Page 35 of Always a Chance
“Yes, you can.” Mom joined us, her eyes hard.
Finley bit back a grin. “Mom, we’ve talked about the eavesdropping thing.”
“That doesn’t apply to Johnny.” She stood her ground. “He’s the baby, and he never tells me anything.”
“Well, my job here is done.” Finley dipped into an awkward curtsy. “You’re welcome.”
She couldn’t possibly think I’d thank her for sticking Mom on me. I released a sigh and turned back to watch Cole chase Cane.
Mom followed my gaze, letting a few beats pass. “Cole, your mother is looking for you inside.”
Cole thundered up the steps with Cane on his heels and disappeared into the house, leaving me alone with the one woman who’d always seen through me.
“I want Talia to come to dinner. Tonight. Now. She’s home. I already checked with Gigi.”
“Mom, I can’t—”
“You can and you will. That girl is my favorite daughter, and I’ve missed her.”
“I’ll make sure not to tell Finley.” I tried my best not to laugh, but my family made it hard.
“Oh, you know what I mean. I wasn’t including your sister in that.”
“Yes, because daughter obviously doesn’t include your actual daughter.”
Pain spread across the back of my head as she slapped it and then slapped it again. “Johnny Kelly, do not sass me in my own house.”
“Ow, Mom, stop.” I stumbled toward the steps. “You’ve lost your mind.”
“No, you have if you think I’m going to let you keep Talia away.” She backed up. “You’re welcome here again when she’s with you.”
“What? You can’t be serious.” What was wrong with this family?
She reached behind her and opened the door. “Serious as a dietician in a candy store.”
“That doesn’t even make any—”
“Go.” She walked into the house and shut the door.
I tried to go after her, but the knob wouldn’t turn. “Locked? Mom, really?”
“I will open this door for Talia, and you’re welcome to come in with her. But hurry up before your brothers eat all the tamales.”
I turned away from the house, pushed a hand through my hair, and gazed out at the hazy evening. The moment I stepped off the porch, a fat raindrop landed on my cheek. Just great.
I considered getting in my car and leaving, but I’d never hear the end of it. Aidan was right. Talia was our only chance. More raindrops fell as I sprinted across the lawn and up onto her porch. The thought of tamales kept me from hesitating. Knowing Tanner, he’d eat them all just to annoy me.
I knocked three times and waited.
When the door opened, Mr. Hillson stood before me. “Johnny? Did Gigi know you were stopping by? She’s lying down, I’m afraid. Not feeling too well today.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m actually here for Talia.”
His expression changed from curious to sad, the way it always did when Gianna mentioned her sister. I didn’t understand how Talia’s relationship with her father had deteriorated to this point, but I found myself wanting to fix it, to be Talia’s hero, like I’d once strived for.
Though she hadn’t needed one.
“I’m here.” Talia stood behind him in a pair of blue yoga pants and a long t-shirt that hung off one shoulder. “I’ll talk to him, Dad.”
