I looked to Brenner. “Yes. He’s my best friend.”
“I got a new dolly yesterday. Wanna see?” Without waiting, she dashed into the other room and returned with a large doll with long, sun-streaked blond hair and big green-gold eyes. Like Emmy’s.
Like mine.
“She looks like you. She’s very pretty.”
Emmy stroked the doll’s hair. “Daddy had them make it up special.”
I really had no clue what to say to a four-year-old. “You must have lots of dolls at home.”
She nodded vigorously. “Uh-huh. And some here.” Again she sprinted off and came back with an armful of dolls and stuffed animals. “Wanna play with me?”
I glanced at Paige, who gave me a tentative smile. I had none for her, but I sat on the floor with Emily and listened to her explain the toy family. Brenner watched us without participating, but every once in a while, when I caught his eye, he grinned.
The door clicked, and my father walked in. Emmy tossed aside the orange elephant she was playing with and ran to him. “Daddy, Daddy.”
He picked her up and kissed her, laughing until he spotted me on the floor. The color and good humor drained from his face, and Emily slipped from his hands. “What’re you doing here?”
“Daddy. Weston’s my new friend.”
I rose to my feet. “What do you mean, what am I doing here? You invited me to meet Emily.”
An ugly flush rose over his face. “I did not. You’re lying. Get out of here.” Brenner got to his feet to stand by me, and my father’s eyes bugged out. “You had the nerve to bring him here? How dare you?”
“Daddy, don’t yell. Mommy, Mommy.” Visibly upset, she ran to Paige, who held her tight.
“I invited him. It’s wrong to keep Weston from seeing his sister.”
“How…when…” he sputtered. “I never would’ve permitted this.”
Paige remained calm. “You’re always on your business phone, so I texted him from your personal cell.”
His eyes spit fire. “We will talk about this, and I’ll deal with you later. You had no right. Look at what he’s exposing our child to.”
“Rosa?” Paige called out, and the nanny reappeared. “Please take Emily to her room.”
“But, Mommy—”
“Don’t worry, honey. It’ll be okay.” She kissed her, but Emily persisted. She was my sister after all.
“I wanna play with Weston.”
I crouched in front of her and Paige. “Do what your mommy says. We’ll see each other again.” I kissed her forehead. “Bye, Emmy.”
Big eyes filled with tears, but she allowed Rosa to lead her away, and I remained silent, waiting for the door to her bedroom shut.
“I should’ve known something wasn’t right.” I turned to Paige. “Thank you for making the attempt. I appreciate it.”
Paige addressed my father. “Weston is your child as well. Whether or not you agree with his life, he and Emily should know each other.”
“Like you said, he’smychild. Not yours.” He pointed at me. “Leave.”
“Gladly. But don’t think you’ll stop me from seeing my sister again.”
He advanced on me with his finger in my face. “You keep away from my daughter. You and your sicko friends.”
I tipped my head to Brenner, and we left. I didn’t start shaking until we walked out onto the street. Brenner put his arm around me and pushed me into the waiting car. Christine, Tony, Madden, and Archer were all inside. I gazed at Brenner, who squeezed my hand.
