Page 64 of The Right Kind of Wrong

“You lost your grandmother and I understand that it hurts and that you're angry because your family have been no help whatsoever, but for whatever it's worth, you have my support. You can come to me for help. If you're not comfortable with us, or hell, even Nathan, you still have old man Carter. He's hurting too. Don't forget there are others. Don't turn into your mother, heartless and cruel, or as ambitious as your sister. And fine, stand up for what your grandmother believed in, but don't lose yourself in the process, dear. If you're half the person my son says you are, you can't forget it, especially because your grandmother wouldn't have liked it.”

“Is this what it's like? To have someone actually care?” I asked, admiring her for calling me out despite not knowing much about me.

She shrugged, a smug smile on her face. “My mom used to always tell me things as they were. I've learned to do the same.”

I nodded, returning the smile before standing back up.

“Now,” she said, looking around the room, “tell me what you're looking for so I can help you.”

I explained what had occurred in the morning and let her know what my parents and sister were planning. Deborah listened intently, paying attention to everything I had to say and to my reasoning as far as what to do to stop that from happening.

“Have you tried to talk to the notary who did your grandmother's power of attorney?”

My eyes widened. How had I not thought about that earlier?

Deborah gave me a pointed look. “See? Two minds work better than one.”

***

Deborah and I didn't arrive back at the house until later. She made the effort to keep me out of that place as much as possible and for that I was thankful. Once we arrived though, I knew I wouldn't be able to hide out forever. My parents were still there and I knew that they'd likely want to discuss earlier events.

To my relief, Nathan and his father were already back. As we walked up to the house, Deborah gave my shoulder a comforting squeeze, a gesture that meant more to me than words could explain.

“Where have you been, Evelyn?” came my mother's voice. I rolled my eyes, thanking Deborah so she didn't have to witness the chaos. However, she didn't leave.

My mom's eyes landed on the woman beside me, disbelief etching across her desires while she took in the image of us together.

“She seemed to be having a hard time,” Deborah said with a smile. “I took her out so she could distract herself. I hope you don't mind. It wouldn't be very motherly if you were to get mad at her for still needing some space to grieve. As mothers, we always want what's best for our kids…don't we?”

My mom was biting her tongue. Hannah stood behind her, her jaw working while staring at her mother-in-law.

“Of course,” my mother replied, forcing a smile. With suspicion, she took a step forward, extending her hand to my face and caressing my cheek. It was anything but sincere. “We can talk later.”

I nodded for the hell of it. There was no way that I was discussing anything with her, not without knowing what I was going to say.

Instead, I played along. “Sure, mom.”

I thanked Deborah before heading upstairs to my bedroom. Nathan was probably out in his studio and as much as I wanted to see him, I realized he probably needed some time alone as well.

After changing into an oversized shirt and getting comfortable for bed, I laid down, closing my eyes to try to relax. I was restless yet so tired at the same time.

Carter.

I searched for my phone frantically, calling him as soon as I found him. It had been a day or so since I saw him and now that Nana wasn't here anymore, I wasn't sure whether my family would let him keep his job.

“Evelyn,” he said as soon as he picked up.

I sighed, relieved.

“How are you, Carter?” I asked, laying back down and closing my eyes. He was a part of Nana that still lived and breathed.

He chuckled softly. “A bit bored, I would say, but nothing a good crossword puzzle won't solve.” I heard the rustling of papers in the background and then a curse when something fell down.

“Watch your language, Carter.”

“Ah, of course,” he laughed. “How are you, dear?”

Considering the circumstances I was okay. I was alive and though I didn't have the support of my parents I realized I wasn't alone at all. “I'm fine, Carter. I just wanted to know that you were okay too.”

He sighed. “Day by day, dear. That's all I can say. You have to take everything day by day.”

With that advice, we ended the call, agreeing to meet in the following days. I could still hear movement downstairs, so I knew there were people still up, but I didn't bother checking.

All I wanted to do was sleep and now it looked like it was evading me, as well.

---