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Rebecca rounds on me. “How dare you—”
“Be quiet, Becky,” James hisses. She retreats into her shell like a scared little mouse. I guess she only has the energy to spew anger and hatred atme.
Mel holds up a beseeching hand to her father. “Dad, please, just—”
“You’re better than me?” James spits. “Have you told your sweet little college girl how much time you’ve spent behind bars? I’ll bet she doesn’t know she’s involved with a criminal.”
I freeze.Fuck. I didn't think this would come upnow.
It’s on me for not mentioning that part of my past to Grace. I want to throttle James for throwing it out there before I had a chance to share it with her myself.
I glance at her to see that her eyes are the size of saucers, and my heart drops. She’s found out that her “hero” is anything but.
Chapter 6
Grace
Ipeek out the kitchenwindow for the umpteenth time. Rowan is in the backyard with Kevin and he seems fine, but I’m dying to talk to him. I thought he’d want to leave immediately after the debacle with his stepfather and all the heated words that had been exchanged after James dropped the bombshell about his past. But surprisingly, he opted to stay a little longer with Mel and Kevin.
Fortunately, James and Rebecca left... after Mel asked them to leave. I could tell it was hard for her to stand up to them, but she did, in defense of her brother. I think Rowan was proud of her. He’s expressed concern about his sister getting her heart broken by her father over and over, and her determination to keep trying to get everyone together.
“I think he’s fine,” Mel says with a hint of amusement.
I glance at her questioningly. I offered to help her clean up after dinner and we’re just about done.
She smiles. “You keep peeking at my brother.”
Heat sears my cheeks. “I’m not clingy or anything...”
Mel laughs. “I’m sure you’re not. It’s cute how you check up on him.”
My lips twist into a wry grin. I keep checking on Rowan because he has a habit of retreating into his shell. I kind of hate Rebecca and James for showing up and steamrolling over his emotional peace. Mel’s, too. I can see the strain in her eyes.
“I haven’t checked up on you yet. How are you, Mel?” I glance at her swollen stomach with worry. A seven-months-pregnant woman does not need to be around people like James and Rebecca. Theyoozetoxicity. “Dinner was pretty tense.”
Rowan’s sister and I clicked the second he introduced us. I was nervous about meeting her, but as soon as I walked through her front door, she embraced me as if we’re old friends.
