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I did a double take. “You wanna try rewording that sentence?” I asked. “Because I don’t think that came out right.”
Her bottom lip poked out as she considered it, and then her jaw dropped. “Ew! No!”
“You said it, princess. Not me.”
“I meant in an argument. I feel so unsatisfied.”
“Get used to it.” I wouldnotcontinue to go there. I didn’t need to picture Mollie in any of this context. “I’m not arguing with you in front of Eric.”
She blinked. “Why?”
“His teacher said it could negatively affect him.” I looked outside. It was easier to say this when not facing her. “And after yesterday, I want him to feel as normal as possible.”
“And you’re just listening? Damn, you never do that with me.”
“Let’s get one thing clear. I will do anything for that kid.”
Her lips curled into a smile. “That was always clear.”
“Good.”
“And I get it. No fighting when he’s here.”
“Just like that? You’re agreeing?”
“Eric’s a good kid. And contrary to what you might think, I’m not here to cause problems. That means I don’t want my presence to ruin anything any more than you do.”
“And how long are you staying for?” I asked.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her look down and then back at me. “No idea. I’ll go back when I’m ready, I guess.”
“You were raised there.”
“That doesn’t mean I liked it.” Her voice was quiet. “I know you’ll hate to hear this, but it’s nice here. I’m glad that ...” Shetrailed off and shook her head. “I’m glad I get to be here for now.”
“You could’ve come at any time,” I reminded her.
“I would’ve if I’d known.” It was said under her breath.
I turned to her. “What does that mean?”
Her eyes went wide. “How did you hear that? Do you have the ears of an elephant?”
“Explain.”
“Fine,” she said as she crossed her arms. “I didn’t know the farm was mine until the day before I came here.”
“What do you mean you didn’t know?”
“Imeanthat I was under eighteen when Papa Bennie died. It was in a trust for me, and my parents never took it out. Until now.”
“Isthatwhy I couldn’t get in contact with anyone?”
She shrugged. “Probably. Legally, Mom had some sway, but she hates this place, so she left it to rot.” When I raised an eyebrow, she rushed to explain. “It didn’t rot, but I thought it had. In reality, you could’ve done whatever you wanted to.”
“Not whatever. I couldn’t make some decisions. Like hiring employees.”
She winced. “Yeah ... uh, sorry about that.”