Page 237 of Remorseless

“Most of it is cuz ofher, Uncle Mort,” Axel grouched. “She hurt CJ.”

“This isn’t the time or the place for this,” Momma said. “We aren’t ruining Rebel’s night with old drama.” She walked to the console near the door, opened the top drawer, and pulled out a small box of Kleenex. She took a couple, then returned the box to the drawer, closed it, and brought the tissue to Harley. “Dry your eyes.”

Harley accepted the tissue and dabbed at her cheeks. “I love CJ and he hates me.”

“I don’t hate you, Harley,” CJ snapped.

“You don’t know the meaning of love, Harley,” Momma said, not as harsh as Rebel would’ve been. “You don’t treat people who you love, or even like, as you’ve treated my son.”

“You hate me too, Aunt Meggie!” Harley wailed.

“I don’t hate you,” Momma replied. “I’m angry with you and disappointed in you. Cut the theatrics and pay attention to reality. It will do you a world of good. Now, pull yourself together or get out. You aren’t ruining Rebel’s dinner.”

“But—”

Momma lifted a brow at Harley.

“Mommie said I could come since Daddy is here, I’m in the carpool again, and Rebel has been watching me rehearse.”

“Mommiedoesn’t have authority overmyhouse,” Momma said.

“I’m sorry, Aunt Meggie.”

“For?”

Harley glanced around, her expression clueless. “For crying?”

“Yeah, no,” Momma said harshly. “Apologize when you get a clue aboutwhyyou should apologize. Until then, don’t waste my time.”

“I’m a g-girl, Aunt Meggie,” Harley hiccupped. “We…you…the way you’re talking to me is cruel. Mommie has always used gentle guidance.”

“Harley, go,” Uncle Mort said, the disappointment in his tone matching the look on his face. “Visit another time.”

“No, Mort, it’s fine. She’s welcomed to stay.” Momma looked at Harley. “Parenting is hard, Harley. You’ve always been Bailey’s pride and joy. Her sweet girl. In the moment, we think we’re making the right decision until we’re faced with a harsh reality. Being a mother isn’t easy in any circumstance. Raising children inourlife is doubly hard. As your kids grow, you realize who’s better off as a civilian. You’re only fifteen, still a child, so you might toughen up and realize the world doesn’t revolve around you. You’re a small part of the wholein this life. As a civilian, you can demand all the attention. You can find a partner and dare another woman to even look at him wrong. Here,in this life, with CJ, you will be an albatross—”

Harley gasped. “I love CJ. No one understands that. Not you. Not CJ. Not Daddy.”

Momma drew herself up, while Uncle Mort shoved his hands in his pockets and hung his head.

“Love isn’t just a word to throw out,” Momma said. “It’s a complicated emotion. It’s saying you’re sorry. Taking another person’s feelings into consideration. It’s communicating.”

“Daddy said love is always saying sorry,” she said quietly. “I didn’t believe him.”

Momma cocked her head to the side. “Do you know your father offers some of the best advice in the world and does it with grace and humor?”

Harley gave Uncle Mort a hesitant look.

“It’s true,” Momma said. “I can’t tell you how many times over the years, he’s lent an ear to me and words of wisdom. No one has all the answers and the person who isn’t willing to accept guidance looks at a moron in the mirror. Do you understand?”

“Are you calling me a moron?”

“Have you listened to anyone recently? Your mom? Your father? Your grandmother?”

Harley shook her head.

“Then you decide what you are and we’ll talk about it another time.”

Before Harley responded, the door opened and Daddy walked in, followed by Kayce and Kaia.