I looked back at Hailey, who was now laughing with Felicia, completely unaware of the storm brewing just a few feet away. Maxine was right. I was handling it, but maybe not firmly enough. Tricia's "truce" was a lie, a temporary ceasefire. She wasn't giving up. And Hailey didn't deserve to be caught in the crossfire of this drama.
"You're right," I admitted, the words tasting like ash. "I'll take care of it. For good."
"Good. Now go back to your woman. She looks like she needs you."
I nodded, giving my sister a grateful look. I walked back to the fire, my mind made up. The party would end, the guests would leave, and then I would have a final, unequivocal conversation with Tricia. One that left no room for misinterpretation.
Tricia has caused me more trouble than I can tolerate in just
