Page 25 of Embers of Torment

"Well, that's exciting. Tell me about this woman." Ree took a bite of her sandwich and leaned back, waiting for me to fill her in.

"Della is unique, that's for sure. She's quirky, smart, and unusually blunt. She appears comfortable with herself and doesn't particularly care what others think. Impressing people isn't her thing. I like her confidence and the fact she's so different. And she's fun. I had a terrific time when I was with her."

"How does she feel about you?"

"I get the feeling Della likes me. At least, I hope I'm reading her correctly. She tends to keep her feelings close to her chest. I want to ask her out, but I haven't had the right opportunity yet, so I'll have to see how it plays out. Speaking of interesting people, I met the homeowner next door, Heath Bennet. You know, the guy you were staring at when I arrived."

"I was not staring, and I know who he is!"

"You're a little touchy there. Does it have anything to do with his appearance? After all, he is a handsome guy." I teasingly raised my brow, even though I knew Ree wasn't interested in dating. Since she and James had split up, her focus revolved around her seven-year-old daughter, Lily. Besides receiving some enjoyment from razzing her, I also hoped my quip might get her to explain what I'd witnessed.

Ree gave me a mock scowl. "Okay, you can stop trying to play matchmaker. I have no desire to involve myself in another relationship. Besides, Heath is married, and I'm sure he hates me."

"Why on earth would the guy hate you? You're so undeniably sweet."

"Excuse me? Is that sarcasm I hear?"

"From me? Of course not," I laughed.

"It better not be." The corner of Ree's mouth curved upward, belying the sternness of her voice. "The last time Heath hung out around here was a few years ago. It was after his mother had died and his father moved out of state to live with Heath's sister. One afternoon, he was next door with his wife to clean out the house and prepare it for rent. I asked if they needed help, and Heath looked at me like I was some evil creature intruding into their space. He was an ass and acted put out that he even had to talk to me. And his wife was a snob. I'd run into her numerous times over the years, and she always treated me like I was beneath her."

"Strange. That doesn't sound like the man I met next door."

"Well, that's how he is. All the guy has ever done is give me grunts and glares. The man doesn't like me, which is weird because his parents, Silvie and Bruce, were fantastic people, and we got along wonderfully. I used to check on them from time to time, more often after Silvie got sick. I'd bring them homemade cookies and help with their grocery shopping, and I continued doing so until Bruce moved away. Millie across the street mentioned that Bruce had died recently, and Heath was back to fix up the place and dispose of all the stuff the tenants left behind. I guess he's selling the house."

"Yeah, he said something to that effect."

"Wait. Are you telling me you and Heath had an entire conversation?"

"We did, and I helped him put a couch in the dumpster in his driveway."

"Okay. That's shocking since I've only known the guy to be rude and condescending."

The front door flew open, banging into a metal umbrella stand. Having a clear view from where we sat, Ree and I caught Lily running across the foyer toward the stairs. She looked upset,and I could tell she was crying. Ree jumped from her chair and hurried toward the staircase as Lily's feet pounded up the steps.

"Lily, sweetheart, stop right now. I want you to come here and tell me what's wrong." Ree went over to the front door and closed it, then swung back toward the staircase.

Lily returned to the foyer, her face red and full of tears. Ree brushed Lily's long ginger hair from her wet cheek. Then she tilted Lily's face upward with her index finger and wiped away a tear.

"Sweetheart, sit with me and tell me why you're upset." With her arm around Lily, Ree guided her to the table. Ree sat in her chair and pulled Lily onto her lap. "Why are you crying?"

Between shaky breaths and several sobs, Lily managed to explain what happened. "Me and Becca were playing hopscotch, and some boys came over and teased me. They called me four eyes and giraffe, and Steven said I was ugly."

"Oh, honey. Don't listen to them. They're being mean, and that's not what you are. Some kids pick on people for a variety of reasons. It isn't you, sweetheart. They're the ones with the problem. You are beautiful and sweet. I want you to remember that, okay?"

Lily sniffled and bobbed her head up and down. She wiped her nose with her hand.

"Hey, sweetie. Do you want me to talk to the boys?" I hated seeing Lily so upset. Picking on others was one action I refused to accept, and it generally pissed me off.

Lily shook her head and buried her face in Ree's chest.

"It's okay. I won't say anything if you don't want me to. Is that better?"

Lily's head bobbed up and down again.

Fully aware of how malicious kids can be and the traumatizing effect it can cause, I felt the need to offer Lily encouragement and support. I lowered my voice to a softer tone. "Lily, I wantyou to listen to your mother. Those boys are acting cruel, which has nothing to do with you. You're not ugly, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing glasses or being tall. Both your mom and I were tall when we were your age."

"You were?" Lily said with a sniffle as she peeked at me.

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