Page 51 of The Moment They Can Never Forgive
Nina was a beautician in The Gnat, which was the business Zoe’s husband, JD, owned. A one-stop shop for beautifying, with a hairdresser, masseuse, tattoos, and facials, plus someone doing manicures. So far Leah had stayed away, even though Zoe had told her she needed a haircut, and likely would for some time, seeing as she was saving her money for more important things, like feeding her nephew and starting her business.
“I see what you mean, she really has let herself go,” Nina said, her eyes running up and down Leah.
Shortish, blonde, and beautiful, Nina was all class and could drop a man where they stood with a single cutting comment. Leah had always liked her. Like the other two women, they had grown up together.
“Lovely to see you, too, Nina,” Leah drawled, falling back on what she did best. Having an attitude.
“So, Hudson,” Birdie said. “You want to have a sleepover with Ally, Sawyer, and Ryder? They’re having a movie night and all sleeping in the living room on mattresses.”
“Birdie—”
“Really?” Hudson said, hopping from foot to foot like he used to do when he was excited, which hadn’t happened often lately.
“Really. Ally said you can choose one movie, and the other one will be something you like too. They have popcorn and chocolate,” Birdie added. “Sadie sleeps like her daddy mostnights, so she shouldn’t wake up, no matter how much noise you make.”
“Can I, Aunt Leah? Will you be all right without me?” Hudson asked, turning his big brown eyes on her, filled with hope and excitement.
“Of course she will because we’re taking her out for the night,” Zoe said, entering the conversation.
“What?” Leah had no intention of going anywhere.
“You go on and get your things you want to take, Hudson. Pj’s, favorite sleeping toy, that kind of thing,” Phoebe said.
“Cool!” Hudson scampered into the house as fast as his little legs could carry him.
“He’s never slept over,” Leah said hands on her hips. “You didn’t even ask me. You just said he’s going, and?—”
“Wow, settle down, girl,” Nina said.
“I’m not settling down,” Leah snapped. “He is my responsibility. I don’t like other people making decisions about what Hudson does.”
This must be what parents feel like,Leah thought as she glared at the women before her.
“He’ll have fun and be safe with Sawyer and Ally, and to say otherwise is insulting,” Zoe said, her eyes sparking with anger.
“Don’t you come at me, Zoe Duke.” Leah fumed. “You can’t just tell me what to do like you used to. This is different, I’m different, and I have a little boy to consider.”
Birdie, who had stayed silent until now, stepped closer and put her arms around Leah.
“I’m sorry. We’re worried about you because you never leave this place, and we knew if we asked, you’d say no, so we decided this was the faster way to get you to come out to girls’ night.”
“I’m all right, Birdie, and I have left this place.”
“When?” Nina demanded.
“I’ve been into town often, plus movie night at the McAllisters’.”
“You need a break,” Zoe said.
“Look, things are just different for me now. I have Hudson,” Leah said.
“We know that,” Phoebe said. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun, Leah. You know the boys will look after him, and he loves Ally.”
“I know,” Leah said, the anger leaving her body as fast as it came.
“And drinks are on us,” Birdie added.
“I can buy my own damn drinks,” Leah said, her hackles rising again. She hated pity, or charity, or anything that reminded her of her childhood.
