Page 128 of The Only Seconds that Matter
“Taylor’s been a great help around the farm,” Victor said, feeling obligated to defend Taylor.“I don’t mind having her around.She’s good with the horses and it’s something she applies herself to.Her calling seems to be in the barn.”
“I don’t see how it’d be worth it for you.You really want some stranger’s kid runnin’ round your house?”
“I have an apartment next to the barn,” Victor said, figuring it could be a useful lie.“My barn manager’s lease is nearly up.Johnny could move in there and that way he and Taylor could have their own space.”
“And he’d be payin’ you rent?”
“Sure.”
Kayla leveled Victor with such an intense searching look that Victor squirmed in his seat, wondering if she saw right through him.No wonder Johnny said that Kayla took after their father; she could nail you to a wall with that stare.“Seems you’re always doin’ Johnny some kinda favor.What the hell does he do for you?”
“I’m great company,” Johnny joked half-heartedly.“Listen, this ain’t some kinda inquisition of Vic.This is about Taylor.Can I take her a few days of the week?I can tweak my work schedule so I could pick her up from school if I had to.Or, you know, just be at home for her when she gets off the bus.”
“You don’t know the first thing about takin’ care of a ten-year-old.When was the last time you cooked?You gonna do her laundry?”
“I ain’t helpless.I know how to do those things.”
“Your house begged to differ.”
“I’m doin’ better now.I ain’t drinkin’ anymore.”
“It wasn’t justdrinkin’ that got your house looking like that.What’s gonna keep you from turnin’ Vic’s place into yours?”
“Most of it was drinkin’.”
“And what about if she misbehaves?What’re you gonna do?You ain’t got the spine to discipline her.”
“I can give a ten-year-old timeout.It can’t be that hard.”
Kayla laughed so loudly and so suddenly that Victor jumped.
“Alright,” she said, giggling.“You think you can keep that girl in line, be my fuckin’ guest.”
A waitress chose that moment to show up, all smiles and perky attitude to take their order.None of them had really looked at the menu, but Victor didn’t need any time.He chose the cheapest thing and handed the menu back.The other two both ordered burgers, and then the waitress was off with a flounce of her ponytail.
“Johnny doesn’t think he can do abetterjob,” Victor attempted to explain.“You’re doing the best you can.But Taylor needs a certain environment to thrive, and clearly she’s happy on the farm, so I think it could be good for her.”
“You two gonna be parentin’ this girl together?”Kayla joked, clearly amused by the idea.“That why you’re both here?”
Victor tried not to sound too defensive.“I’m involved in this whether I like it not.I want a solution that makes everyone happy.”
“Has Johnny told you I’m a terrible mother?”
“What?No, of course not!”
“You’re gonna take his side, though.”
“I’m not takingsides.The only side I’m taking is Taylor’s.She wants to be at my place.She’s made that clear.I want what’s best for her.”
“I’m her mama.I know what’s best for her.”
“And that’s why she ran away in the middle of a thunderstorm?”Johnny shot back.
“Kids do stupid shit.If I let her go with you, it’ll mean lettin’ her get away with whatever she wants.”
“What shewantsis a safe place away from your shithead boyfriend.”
“Don’t you drag Mike into this,” Kayla snapped.
