Page 94 of Twisted Truths

I moved close enough she’d either have to take a step back or reach for me as I lowered my voice. “You weren’t talking about Victoria, were you?”

She pressed her lips together, and I watched a tear spill over her lashes. “No.”

“Why?” I demanded.

“You got what you wanted. Isn’t that what you said? And then you said you didn’t want it.” She narrowed her eyes. “Those wereyourwords, Henry. Not mine.”

“I didn’t use you.” Grabbing her arms, I stopped her from moving away from me. “I tried to explain, and you knocked my nuts through my nose.”

“You were drunk.” She growled.

“Boys?” Mr. Walsh called out, and the brothers ran over. “Go inside and wash your hands. We’re going for pizza.”

The boys cheered, and Charlie followed Dillon inside.

Dad stepped closer to us and pushed me back while he looked at her. “Miranda?”

“Yes?” She swallowed and more tears slipped down her cheek.

“Is that my grandson?” His voice was soft, and I noticed his eyes glazed over with unshed tears.

She nodded. “He’s your grandson.”

“I think you both have things to discuss.” He nodded and looked at us while chuckling. “I can’t believe there’s another goat involved.”

“I fail to see what’s funny here.”

“Son.” He chuckled. “I promise someday you will see the humor.”

“She belongs to a resident at the home. I’m just caring for her until they get the area finished. That’s the same reason I have the fucking geese.” She threw her hands up in exasperation. “People think if you have a barn, they can fill it.”

“I’m going to take my grandsons for pizza.”

A frown marred her face, and I noticed she still had her freckles.

“Charlie likes green peppers and black olives. But he can never remember what they’re called, so if he asks for spots, that’s what he wants.”

“You don’t even know my dad and you’re just letting him take the boy?”

“Did you go deaf?” Miranda laughed and shook her head. “That’s his grandchild. He’s sober. And he wants to take the boys for dinner.” She threw her hands up. “I think I can be okay with that.”

My dad pulled out his wallet and showed Miranda a picture, and her tears ran fast. “Oh fuck. He’s a carbon copy.”

“Wassa carb copy?” Dillon asked, with Charlie standing beside him.

“It means more than one of the same thing.” She explained and Dillon nodded.

“You says another bad word, Mommy.”

“I know.” She crouched down to his level, wiping a smudge of dirt from his cheek. “Charlie, you be a good boy for…” She swallowed hard. “Grandpa.”

He nodded as Dillon moved in closer. “Is you coming for za?”

“No. You boys go have fun with your grandpa.” She reached over and wiped something from Dillon’s cheek.

Charlie looked up at me, over to my dad, and back to her. “Mommy? Why’s you cryin’?”

“Because mommy did something really stupid.”

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