“Okay, just don’t go overboard. Don’t invite everyone you work with and every friend you’ve . . . ever . . . made.” He couldn't help but think of Vince and Anna. He hadn't heard from her since the day she showed up at his house demanding his arrest.
“I haven't heard from her,” Lori said in a low voice.
“Reading my mind again, Lori?” Devon thought it was odd the way she seemed to know what he was thinking all the time.
“Maybe you’re predictable,” she retorted.
There was silence, and yeah, maybe they were all predictable. Surely every one of them thought of Anna and what she’d known. She hadn't been to work since the day Vince was arrested, and Lori didn't know what was going on. Lori was reticent to call her or go to her house, and Devon couldn't blame her. It must be similar to how he felt about Vince.
“Hailey was afraid disliking her grandparents would carry a heavy punishment,” Devon said to no one in particular.
Lydia dropped her hands to the counter. “Oh wow.”
“Yeah.” Devon scrubbed his palms over his face and took a seat at the counter. “She thinks that’s what makes people go away like Kathy.”
“Fuck.”
“Caleb. Language.”
“Sorry, Ma.”
Devon couldn’t help but grin. Despite the heavy topic, his family was the same as ever. “I assured her that’s not how it works, but don’t be surprised if she asks one of you about it.”
Don said, “She’s been asking about her grandparents, but nothing about death.”
“Nobody likes them,” Caleb said. Lori opened her mouth, but he cut her off. “It’s not a secret. We all hate them and they’ve never given us a reason not to. They only dropped by for fifteen minutes because they were already coming here. They don’t care about their own flesh and blood.”
“They only cared about Kathy, and she’s not here anymore.”
“Yeah, Devon, but damn. They can’t see that Hailey is a part of their daughter.”
Devon snorted. “She’s been tainted by my DNA.”
“Sadly, I believe that’s what they think,” Lori said.
“Well, I hope you told her she’s not required to like them,” Lydia began.
“Just be respectful to them,” Devon finished. “I’ve always taught her what you taught us.”
Don came and put his arm around Devon. “You’re a good father, Devon. Don’t ever listen to anything otherwise.”
Least of all his own fucked up head. “Thanks, Dad.”
“So about that party,” Caleb said after a few moments. “You’re okay with us inviting Chloe, Alicia, and John?”
Devon frowned. “Chloe?”
“Subtle, Caleb. Slid that in there so smoothly.” Lori rolled her eyes. “She’s my friend like Alicia is. You don't mind, do you?”
“I thought you liked Chloe,” Lydia said.
“Sure. I like the Hurleys too.”
“Mm.”
Devon looked closely at his mother. “What does that mean?”
“Nothing, dear. Dinner's about ready, Don. Will you wake Hailey up?”
