Wade believes Dad talked their father into the division. Dad denies it. That’s the bullshit history.

But Aunt Elena doesn’t let that history get to her, though she has the best reason—Granddad left her out of the will completely. “She’s married, and she’s got brothers to take care of her,” is how he explained it, going old-school misogynistic. I’ve since given her shares of the vet clinic to counter my grandfather and prove that shit isn’t tolerated anymore.

My aunt stares me down with urging eyes. “Going to invite us in, Grady?”

They push inside before I can answer. It’s suddenly turned into a chaotic and overwhelming madhouse in here.

Mom goes directly to Marina, relieving her of the warm ice pack. “Oh, honey. You look wretched. That migraine must be hitting you hard, huh?”

Elena goes to the kitchen, delivering her food offerings to the cluttered counter. “Cora, a pleasure to see you. Ah, what gorgeous flowers. Boy, do they smell.”

“They’re from Ashe,” Cora says, looking rather bamboozled by the Tripp invasion.

Hershey jumps up on the table again, going for the leaves. Elena coaxes him away.

“How’s Ashe?” Mom asks in her sweetest, softest voice.

“Thanks for coming,” Marina says weakly, her hand going to her mouth again. “Please, make yourselves at home.”

“No. Don’t. This isn’t a good time for a social call.” I grab the bouquet and haul it through the living room. “These flowers are toxic to cats.”

“Oh, I’m sure they’re fine,” Cora huffs.

I dump them onto a rocking chair on the front porch.

Returning inside, I notice Marina gripping the wall and her cane like they’re the only things holding her up. I get a glass and fill it with water. Then, I find the migraine meds amid their offerings. I read the instructions.

“Um, it’s so nice to see you all,” Marina tries again. Her cane falls as her hand goes to her mouth. “I’m sorry.”

She rushes, as best she can, toward the bathroom.

“Migraines are the worst,” Elena chirps.

“So debilitating,” Mom agrees.

“I’ve got her.” I step through the group, determined to help Marina. But as I pass through Cora’s heavy perfume, I stop, remembering what she said about how I shouldn’t be here.

I offer her the glass of water, and the pill pinched between my fingers. “Unless you’d prefer to go to her, Cora.”

She hesitates, her dark eyes narrowing. “I’m needed at the store.”

“Some fucking family you are.” Shaking my head, I push by her. “Thanks, Mom and Elena, but you can all see yourselves out.”

13. Marnie

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Marnie