I didn’t care how much money it took to get her out of our lives. She wasn’t going to fuck up Emily. As for me, I thought I’d come out somewhat unscathed by my mother, but the reality of that bullshit is smacking me in the face. I have major fucking trust issues when it comes to women.

Molly peeks over her shoulder at me as they descend the stairs making their way to the kitchen. She greets the chef. I’ve noticed she knows everyone. She goes out of her way to talk to the people who work here. In fact, she was more at ease with them than she’d been at the dining room table last night.

“Sir?”

“Grant?” I give him a look.

“Asher.” He smiles. “Are you going to eat?” I’m still standing in the threshold of the kitchen watching as Molly and her mom grab themselves something to eat.

“You brought Molly home yesterday?”

“Yes, when your sister doesn’t have activities, they ride together. Molly only has her permit.”

“Is Emily taking her to school this morning?”

“No, she already left. Had a yearbook committee thing.” She really does keep her life crammed with activities.

I wonder if my sister knows why she does that. When you keep yourself busy, you don't have to pay attention to other shit you don’t want to deal with. You’re too involved to stop and think. And thinking is all I’ve been doing for the past twelve hours, and it’s not about solar power.

“I want to drive her to school.” Grant’s brows lift.

“Asher, don’t fuck with her.” I don’t think I’ve ever heard Grant curse. “She’s a sweet girl. She already thinks she doesn’t belong. The girl is a hair trigger from fleeing this place, and her mother would follow her even with how much she loves your father.” Grant unknowingly just handed over how I could get rid of both Grace and Molly. But I find that’s the last thing I want to do right now. “Don’t be an asshole. You haven’t been here. Grace and Molly are what your father and Emily needed.” With that, Grant strides into the kitchen.

Molly peeks over at me again as I linger in the doorway across the room. “Molly, if it's all right with you, Asher will take you to school. I forgot Emily had an activity this morning, and I’m meeting with the landscaper to make sure everything is ready for tomorrow.” I can tell that Grant doesn’t like lying to them, but he does it.