Millicent
I hated that Mom was right. Hated that I had to consider Abel's involvement at all. But she was dying, and she wanted to see some resolution before she went. How could I deny her that?
"Fine," I said finally. "Monthly appointments. That's all I'm agreeing to right now."
Abel nodded. "I'll take it."
"And I meant what I said yesterday - no money beyond legal child support. I won't be bought."
"Understood."
"And you can't stay in town for a week. People will talk."
"People are already talking. Your neighbor has been pretending to water the same plant for twenty minutes."
Despite everything, I almost smiled. Mrs. Henderson was nothing if not persistent.
"That's different. She's protective. If you stay, they'll think... things."
"What things?"
"That you're trying to win me
