“I know the rest of the story. I remember the men like Mose who came around. I remember living in a car. I remember waiting for you to come home.” I rolled my eyes to the ceiling. “I guess you did the best you could, though it’s pitiful to think that.”

“You could be more understanding, Veronica Jean,” she said quietly. “I tried harder than you think. I loved you. I was always goin’ to make things better for you, and then the damn Nazis from the state came and took you and there was nothing I could do.”

“The damn Nazis saved my life. That’s the part of the story you’re too self-centered to realize.” I took a deep breath. “Do you know what “obliterated” means? It’s a word I discovered when I was about seven. I wrote it down in a little book, and I put a star next to it. It means destroyed completely―and it was how I felt. No one wanted me. And whoever that little girl was who left you at five...well, she’s long gone.”

She glared at me and lit another cigarette.

We sat in arctic silence for what felt like an hour. I think Deanna was holding her breath.

The nicotine seemed to calm Jocelyn and she tried to change the conversation by assuming the hostess role. “I’m sorry I don’t have much food to offer y’all. There’s some chips in the kitchen, though.” She waved and acted like she was about to get up. “My check runs out way before the month is over. You know how it is.” She stared at me meaningfully.

No, I really don’t.

“We’re not hungry, thank you,” I glanced at Deanna, who nodded in agreement. “In fact, we have to be going soon...”

Jocelyn seemed to recall some urgent words. “It’s good to see you, Ronni, and I’m glad we cleared the air between us,” she smiled, either oblivious to all I’d said or the finest undiscovered actress of her generation. “I was wonderin’ if you could maybe spot me a hundred for a week or two. I’ll pay you back as soon as I get my check.”

“No, I don’t think so. I’m sure you’ll get by. I couldn’t resist a pointed glance at the muted TV, now featuring a soap opera I recognized from Fairfield. I stood up and held out my hand to Deanna, who was clearly flustered. “We have to go now,” I announced.

“Jesus, Ronni, not so soon!” Jocelyn trilled. She paused for a beat. “Ronni, wait. I was kiddin’ about the money. Y’all just got here.”

“Jeez Louise,” I smirked. “Yes, and now we have to leave. I’m glad you’re doing all right, Jocelyn.”

“I am your mama, Ronni. Stop calling me that. And you are welcome to come see me anytime you like.”