I counted to ten in my head and then let out a long breath. Nope, still too furious to speak. I counted to ten again and met Patti’s gaze. “I’ve had just about enough of your high and mighty BS. You sit and judge and gossip, never once thinking about the ugliness of your own heart.” Patti gasped, but I kept right on talking. “Griffin Lockwood is a kind and decent man who has been through hell. You and your cronies only make that worse by stirring up sensationalized rumors. And you don’t know me, Patti. Not one real thing about me. I may not have birthed those children, but I love them as if they were my own. I’d do anything to protect them. And that means I’ll do whatever it takes to shield them from the venom you spew.”

Clapping sounded from down one of the aisles, and Shay stepped into view. “Amen.” Her gaze hardened on Patti. “You’re a nosy bitch who needs to get a life. Get out of here and don’t come back.”

Color rose in Patti’s cheeks as she seemed to struggle for breath. “Well, I never. I guess I should expect this kind of behavior from an oddball like you. You hide out on that little island and rarely come to town. You’re probably a criminal.”

Shay’s face went pale for a moment, but she recovered quickly. “Even if I was, I’d still be a better human than you.”

Patti uttered something very unladylike under her breath and then turned back to me. “I’m going to be calling Child Protective Services to report my concerns.”

I froze. I could only imagine the kind of story Patti would weave. One that I was sure would end with a visit from a social worker. I had permanent custody of my siblings, but with enough lies and manipulation, that could change. I willed my wildly beating heart under control. Everything would be fine. I’d call Callie and see what her advice was. She’d know what to do.

I took a slow, deep breath. “You do whatever you need to. But karma’s coming for you.” At least I hoped it was.

Patti glared at me and then took off down an aisle and out the front door. I slumped against the counter. Without a word, Shay rounded the bar and came into the kitchen space. “Are you okay?”

I nodded and then shook my head. “What is wrong with that woman?”

“She’s crazy. And a bitch. That’s what.” Shay gave my arm a squeeze. “People like that…they’re deeply unhappy. It’s not about you.”

I gave Shay a watery smile. “I’m sorry you got caught up in the middle of it.”