Page 153 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

Penny McAllister sure doesn’t sugar-coat anything.

“That’s one hell of an apology.” I snort. “Thanks for your support, Penny.”I don’t have to answer to you, or anyone else. We’re done here.

Her eyes widen and her jaw clenches. My guess is Penny McAllister is not used to anyone talking back.

“Jesus, Ma,” Jerry says.

She stiffens. It’s only the slightest of movements, but I catch it.

I step around Penny and find Jerry a few metres away, raking his fingers back through his hair, hat in hand. There must be something wrong with my hearing, because Jerry has sprung out of nowhere again.He has my back. Ignore her. She doesn’t get a say in your life.

Jerry slips his hand into mine as I pass, tears brimming in my eyes. He pulls me to his side and presses a swift kiss to my lips. “Go grab something to eat, you must be starved. We won’t be stayin’ long.”

I nod and pull my shoulders back. “Okay.”

“You good, sugar?”

“Yup,” I choke out.

Jerry walks in Penny’s direction while I march towards the house. When I reach the porch, Pirate scuttles up the steps behind me.

Jay and Jean are right behind, panting for breath. “How’d you go?” Jean asks as she jogs in front and opens the door.

I force a smile. “Just swimmingly.”

“’Bout time, I’m hungry.” Jay peels off his dark hoodie and angles past me.

Meanwhile, I’ve lost my appetite.

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