AllFreeNovel
Share Us
If there’s anything cuter than a little girl with a puppy then I’ve never seen it.
Conner takes a turn being introduced to the dog while Henley strolls into the room.
He wasn’t my first stepfather but it looks like he might be the last. I guess he deserves some credit for standing the test of time.
Henley’s a big shot author. Matilda basically jumped in his lap one day at a book signing and latched on. We’ve never had much of a relationship and still don’t have much of one now but I know he likes to pat himself on the back for trying.
“Hey, Micah.” He holds out his hand, leaving me with little choice but to shake it unless I want to be a dick to Charlotte’s dad while she watches.
“Henley.”
After that, we have nothing else to say to each other. He turns his attention to Conner and starts babbling about football, unaware that it’s clear he has no clue what he’s talking about.
Matilda’s fluttery voice drifts down the hall. “Why does no one call before stopping by? Manners seem to be extinct these days.”
Dani answers, sounding a little testy. “I stop by all the time without calling.”
“And I’m always so happy when you do, sweetheart. I love that new dress you’re wearing, by the way. Your taste is impeccable. I would have chosen the same myself.”
The click clack of heels approaches and my spine stiffens.
“Boys.” Matilda presents herself in the doorway and arranges her face into a smile. It doesn’t come naturally. “What a surprise.”
“They’re here to meet Total,” Charlotte announces as she continues to cuddle with the dog.
“That’s wonderful, Charlotte. But you need to put him down this instant. We don’t yet know his temperament and you will be covered in dog hair.”
Conner throws me a look.
I roll my eyes toward the ceiling.
Henley makes peace. “We’ll take him for a walk in the backyard later, Char. Start getting him used to the leash.”
My little sister sighs and reluctantly sets down her pet.
I clear my throat. “Sorry if we’re disturbing you. We were in the neighborhood.”
She laughs, high and affected, gliding over to peck my cheek. She misses by a few inches. “Oh, it’s fine. What mother doesn’t want to see her only son?”
YOU. That’s who.
She steps back and studies my face more closely. I don’t miss the flare of disapproval in her eyes. I forgot about how Halligan did a number on my jaw. It’s swollen and bruised enough to be noticeable.
I’ve never invited my mother to any of my fights. I don’t want her there. The idea is cringeworthy. But she doesn’t need to behave like my line of work is no better than pimping on the streets.
There’s little point in having these thoughts.
Matilda is not as bad as she used to be. That’s not a very high bar to clear but it’s better than nothing. I do my best to get along with her for Charlotte’s sake if nothing else.
“Is it all right if I go see Cecile?” I’m asking the question just to be polite. I’m going upstairs to visit my grandmother no matter what.
“Of course.” Her smile is thin and she moves to adjust Henley’s polo shirt collar. “The art deco overhaul was just completed last week. Enjoy.”
“Okay.” Like I fucking care about her new furniture.
“Tell Cecile I’ll be up to visit in a minute,” Conner says. He seems very taken with the dog, allowing it to gnaw on his arm like a piece of rawhide.
“Will do.”
