, voice chiding. She might be a sweet wallflower, and my house may have been built with my dad’s own hands, but the walls are thin, and I spent many nights up, drawing while my mom and dad argued about my choices.
“I did know Ben followed his passion and utilized the amazing skill that was given to him. By you, Mrs. Coleman, from what I hear.” My mom blushes, and I kind of see what Tanner was saying—she is a lot like our mom. Sweet but with a backbone of steel. “Did you know that Ben had an auction a few weeks ago? And his art alone was sold for enough to cover two full-ride scholarships?” she counters.
I’ve seen this.
Tit for tat.
I also see my dad’s irritation start to bubble under the surface, Lola knowing exactly how to push him even though she barely knows the man.
Seems I’m a lot like my dad in a way, with the same buttons to push.
“And did you know he’s been helping with repairs to make sure our building is safe? He told me you taught him. He did a great job replacing my door and fixing my front lock when our landlord refused.” My dad starts to talk.
“And he saved my life.”
Everyone at the table goes silent.
I didn’t expect her to say this, not at all.
I haven’t told anyone in my family this part.
My eyes flit to Tanner, whose eyes are wide, then to Jordan, who is locked on Lola.
She fills the silence she created.
“A few weeks ago, someone tried to kidnap me.”
“Oh, dear!” my mom says.
“He would have gotten away with it. I’m not sure what would have happened to me had he succeeded, but Ben was on the phone with me, keeping me calm. He ran to save me, nearly got himself shot in the process, called the cops, andsaved my life.” I want to correct her.
She saved her own life, keeping him talking, getting that confession.
She saved her life and Lilah's as well.
Fuck, she spentyearssaving Lilah’s life.
