My mother tried to laugh it off.
“Don’t exaggerate. Meredith just likes keeping busy.”
I stared at her.
“Likes?”
My cousin Oliver attempted to calm the situation.
“Relax, Evan. She’s just helping.”
I met his gaze.
“I know the woman who stood beside me when I had very little. I promised that woman I would always protect her.”
Then I looked around the room.
“Apparently that promise became inconvenient for some of you.”
My mother’s voice sharpened.
“Watch how you speak to me.”
I inhaled slowly.
