Page 53 of Big Island Summer
“His mother still hates me,” Lani said in ano big dealkind of tone.
“Oh, is that all?” ‘Olena laughed.
“That’s all.” Her voice came out heavier that time, betraying how much it bothered her.
“What can you do?” She lowered her voice and said, “You know my mother-in-law is a train wreck.”
“Lucky for you, she lives on another island.”
“So? What’s wrong with Sonya?”
“Nothing’swrongwith her. She just hates me.”
“Well then obviously she has issues, because you’re delightful.”
“She would not agree.”
“Is she causing problems?”
“Not exactly. She comes and picks Olivia up without including Rory, but that’s her prerogative. It’s not like Lorenzo includes Livie when he takes Rory for the day.”
“Yeah, because Tenn wouldlovethat.”
“Olvia doesn’t mind, though – she’s happy to get that alone time with her dad, or she’s off with her grandparents. But the look on Rory’s face every time that Sonya comes to pick up Olivia… it just about guts me.”
“It must be hard, when she never got to know your mom.” ‘Olena cut to the heart of things, and suddenly there was a lump in Lani’s throat.
“Youknowshe would have loved Livie like she was her own grandbaby,” she said fiercely.
“I know.” ‘Olena reached out and squeezed her hand.
“But to Sonya, I’m just the woman who almost got her son killed.”
Her spine straightened with indignation. “That wasn’t your fault!”
“It was a little bit my fault,” Lani sighed.
“No. I refuse to let your blame yourself for what that–”
She held up a hand, cutting her off. “It’s okay.”
“It’s not,” ‘Olena huffed, but she slumped back in her seat and quieted.
“I can only imagine what it’s like to see your only child fight for their life in a hospital bed. I’d understand if she never lets go of the grudge against me. I just wish she wasn’t taking it out on Rory.”
“The woman’s an ice queen. You’re blaming yourself, but for all you know she would have treated Rory like this either way. Some people just play favorites.”
“Maybe.”
“Anyway, would you reallywantto send Rory off to her house?”
“I guess not,” she admitted. “Not unless things changed.”
“They’d have to change alotbefore I let that woman anywhere near her. Say the word, and I’ll scoop Rory up to hang with us anytime the white witch of the north descends.”
Lani chuckled. “Thanks. That means a lot.”
“I love you. Both of you.”
