Inevitable - Kristen Granata Page 0,16

this charity the event it deserves. It’ll get a lot of exposure, and it can help a lot of people out there. The last thing I need is one of these stuck-up, entitled women to cause a scene and ruin the whole night.”

Deanna rubs small circles on Eva’s back. “I know how much this charity means to you. But you’re doing everything you can to make sure everything goes smoothly. You can’t control what these women do.”

“I can if I seat them in the right spots.”

“Maybe you should take a break. You’ve been planning this for months. When’s the last time you spent the day in the park? You used to love going there and sketching while Eric painted.”

Who’s Eric? This is the second time I’ve heard Deanna mention his name.

Eva’s face hardens, her lips pressing into a firm line. “Yeah, I used to love going there with Eric. That’s why I don’t do it anymore.”

Deanna hesitates before pressing forward. “Just because he’s gone doesn’t mean you can’t still do those things. I’ll go with you, if you want.”

“No, Dee. I appreciate the offer, but I just want to focus on this event.”

“And what happens when the event is over?” Deanna asks. “Then what will you focus on?”

“Who are you, my father?” Eva’s eyebrows dip low and her fists clench at her sides. “I don’t need this shit right now. If you’re not going to help me, I’ll do it on my own. Just get off my back, Dee!”

Deanna chews on her bottom lip and takes a few steps backward before turning around and leaving Eva at the table by herself.

I push off the wall and go over to where Eva’s standing. “She’s just being a good friend, you know. You shouldn’t push her away like that.”

Eva holds her hand up, palm facing me. “Spare me the psychiatry, Freud. You’re getting paid to watch my back, not eavesdrop on my conversations. And take off the sunglasses, will you? You’re inside! You look ridiculous.”

I dip my head down so I’m nose to nose with her. “You can insult me all you want, but don’t push away the one friend you have. Seems like she’s the only one who gives a shit about you, and if that’s how you treat her, I can’t figure out why.”

I turn and leave her there with her mouth gaped, before she can spit any more venom. She’s clearly hurting, and Deanna struck a chord by bringing up this Eric guy, but that doesn’t give her the right to lash out at everyone around her.

My sister taught me that lesson.

I was a mess after Mom died. Angry at the world, spewing hate onto everyone who came near me. If it weren’t for my sister, I’m not sure I’d have been able to pull myself out of the darkness on my own. I’d probably have ended up just like my father.

If I’m not already slated to become him.

I don’t call Jen as much as I should. I lean back against the wall and pull my phone from my pocket, clicking on Jen’s number.

My niece’s little voice comes through the speaker. “Hi, Uncle Graham.”

“Hey, Gwennie. How are you doing?”

“I’m good. I miss you.”

I chuckle at her heavy lisp. “I miss you too. Did you lose another tooth?”

“I lost my top tooth! The big one, right in front.”

“That’s worth the most money. How much did the Tooth Fairy give you?”

“She only gave me two dollars. Mommy says the Tooth Fairy is getting cheap. I guess a lot of kids are losing their teeth and she doesn’t have enough money to pay for them. Uncle Graham, why does the Tooth Fairy want all our teeth anyway? What does she do with them?”

“What does your mother think she does with them?”

“She says she collects them to keep building her castle. But I think that’s creepy. Why would she want to live in a castle made out of teeth? That’s not very sanitation.”

I bark out a laugh, throwing my head back. “You mean sanitary. And you’re right. It’s not very sanitary. I think your mother is a little coocoo.”

She giggles. “Mommy, Uncle Graham thinks you’re coocoo.”

“Tell him the feeling’s mutual,” she says, taking the phone. “Hello, brother. Nice of you to call your dear old sister.”

“I’m sorry. Dad has me on this important case, and it’s been a busy week.”

Jen sighs. “I wish you’d find another job.”

“If I could find one that pays better, I would.”

“What kind of case are you working now?”

I