Page 152 of Restless
“You brought this shit on yourself, baby,” Lolly interrupted.
“You hate me, too.”
“I love you,” she countered. “I will always love you, but you and your momma owe me, Knox, and your daddy apologies.”
In the silence, the faint sound of jingling spurs captured their attention.
The Caldwell siblings exhibited various reactions. The Terrible Triplets’ faces lit up with anticipation. CJ’s shoulders sagged in relief. But Rebel? She wore a combination of hope and the adoration of a girl toward her father.
As angry as her daddy made her, Mattie understood Rebel’s reaction. Though she longed for her father to accept her,seeher, for herself, she loved him dearly.
Uncle Christopher opened the door. Diesel and Daddy followed him in.
“What are you doing here, Matilda?” he demanded.
“Shut the fuck up, asshole,” Aunt Zoann barked. “She’s here to support her cousins and if you say another fucking word to her, I’m punching you.”
“She has some punches still in her, Uncle Johnnie,” Axel informed him gravely. “She had to stop fucking up CJ when she found out he hadn’t fucked her son’s bitch.”
“Shut the fuck up, Axel,” Uncle Chris ordered. “You not no grown motherfucker.” After lighting a cigarette, he looked at Dr. Marvey, who suddenly seemed on the verge of fainting. “Badges gone. I sent them the fuck away.”
Gulping, Dr. Marvey nodded.
“Me and you talkin’.”
“I can explain.”
Uncle Chris grinned coldly. “I bet the fuck you can, Marvey.” He looked at Officer Teabag. “Get your shit and get to fuckin’ steppin’. You fuckin’ fired. Johnnie, take this motherfucker and work out the severance details.”
“You can’t—”
Daddy’s smile was as chilling as the gleam in his eyes. “Oh, but he can.” He stepped aside and indicated the door with a sweep of his hand. “Officer.”
The teabag stomped out of the locker room.
Daddy paused at the door. “Mattie, you’ve had a long day. Would you like to go shopping to cheer you up?”
“Can we go to Tiffany’s? I want to buy Maman and me matching bracelets for the club’s Christmas party.”
“Of course, sweetheart.” He left.
“Bitsy, stay with Diesel. Ariana and Erin parents on the way. You can fill in the details to help him negotiate,” Uncle Chris said. “You okay, baby?” he asked Harley.
Sniffling, Harley nodded.
“I can call Mort and tell him to get his ass back here.”
“Where’s Daddy?”
“Volunteered to go on a run to Cali.”
“Oh.”
“Roxanne, take Harley home,” Uncle Chris said.
Lolly nodded. “Come on, kids. We can all go—”
“Nope, my lil’ motherfuckers comin’ with me.”
