It took all of Madison’s self-control not to topple over. Not just because Sherry was defending her passionately, but she was also lying for her without battening an eye. She’s going to get a raise.

But then she became aware of another feeling, this one much less pleasant. Shame? No. There was no reason to feel ashamed, was there? After all, what Sherry had said was at least partly true.

Without turning away from Madison, Grandmother Eileen said, “Sheryl, I’m sure that you think adding up some prices is already a management job, but—”

“Grandmother, that’s enough!”

Sherry and her grandmother stared at her.

“Sherry is my partner. Sherry, not Sheryl. And you know that. And whatever you think about her, the Archer, or me, I won’t allow you to talk to the women I love in such a manner.” Wow, where had that come from?

Grandmother Eileen opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water.

“Mom,” Jake shouted while dragging Danielle after him. “Aunt Danielle has shown me how to do a hot chocolate with the big machine.”

“That’s great, honey.”

Grandmother Eileen looked down on him. “We’re having a conversation, young man.” Gazing into Sherry’s eyes, she said, “Obviously, your son needs to learn the most basic of manners.”

“Grandmother,” Madison growled. She wouldn’t allow her to keep insulting Sherry and Jake. This instinct to protect Sherry and Jake was new, but it felt absolutely right.

“What’s he doing here anyway? Don’t you have a nanny?”

“I need a drink,” Madison mumbled.

“Please don’t overdo it,” Sherry said quietly. “You have to drive home.”

What? Sherry wanted to tell her how much she could or couldn’t drink?

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Grandmother Eileen stared at Sherry as if she were an irritating insect, but she spoke to Madison. “Do you allow this woman to boss you around like this?”

“Mom doesn’t do that!” Jake shouted. He took Madison’s and Sherry’s hands.

Grandmother Eileen shook her head at him disapprovingly. “You don’t talk to adults like that, young man.”

Jake’s lower lip trembled, and he held on to Sherry and Madison as if scared by Grandmother Eileen.

I can’t blame him. As a child, she had been terrified of her too.

Startled, Madison realized that she wasn’t angry at Sherry anymore for telling her not to drink too much. Instead, all her anger was focused on Grandmother Eileen and her bullying, especially toward Jake.

Jake let go of Madison’s hand to put his thumb in his mouth, something that she had never seen him do before. Around the thumb in his mouth, he asked, “Why are you so nasty?”

Danielle’s hand flew to her mouth, barely covering a snort.

Grandmother Eileen looked down at Jake as if she’d just swallowed a fly.