Page 135 of Take This Heart
Goldie moves next to me, fearless. “It became our business when you tried to turn her against us instead of taking the time to get to know her. You should want her to have all the love possible, not hide her away and pull her out like an accessory!”
Bruce shakes his head and looks at Ava. “One positive conversation with them and you’ve turned against me, is that it?”
“I’m not trying to turn against you,” Ava says firmly. “I’m trying to figure out who I am. I’m trying to get to know my whole family, not take sides. You made me believe they were horrible people and they’re not!”
“You know nothing!” Bruce yells.
Everett steps beside Goldie now, tall and steady. He looks healthier than he has in months. “Have some dignity, Bruce. Let this ridiculous battle go.”
Bruce’s gaze flickers between all of us, settling on Ava and then me. “I won’t forget this,” he says.
He turns and walks to his car, slamming the door hard. After he drives off, we stand in silence for a beat.
Goldie moves toward Ava and she jumps. Goldie pauses, holding her hands up.
“Sorry,” she says. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Ava takes a shaky breath. “No, it’s okay.”
“It’s been a good day,” Goldie says. “Please don’t let him ruin that. His words aren’t your truth.”
Ava’s face crumbles and Goldie holds her arms out. Ava walks into them and they hug for a long time.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
LET YOUR HAIR DOWN
GOLDIE
After an emotionally fraught week, it’s nice to have a fairly low-key one.
Tonight, I'm on my way to The Cozy Palette. Erin was able to get in touch with Percy and they were okay with us using the building tonight. I’m lugging a few canvases to share since I don’t know what is available at the shop anymore. When I walk inside, Juju and Erin are already there. I follow the sound of laughter and find them by the big workstation in the back.
Erin is wearing a helmet and holding up a blowtorch.
“Oh my God, what are we doing tonight? I thought we were doing wine and acrylic pours on a canvas. This looks hardcore!” I set the canvases on the island and tug off my zipped hoodie
“Oh, don't act like you don't know hardcore,” Erin says,grinning. “And oops, I forgot that’s what I wanted to do.” She makes a face. “I blame ADHD and a dream I had.”
“I’m a little intimidated in the art department with you two,” Juju says, “but I'm willing to try...whatever we’re doing.”
“You guys can paint on a canvas if you want. Or you can make something out of this.” Erin lifts a big chunk of metal and points at the various metals laid out on the table.
“Ooo,” I say, rummaging through the bucket with everything from buttons to knobs.
“I’m gonna try to turn this into a warrior with armor and everything,” Erin says. “My very own Joan of Arc. I want it in my bedroom. It’d be fun to have a jump-scare every time I get up in the middle of the night, and then be like, ‘Oh, hey, Joanie. Thanks for watching out for me.’”
Juju and I stare at her for a beat.
“How do you think of these things?” I say.
“I’m just blessed that way.” She lifts a shoulder.
“Your mind is a fascinating place,” I tell her.
“It is.” Juju giggles. “Maybe you’re the most well-rounded of all of us. A little scary, a little hilarious, and everything in between.”
Erin slaps her backside. “Why, thank you. I prefer being told I’m shaped like a peach, but well-rounded works too.”
