Debra rose then and grabbed her cane hanging from the back of her chair. “DeeDee sweetie, do you mind walking me back to my room? I’m getting a little tired.”

Deven tried to stifle a groan. She was there to visit her mom, not Ms. Debra. “You want me to just get your nurse?” she asked.

“They’re busy. And my room is right here on the first floor so not far, I promise.”

Deven started to object again but stopped short when Kennedy’s hand squeezed her forearm. “Sis, if you don’t mind,” she said with a lowered voice. “I did want to chat with Mommy for a second. It’s been a minute.”

Deven would’ve preferred to stay behind but it seemed to be three against one. Even her mom’s eyes were twinkling with a silent plea. And because she didn’t want to look like a complete bitch, Deven nodded and climbed to her feet.

She took Ms. Debra’s arm and guided her to the doorway. Though she could feel the old woman’s weight leaning into her, she still felt light. And she walked with a slight limp that threw off her gait.

Debra waited until they were in the hall alone before she spoke up. “I really do appreciate this, DeeDee.”

“It’s no problem.” A lie, but a believable one. It damn sure was a problem she was out here playing escort instead of enjoying quality time with her mother. She wondered what the hell she and Kennedy were talking about.

“You girls mean everything to your mother,” Debra was saying as they walked. “She really would be lost without you.”

“Yes, I know.”

“But it’s so good to see her happy again. I think that new gentleman friend of hers is definitely helping.”

The words had Deven nearly tripping over her feet. “What gentleman friend?”

“Some man she’s been gushing about.”

Deven started to respond, but then remembered Ms. Debra was a little touched, as her mother used to say. She couldn’t take the woman’s word as Gospel. “You mean a new friend that resides here?” she asked instead. “What’s his name?”

“No, he doesn’t live in the home. I’m not sure of his name but she’s told me he’s called a couple times. I know whoever he is has her acting like a little schoolgirl again.” Her chuckling stopped when she noticed Deven’s contemplative frown. “Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I thought you knew.”

They walked on in silence, their footsteps interchanging with the quiet thud of Debra’s cane. Then she spoke up again, her tone quiet as if she were afraid of even mentioning what had been marinating on her mind. “Can I ask you, why did Kennedy leave? I don’t think your mom was the same after that.”