Page 49 of Step-Sinner

Sometimes a total bitch is necessary.

“I haven’t been here that long,” I tell Grandma. “I’m sure if she had the chance Sister Nathalia would beat the correct way of speaking into me.”

“Huh. Well. Yes I amonFacebook. And Instagram. And TikTok. Just because I’m old, doesn’t mean I’m past it.”

“So you know Hoover? Small world.”

“Know him? Of course I know him. What kind of a question is that?”

“Well, Martin said that they don’t know each other that well, so…” I frown, trying to figure out what I said that was wrong. “For you to know him, that’s a little…odd I guess.”

Grandma sighs. “Yes, he would say that. And I suppose he’s right, they don’tknoweach other very well. Strained, that’s the word I’d use to describe their relationship.”

Well, that’s a puzzling word to use.

Do they know each other or don’t they?

As I’m trying to figure it out, Martin comes back in the room, looks at his grandmother, then at me, and gives a puzzled smile. “Everything okay?”

I nod, a little dazed. Grandma rolls her eyes.

“We need to discuss what’s happening with this building. Let’s all take a seat. I’ve got good news and I’ve got complicated news, but nothing we can’t figure out if we put our heads together. That’s why I was hoping to have our lunch at the appointed time, but I suppose I’m the only one that bothers with a schedule any longer in these modern times.” She glances at me, then at Martin, then gives a frustrated sigh. “Well? Chop chop.”

Martin chuckles. “Kitty, you don’t need to hear all this. Why don’t you have some contemplation time in your room and I’ll find you when we’re done?”

“Why?” Grandma huffs. “No, she may as well stay. She’s family, after all.”

“What?” I laugh. “No, I’m—”

“Hoover’s stepdaughter. Yes. I’m not an imbecile.” Grandma points at a chair. “You’re family, dear, I don’t have secrets from family.”

“You’rerelatedto Hoover?” I’m staring at her now, looking from her to Martin, whose face has darkened as he takes a step forward, coming my way. For some reason, instinct makes me take a step back. Something is happening and I don’t know what it is. “How are you related?”

“I’m not.” Grandma laughs. “Related to that oaf? No thank you. But he was married to my daughter, and he is the father of my grandson. So we keep in touch.”

“Your grandson…”

She turns away from me. “Martin, is this girl on drugs? She seems very confused.”

But Martin isn’t looking at her. He’s looking at me. And as he takes a step forward and tries to catch me, I move away from him. “Kitty, I can explain. Please, I need to tell you—”

“You’reHoover’s son? We’re… That makes us…”

Stepbrother. Stepsister.

Jesus fucking Christ…

I have to get out of here. I have to run. This can’t be real, it must be a nightmare. If I run far enough away maybe I can flee back to the real world. “Don’t touch me!” I cry out as I scramble back.

The keys. The keys to the classic car. Martin left them under the wheel arch. I saw him do it.

“Kitty. Please. You have to let me explain.”

“No.” I shake my head, and when he tries to touch me again I scream.

I literally scream.

“You lied to me! You talk about trust and truth and none of it’s real! How can I believe anything you say?” I step back, shaking. Trying to process it all as Grandma stares and Nathalia heads towards me. “You lied!”

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