Page 49 of Otto: The Hawthornes

“Nice to meet you,” I said politely, getting to my feet.

“Oh,” she sighed, her eyes lighting up as she reached out a hand, almost touching my belly, but not quite. “Congratulations.”

My nose stung at the heartfelt word. It was the first time someone other than me had looked at my belly and felt joy at the sight. I hadn’t even realized that the lack had bothered me, I’d just expected the condemnation.

“Thank you,” I said, clearing my throat.

“Why the hell is she still sitting in the clubhouse?” Heather said, glaring at Otto. “Youshould’ve called me.”

“We had some questions,” Otto’s grandpa said, coming toward us. “What the hell are you doin’ here?”

“Grandbaby,” Heather said, pointing at my belly. “Trumps—” She waved her hand in the air. “Whatever the hell you guys are doing.”

“Wrong,” he snapped.

Heather just raised her eyebrows. “Did she answer your questions?”

“She did.”

“Then she’s done here.”

“We’ll say when she’s done.”

My head swung back and forth like I was watching a tennis match, but Otto just stood there looking bored.

“You know, Asa—” Heather said, her entire tone changing.

He lifted a hand to stop her. “Not sure she’s safe to go anywhere else,” he said, cutting her off. “We were havin’ that discussion when you interrupted.”

“Why wouldn’t I be safe?” I asked, staring at the older man.

“Were you not listenin’ to a word we said?” Otto asked me in disbelief.

“I heard everything you said.” Not that I believed all of it, but I’d heard them.

“I’m takin’ her back to Tommy’s room,” Heather said, her tone brooking no argument. “When you’re finished with whatever it is you’rediscussing, let us know.” She turned to me. “Come on, honey.”

I followed her across the room and through the archway without argument, glancing at Otto as we passed him. He gave me a small nod and I was a little irritated with myself when I realized I’d been looking for his permission to leave.

“Sounds like you’ve had a hell of a day,” his mom said over her shoulder. She raised her voice. “You coming, ma?”

“I’ll be right there,” the older woman called back.

“That’s Otto’s grandma, Callie,” Heather told me. “I figured I might need reinforcements with this group.”

I didn’t reply. I wasn’t sure what to say. She confidently led me to a room down the hall and sauntered through the door. The entire clubhouse had a bit of a worn-down look to it, but the bedroom she’d led me into was bright and cheerful—loud even.There were tapestries on the walls and a bright quilt on the bed and everything was very clean but clearly lived in.

“Do you live here?” I asked in surprise, looking around the room.

“Hell no,” she said with a laugh. “Go ahead and sit on the bed. I’ve been meaning to put a nice recliner in here but I keep putting it off.”

I sat down gingerly on the edge of the bed while she leaned against a dresser along the opposite wall.

“This is better, huh?” she said with a smile. “Quieter at least. Don’t worry about the men. They’re all bark.”

I looked at her doubtfully.

“They bite, but they wouldn’t biteyou,” she clarified. “I mean, look at you. I doubt you’ve even stolen a candy bar from the grocery store.”

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