“We. Tried.” Candy snaps. “She won’t answer her fucking phone.”
I’ve been on the receiving end of that with Colette, too. It sucks. Sighing I run my hand through my hair. I need to let them deal with this shit. I don’t think I know enough of what’s going on.
Honestly, I’m starting think protecting Colette from her family right now may not be what’s best for her. “She’s getting dressed. She’ll be out in a minute.”
“I’m here.” I turn to see Colette standing behind me. She looks at her mom. Holding out her hand, palm up, she adds. “I need my key back.”
Ah. That’s how they got in.
“What if…?”
“It was only to be used in case of an emergency.”
“Colette…” Her mom’s face is flushed. “We thought you’d enjoy—”
“You thought I’d enjoy you seeing me naked, in bed, with my…”
“Boyfriend.” I’m happy to finish that sentence for her.
“My boyfriend.”
Connie finally speaks. “We had no idea he’d be here.”
“Because she’s been ignoring us,Connie.” Candy says angrily. “We all agreed…”
For the record, she hasn’t been avoiding her folks. She’s been over to their place several times since we’ve been back together. Hell, she ate dinner there Tuesday night.
“Fuck that noise,” Candy snaps. “You can go fuck yourself, Colette.”
“That’senough.” My eyes find the voice, Steve, standing on the other side of the screen door. “Sonia.” He glances at his wife, then to his eldest daughter. “Girls. We’re going.”
“Dad,” Candy gasps. “We all agreed—”
“You heard me. Enough is enough. Colette needs time, and we’re going to give it to her.”
Candy shakes her head. “No. Dad. She needs to grow up.”
“I said. Enough,” Steve snaps again. “Enough.”
The room goes silent. It’s eerie, to be honest. I think everyone’s a bit surprised by Steve’s outburst. The few times I’ve seen Steve, he’s been quiet, subdued. Not this morning.
“Come on, girls.” Sonia stands. “Listen to your father. Let’s give Colette the time and space she needs.”
“No.” We all turn toward the voice. Colette. “Look.” She looks up at the ceiling, then in the direction of Candy. “I’m sorry.”
I’m tempted to leave right now. This is obviously a serious family discussion about to go down, but I’m not sure how to go about it. Sneak out or ask Colette if she wants me to stay?
“Oh, that’s rich…” Candy starts to say, but Colette holds up her hand to stop her.
“No. Please let me speak.”
After Candy’s comment, I decide to stay. I move closer to Colette so she gets I’m with her. To support her.
Surprisingly, Candy shuts the hell up. For once.
“I’m sorry,” Colette begins again. “I’ve been processing everything you’ve said to me, and you’re right.”
“Huh?” Candy sounds shocked.
