She looked it, Deven noted. Joy radiated on her mother’s face. A great mood, which was very rare indeed. What was she so happy about? That’s when Ms. Debra’s words echoed once more: “It’s so good to see her happy again. I think that new gentleman friend of hers is definitely helping.” Is some unknown mystery man the reason for her change in demeanor?

Iris’s hand reached to grasp hers and Deven had to hold the leash tighter on her attitude. Either that or she was likely to explode.

“Mommy, something has happened that’s a little concerning for me,” Deven began.

Iris’s smile fell a few degrees. “Oh? What’s going on? Is everything alright?”

“Well, no. Not really. Kennedy’s dad . . . is he still alive?”

Now the smile was completely gone, replaced with a look of horror riddled with guilt. “Why are you asking me that?” she whispered.

“Just answer the question, Mama. I need to know.”

To her surprise, Iris set her jaw in a frown and inclined her chin. “No, you don’t need to know,” she countered, with gathered strength. “What difference does it make, Deven? He’s not your father.”

Deven was taken back by the potency in her voice. “So, you knew. All this time you knew Kennedy’s father was alive and you lied to me anyway.”

“Well, he’s in prison for another three years. What difference does it make?”

“If it doesn’t make a difference then what was the point of lying to me about it?”

The question had Iris faltering as she opened and closed her mouth with no response coming out. “Because it was none of your business.”

Applause erupted from the TV show, loud and infuriating. Deven jumped up and pushed the power button to encase them in silence. “What’s none of my business?” she asked. “What the hell is going on with you two?”

“Nothing—”

“Stop fucking lying to me!”

Deven’s outburst shook the room and Iris recoiled under the rage. Her eyes were wide, so the muddle of emotions became more pronounced: shock, anger, hurt, regret. Even her complexion had colored with shame and the hands in her lap were now gripping each other to control the trembling. She was still at a loss for words and her eyes fluttered again, like they usually did when the confusion was settling in. But Deven was not about to be swayed to back down because of her mother’s condition. She clearly was of sound mind and body for whatever she’d been doing that was worth lying about.