Page 117 of Power
“Are you sure?”
“Without even the smallest shadow of doubt. You didn’t do this. It’s all on Bennett and me.”
“But—”
“No!” I stop Emily before she ends up in her own head. “No, you didn’t do a single thing to contribute to this mess. Not one. Do you hear me?”
Her shoulders slump forward, and Emily slightly nods. It’s clear, she’s not completely convinced, but over time I’ll persuade her.
A short while passes with us entwined before there’s a knock at the glass sider. “I’ll see who it is,” Emily says as she hesitantly stands. She walks out of the bedroom and calls out, “It’s May.”
“Open the door for her.”
“Hey, I thought you were supposed to be helping me in the garden.”
“Mom and I were talking.”
“Ah, were you? You look like you’ve been crying. Where is your mom?”
“I’m in the bedroom,” I call. “Give me a second.” I stand and quickly throw my hair up in a loose bun on top of my head. I walk out to find May sitting at the sofa. “Sorry, I was monopolizing Emily.”
May casts an eye over my disheveled appearance and turns toward Emily. “Emily, can you go collect the eggs for me? There’s a basket up on the verandah.”
“Sure.” Emily turns to me and waits for my approval.
I think she’s checking to make sure I’m okay. I smile and nod. Emily leaves and May taps her fingers on top of the cane she has in front of her. “You look like shit.”
May does anything but mince her words. “I feel like shit,” I reply earnestly. “The interview yesterday really screwed with my head. And...” I look out the door to make sure Emily isn’t within earshot. “I know how this leaked out to the media. Emily was defending Bennett to one of the girls at school, and this girl’s parents are both in media.”
“Shit.”
“Yeah, and she’s feeling responsible. I’m trying to convince her it’s not her fault, but she’s internalizing it and blaming herself.”
“Poor child. Well, it’s not her fault.”
“Of course, it isn’t.” I walk over to the sink and pour water from the faucet. “Drink?” I offer May.
“Actually, I’m here because I’ve made lunch and it needs to be eaten.”
“I’m not really...”
“Hogwash.” She flicks her hand dismissively. “Everyone needs to eat, so don’t give me any lip about not being hungry.”
“But, I’m not.” May lifts her brows as her lips purse into a tight, thin line. I raise my hands in defeat. “Fine.”
May lifts her chin and stands. “Good, I’ll see you soon.” She shuffles toward the door before stopping and turning toward me. “Have a shower, and make yourself presentable. You’re a damn goddess, so own it.” Without waiting for a reply, May leaves.
That woman is a rock star and an advocate for women everywhere. She’s simply amazing. It truly hurts my heart that I never had a May in my life growing up. But, she’s here now, and that’s all that matters.
May’s front door opens, and we hear someone waltz in. “It’s me,” I recognize Hope’s voice. She walks further into the dining room and stops. Placing her hands on her hips, she lifts her brows and scoffs. “Seriously, there’s food and I wasn’t invited?”
“You know where everything is. Get a plate, sit down, and stop your whining,” May counters.
“Ugh. Fine.” Hope looks around and crinkles her forehead. “Where’s the kid?”
“Where do you think?” I reply.
“Reading? Good.” She places an old book on the table and heads back into the kitchen. Hope quickly returns with a plate and flatware. “I found this book in an attic of an old house we bought. Actually, I found a box of old books. Some were water damaged, some weren’t suitable, but among those I found this.” Hope sits opposite to me and fills her plate with the salad, potatoes, and meatloaf May has made. “Best potatoes ever.” Hope shovels a heap into her mouth. She quickly chews, swallows and taps the book. “Kid!”
