Page 55 of Tortured Tones

Charlotte shrieked, smacked her hand on the table, and tossed her sippy cup onto the floor. Yep. The kid was craving some attention too.

Hannah jumped up to retrieve the cup. Her angry eyes glared at Cole.

“Oh, shit,” Lola whispered to Cole. “I didn’t know you had guests.”

“That’s um . . . my kid. And her grandmother.”

Lola’s face blanched as she stepped backward toward the door. “You have a kid? Cole, why didn’t you tell me? I don’t do kids.”

“What? Charlotte’s fine.” He rubbed at the deep lines forming on his brow.

“I’m sure she is. But I’m not.” Lola’s angelic mode switched to a harsh feistiness. “Kids aren’t for me. Not even by association. I’m out of here.” She gave Cole a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’ll wait outside for my Uber. Thanks for a great night. But bye.”

I opened the door for her. I knew that tone. She wouldn’t be calling him in a hurry.

Smirking, I was a bit too quick to shut the door behind her. Good riddance.

But then I glared at Cole. What was he thinking? I didn’t care that Lola had been here or that she didn’t want to be around kids, but him letting her strut downstairs in her lingerie in front of Charlotte struck a nerve.

It wasn’t my place to say anything.

But I didn’t have to.

Hannah stormed over.

She pointed at the door and hissed in his face, “What the hell was that? You’re bringing different girls home every other night and confusing Charlotte. She has had enough stress adjusting to a new home and new people—she doesn’t need any more. I don’t care who you sleep with. But don’t parade them around in front of your three-year-old. Especially young ladies in their underwear, if you can call that piece of lace a garment.”

“She was hot, wasn’t she?” Smugness twinkled in his eyes.

Hannah’s face reddened. “You find time to go out to all hours of the night and bring home women. You find time to run. Time to hang out with your friends. Yet again, you’re about to rush off for the day. When are you going to spend time with your daughter? You’ve hardly spent more than a minute with her since we arrived.”

“I have. When she was sick. And when everyone came over. And...and...” Yeah, he couldn’t think of any other significant length of time. Dick.“That’s what you’re here for. To take care of her.”

“No.” Hannah took a step closer. “I’m here to help you and her adjust. I’m here to take care of her when you have rehearsals, events, tour obligations, and shows. But the rest of the time, she’s your responsibility.”

“Fuck.” His shoulders slumped. “I’m trying to find a nanny.”

“How about being a father?”

“I’m doing my best.”

“You haven’t even tried.” Disappointment laced Hannah’s tone.

Cole flinched and closed his eyes. “Ava, tell her I have.”

Me? “I’m not part of this.”

“Oh . . . yes, you are.”

“Then, I agree with Hannah,” I said, blunt and to the point.

“Fuck you,” he sneered.

Hannah jumped back in. “Cole, I have a call with the social worker tomorrow. I’m not going to lie to her. You need to sort your life out. For Charlotte’s sake.”

“I will.” He lowered his chin and rubbed his forehead. “Soon. Just give me some time.”

“It’s running out,” Hannah snapped.

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