She leaves me standing in the entryway and goes to sweep Janie up and carry her to the couch. They snuggle up under a knit throw towatch Mickey and his clubhouse friends attempt to crack another case. Bambi makes herself comfortable at their feet, a panting traitor.
I slap a stack of pancakes on a plate, douse them in syrup, and inhale them while standing at the counter. I pilfer a mug of cold, leftover coffee, too, dumping in a couple of heaping spoonfuls of sugar before effectively pounding it. Thanks to my night at the park, I’m nearing zombie status. After rinsing my plate and refilling my mug, I shuffle into the living room and say, “Aud, can I talk to you?”
She doesn’t look away from the television. “Go ahead.”
“Yeah, Auntie,” Janie says. “Go ahead.”
I clear my throat. “In the kitchen, maybe?”
Audrey groans and digs out from under the blanket. She plants a kiss on Janie’s head before following me to the kitchen, where she crosses her arms and says, “What?”
I fold my arms, too, but while her stance is contentious, mine’s about self-preservation. “I came by to tell you… I feel bad about last night.”
“You feel bad? You’re only standing in my kitchen because you’re Nick’s sister and I owe it to him to hear you out, but shit, Elise.I feel badis not going to cut it.”
“What do you want me to say?”
“Uh, you could tell me you were wrong, and that you understand why I’m upset, and that you’ll never betray me like that again.”
“See, I would say those things if I thought you were mad because I had a guy here while you were out. But you’re pissed because of who youthinkthe guy is.”
“You’re right. And guess what? That’s my prerogative because this ismyhouse and Janie’smydaughter. What if something had happened to her? What if something happens to her tomorrow, or next week, because yourfriendknows where I live?”
“It won’t,” I say.
“Itcould,” Audrey retorts. “The only thing about Nick’s passing that’s brought me any peace is knowing that he died doing somethingnoble and good. He was out there because he chose to be, aware of the risks but willing to face them. Bringing that boy here… You took away my autonomy, my right to choose who comes into my house, and who meets my daughter.”
“Okay,” I say, my voice trembling. She’s got a point—right or wrong, she gets to decide who spends time within the walls of her cottage. “I get it. I swear I do. And I’m sorry I didn’t check with you before inviting him here. If I had it to do over, I would.”
“And I’d say no. I willneverbe okay with him.”
“But he’s the gentlest person I know. He’s not a threat to Janie, or you, or anyone.”
She lifts her chin. “Yeah? Prove it.”
I can’t, of course. I know Mati is thoughtful and benevolent—I’m confident in the same way I know the sun’s outside, hanging behind the thick cloud cover—but Audrey doesn’t. She never will. Not if she refuses to give him a chance.
When the silence has stretched thin and it’s clear I’ve got no verifiable proof, she says haughtily, “That’s what I thought. Elise, it kills me to say this, but if you can’t stay away from him, then you have to stay away from us.”
My eyes go wide. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
She shrugs, like her assertion was clear and I’m an idiot for not comprehending. “If you’re going to keep seeing him, you’re not welcome here. I’m sure you’ve seen the news by now: Military dependents have become a target. I can’t risk Janie’s safety.”
“But what about your job? Who will watch her?”
“Your mom, I hope, and if not her, I’ll hire a nanny. I’ll quit if I can’t find one. Anything’s better than leaving you here with my daughter, knowing I can’t trust you to keep your Taliban boyfriend from dropping by.”
“He’s not—” But I can’t. I can’t fight this same fight again, not when she’s threatening me with Janie. I’m short of breath; I’mdesperate. “She’s my niece, Audrey—she’s Nicky’s! How could you keep her from me?”
“It’s not my decision. You want to make your own choices? Make them. But you’d better be prepared to face the consequences.”
“You’re being so unfair. He’snothinglike you think. He’s sweet to me, and he was so good with Janie. She liked him. If only you could have seen—”
Her eyes flare with anger. “I don’t want to see! I don’t want to hear another word about him! I don’t want tothinkabout him, or his country, or what his people did to my husband. And you shouldn’t, either!”
“Mama?” Janie, from the living room.
Audrey appears momentarily startled, like she forgot Janie was in the cottage. She sucks in a breath and calmly calls, “I’ll be right there, baby.” And then she levels me with a look so formidable, so full of revulsion, I have to shift my gaze.
