“I said, you’re missing the point. This isn’t about me not wanting to help Keith. This is a question of him being fit for office and ready to serve. I pressed on some very basic issues, and he wasn’t prepared to discuss them. He’s got a long way to go before he’s ready to run.” I set down my tea and look her in the eyes. “And do you know he cheats on Delaney?”

She doesn’t reply, but bites into her toast and smiles over my shoulder. “Esmerelda, all done?”

“Yes,” the soft reply comes from behind me.

“Thank you. Then let me grab my checkbook.” Mama stands and shoots me a look loaded with reproach and warning. “I’ll be back.”

When I was growing up, that look paired with that tone would have me stewing in dread and trepidation. Instead, I can’t wait until she comes back. I’m right and I want this fight.

“As I was saying,” Mama starts when she sits down again.

“Actually, I was asking if you know your son cheats on his wife, and I was waiting for your answer.”

“I’m aware they’ve had some challenges, yes, as all young couples do. That doesn’t make him unfit for office. Surely many of your candidates had those kinds of…challenges.”

“Of course, but they wouldn’t be dragging the Allen name through the mud with their weak character and incompetence. Daddy’s legacy is attached to Keith, and—”

“Ha!” Her scoffing laugh cuts over my point.

“Excuse me? But did you have something to say? If so, say it, Mama.”

“Your father’s legacy,” she says, rolling her eyes. “Girl, is that tea or Kool-Aid you’re drinking? Your daddy wasn’t perfect.”

“He was a great man,” I fire back, ice stiffening my spine.

“I’m not saying he wasn’t. Of course he was, but the women married to great men know they fart in their sleep and leave the toilet seat up. They are human. Your brother is human, imperfect, the same way your father was imperfect.”

“My father was no cheat.”

“How do you know what goes on between a man and a woman behind closed doors?”

“Are you saying—”

“I’m saying Keith and Delaney’s problems shouldn’t keep him from serving this state. You hold him to an impossible standard, which is your father. He always did spoil you.”

“Spoiled? Me? Keith is the one you both spoiled, allowing him privileges neither Kayla or I ever had simply because he was a boy. Letting him run wild so now he’s an entitled, underachieving, underperforming brat who assumes he can ride my father’s name and legacy into office. Well, not on my watch and not until I’m satisfied he will serve the people of this district well.”

Mama sighs with a despairing shake of her head. “You’re just like your father.”

“Thank you.”