“Hmm.”
“So maybe instead of making assumptions or calling people names, you should stop and think about your own behavior.”
Onlythisgeneration of kids lectures their own parents. I never lectured my old man. I’d have probably gotten a taste of his fist if I had.
“I’ve never heard anyone else call Jack’s mom a B-word,” Parker continues.
My eyes widen. “Whoa, whoa. I never called her a B-word. I called her a freak.”
Parker shakes his head. “Same thing.”
“Nope. Your generation needs to learn this. They are absolutelynotthe same thing. A B-word I can handle. But when some chick pulls out the freak card…” I suck air through my teeth. “Yikes.”
We’re at the iron gates leading to our private drive, so I roll down the window and wave my card over the reader. The ocean roars from the other end of our property; it’s louder today. We’re probably approaching a full moon. The gates retract, and I drive through, nodding at a couple of guys from the landscape crew. See—I’m a nice person. I always nod at these guys.
As I pull the Benz along our circular drive, I spot Paige’s artwork in colorful pastels on the sidewalk, the driveway, even the fountain.
“Good thing Mom’s out of town,” I say. “She’d be livid.”
“Don’t you think it’s…oddthat she’s suddenly taking all these girls’ trips?”
I catch him putting his hands down. “Did you just putgirls’ tripsin finger quotes? Dude, being a full-time mom is hard work. She deserves to get away and have a little fun, don’t you think?”
“I didn’t know full-time moms had nannies and house cleaners.”
“Notalldo. But that shouldn’t minimize your mom’s contribution. This is a big house. It’s a lot to take care of.”
As soon as we step inside, we’re rushed by our nanny, Polly. One thick braid hangs at either side of her head while her fists rest on her hips. “If Paige’s mother is going to insist on being gone so much, you might need to bring on a second nanny.”
I look around the house for any evidence of distress. “What’s the problem?”
“Paige is angry, and she’s lashing out. She does not like it when her mother is gone.”
I roll my eyes. “She’s only been gone a day.”
“Yes, but the trips are increasingly close together, and Paige is really starting to act out. I’ve never known a woman who needs this many nights away, especially one who has a full-time nanny and a housekeeper to boot.”
I can’t help but shake my head. It’s the second time I’m getting attacked over Trish’s stupid girls’ trips. “You know what, Polly?”
“Molly.”
“Oh.” I frown. “Is it your sister who’s Polly?”
She shakes her head. “That’s Holly.”
What kind of lunatic names their kids Molly and Holly?
“I’m waiting…” Molly taps her toe to prove it.
Parker cracks open the French doors and steps onto the patio with a Gatorade in his hand. I want to tell little Ms. Molly not to bother coming back because I don’t like her tone, but after Parker’s sermon on kindness, I decide to proceed with caution. Evenifthe chances of him hearing me over the ocean are slim.
“What time do you get off today?” I ask her.
She glances at the microwave. “Seven. I was supposed to start making supper an hour ago, but…”
Parker lifts his nose to the breeze. He’s not looking, but I know he’s listening. Or at least trying to.
“Why don’t you…take the rest of the evening off,withpay. I’ll take it from here.”
