Page 75 of Whirlwind

“Well, I want to know!” Mom’s voice boomed through the kitchen, her stinging pain heating my bubbling brew of emotion.“I’m such an idiot.”

“You are not an idiot.” I moved into the kitchen. “He’s a selfish asshole.”

My mother’s gaze locked on mine. Her lips parted. “Oh God, Violet. How much have you heard?”

“Everything.”

“I’m sorry, honey.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about, Mom. He made his choice, didn’t he?” I grabbed the bourbon and the cups from the cabinet and poured shots for everyone. I handed my mother a cup.

She drank. “How could I not have known? How long has this been going on?” She took in a deep breath, finally battling tears.

“Is she the only one, you think?” Alicia asked.

“Alicia!” Tania cut her off.

Mom’s face paled. She hadn’t thought of that. “I don’t know. I don’t know.”

“This needs to be said—you should get tested,” said Alicia. “Nowadays a woman can’t take any chances. I’ll take you myself today.”

“Good idea.” I poured Alicia another.

Mom’s face reddened, and she rubbed her hands together. “Thank you for listening.”

“We’re here for you, always,” said Alicia. “Just like you’ve always been for us.”

“Have I? Really?”

Tania rubbed her arm. “Erica—”

Mom’s face tightened, her eyes staring off into the distance. The shock was wearing off, the grim realities settling in, and their weight was heavy in the slump of her shoulders, the strained fulness of her glassy eyes. “I feel like I don’t know anything anymore. It’s all been blitzed away.”

“What’s your next move?” Alicia said.

Mom blinked, a finger wiping at the edge of her lips. “What do you mean?”

“I mean are you kicking him out of the house? Are you leaving? What are you going to do?”

“Why don’t we let it all sink in first.” Tania’s eyes flashed at Alicia. “It’s a lot to absorb, and we’re still in shock mode.”

Mom let out a hollow laugh.

“What’s so funny?” asked Tania gently.

Mom drank more bourbon. “It’s not my house.”

“What do you mean it’s not your house?” asked Alicia.

“It’s a Hildebrand house on Hildebrand land,” replied Erica. “And that stays in the family.”

“That’s your family too,” Alicia said.

Mom put down her empty cup and smoothed her hands over her countertop. “Violet, what should we bring out? It must be crazy out there. I’m sorry I—”

“Everything’s good, Mom. We’ve got it, you relax.”

“I don’t need to relax. I need to work.”

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