Page 104 of Forfeits

“That’s actually none of your business, Annie.”

“He works with Patrick,” Aiden said. “Robin is very responsible and—”

“I beg your pardon, but I’m speaking to my son-in-law,” Annie interrupted.

And that was it. I slammed my hand on the dining room table, making everyone jump. Brian’s eyes went wide, and he put a hand on his wife’s arm.

“Don’t you dare speak to him that way. Don’t you dare come into my home, intimidate my babysitter and speak rudely to Aiden.”

“We’re Lucy’s grandparents. We have a right to know if she’s being looked after.”

“She was being looked after.”

“Not by her father, though,” Annie said, waving her hand at the sofa. “By some namby-pamby boy in frilly clothes and makeup!”

“You keep saying that,” I said. “Do you have a problem with those particular pieces of clothing? And I believe you’re wearing makeup, Annie.”

Annie glanced at Brian for support, but he stayed quiet.

“Oh, come on. It’s not normal for a boy to dress like that.”

Aiden cleared his throat. “Actually, un-gendered dressing is becoming very popular. Lots of men and women dress opposite to their assumed gender.”

I closed my eyes. I appreciated Aiden trying to help, but honestly, his words were flying against deaf ears.

“It’s ridiculous,” Annie said. “I don’t know why people can’t just wear the clothes they’re supposed to.”

I couldn’t even argue with her anymore. It was too ridiculous, and I didn’t have the brain cells.

“Now that you know Lucy is safe, is there anything else I can help you with?” I asked.

“Fletcher, we don’t think you should be going out with other men until all hours of the evening.”

“For fuck’s sake, it’s Friday night. Wait! What do you mean by ‘other’ men?” I asked.

Brian tugged on his wife’s arm. “Annie, we should go.”

But it was too late.

“Other than Daniel?” I asked, realization dawning. “Is that what you mean?”

Annie shook her head, as if waking from a dream.

“I don’t—” she started to say.

“That can’t be what you meant, Annie, because Daniel is dead. My husband, Daniel, is dead.”

“Fletcher,” Aiden said in low tones.

“What? Daniel is dead, Aiden. And apparently Brian and Annie think that means I can’t have another relationship.”

“I’m sure they don’t think that,” Aiden said, putting a hand on my back, trying to contain the imminent explosion.

“I won’t stand here and have my son’s name—” Annie stuttered.

“What? I can’t speak about Daniel, either?” I put my hand on the table and leaned toward her. “What gives you the right to tell me what to do?”

“Lucy is… Lucy is our granddaughter.”

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