We glare at each other the entire way up.
Inside, Ty and Bell rush us, tails wagging wildly after being locked in the house all afternoon.
Before either of us can escalate again, the back door swings open.
River and Myles rush in, sneakers squeaking against the tile, Simone close behind them followed by Mom with Penny in her arms.
River stops short when he sees Darren.
His little face hardens.
Myles looks between us. “Why are you fighting?”
“We’re not fighting,” I say quickly. At the same time, Darren says, “We were just talking.”
River crosses his arms. “You pushed him.”
Darren’s shoulders fall.
He looks at River and says quietly. “I’m sorry, buddy, I was angry.”
The back door opens again.
Dad steps in, Manuel just behind him. Mackie too, drawn by the tension.
“Is everything okay?” Dad asks carefully.
Jess doesn’t hesitate.
“Mackie, can you take the kids outside, please?”
“Of course.”
She gently takes Penny from my mother and ushers River and Myles toward the yard. They try to grab Bell and Ty, but Jess reminds them the side gate is open.
The boys nod solemnly. More mature than me and their uncle combined.
The back door shuts behind them leaving us in stubborn silence once again.
Then Mom snaps.
“Why is he here?” she demands, pointing directly at Manuel.
“Angela-” Dad starts.
Mom holds up a palm without even looking at him. “I’m not talking to you.”
Her eyes land on me.
“Why would you invite him? After everything?”
Before I can respond-
“Mom,” Darren snaps. “I invited him. Stop blaming Logan.”
I bristle. “I don’t need you protecting me.”
Darren’s mouth curves in a weird way. “Oh?” he says sweetly. “Aren’t you scared of Mommy?”
