Page 196 of Remorseless
Momma glided to the bed. Automatically, Bailey scooted over, comforted when her mother sat and settled her arm around Bailey’s shoulder.
“Oh, sugar. I know you wanted your daddy there. I sent him a bunch of pictures.”
If he wanted to see her so bad, he should’ve been there. “It’s okay, Momma,” she said instead. She didn’t want her to feel bad or as ifherefforts were unappreciated. “You were there and that’s all that’s important.”
No matter what, her mother went out of her way to be there for Bailey. All her children. It didn’t matter that she kept switching college majors and Creighton accused her of wasting his money and her time.
That had gone over well.Not.He was stupid and arrogant, but he had a lot of connections. Momma didn’t want to lose Duke, although Bailey doubted she still loved Creighton.
Sometimes, she felt as if Momma still loved Daddy, which must’ve been so miserable.
“You daddy’s so upset he couldn’t make it.”
Bailey nodded, then laid her head on her mother’s shoulder. “I know, Momma.”
What else could she say?
“One of his brothers…” Momma’s voice trailed off and she cleared her throat. “He visited once when you were a small girl. He has a daughter two years younger than you…”
Sitting up, Bailey fell silent. Referring to men who weren’t related by blood as brothers was stupid.
“They ran into some problems. K-P…he couldn’t come, Bailey.”
“It’s fine, Momma. You look so pretty,” she said, adept at setting aside anything she couldn’t deal with. She found ways to distract herself. She’d lose herself in novels. Or study for the SAT. She’d read about her chosen career. Or volunteer. Or exercise. She’d findsomethingto keep her busy. “Are you and Creighton going to a charity event or out for a good time?”
“Neither. It’s a private function with a bunch of sadity motherfuckers.”
Bailey laughed.
“Where’s Rissa and Lex?”
“At Meme’s. We can always drop you off there on our way to English Turn.”
“Big balling,” Bailey said.
English Turn was an upscale community on the West Bank. They lived in Eastover, another high-end subdivision, in New Orleans East, which was on the opposite side of town.
“It’s okay. I’m tired anyway.”
Momma kissed Bailey’s temple. “Sometimes, it’s good to let shit out, sugar.”
“I’m fine, Momma.”
“You’re hurt, baby. I understand, but your daddy—” Momma heaved in a breath. “I told K-P he has one more fucking time to disappoint you. I’m bringing my ass to Hortensia to cut his fucking ass.”
Exactly what Bailey didn’t want to happen. Her mother losing her temper. It was the reason Bailey always demanded herself to keep calm and carry on. One little flinch and Momma would burn a swath of destruction to avenge any of her children.
Usually, Daddy was exempt.
Her mother’s change of heart annoyed her and she scowled.
“Maybe, ifyouhadn’t given him a pass for so long, he wouldn’t keep doing it.”
Either he wouldn’t have promised to be there for days and saw no compunction in pulling out at the last minute or he would’ve kept his word.
“First, check your fucking attitude, Bailey. I’m trying to play devil’s advocate for him andyou. Second, express yourself but respect me. I’m on yourside but what the fuck you’re not doing is shitting on me because you’re angry with him.”
“According to you, he’s a saint,” Bailey grouched.
