Too Close for Comfort Read Online Free PDF Page B

Marlon. This going back and forth with Ms. Lucille is a waste of time.”
    â€œMama, you act like I wanna go back and forth with them. Can you believe they gave the girls a DNA test behind my back? You don’t think I shoulda went over there and said anything?” Paige couldn’t believe how her mother was acting. It was as if she thought Paige was in the wrong.
    â€œNo, I don’t. Is Myla Marlon’s daughter?”
    â€œI know you’re not asking me that.”
    â€œWell then, let them give her ten DNA tests; I don’t care how many tests they give. The fact that Marlon is her father will not change.”
    â€œShe does have a point, Paige.” Nina shrugged, looking at Paige.
    â€œThanks for the support, Nina. You said yourself you woulda beat them down.”
    â€œI hope you didn’t go over there putting your hands on nobody.” Paige’s mother shot her a look.
    â€œI defended myself, Mama, that’s all. But I did tell them they have thirty days to get outta my house.”
    â€œNow, I don’t blame you for that . . . especially since your name is on the deed. You should kick them out.”
    â€œNo, she shouldn’t. Didn’t you tell me that his new wife is pregnant? And you aren’t paying the mortgage, so it’s not hurting you.”
    Paige stared at her mother. She hated the fact that she was acting as if Paige was being the unreasonable one, when it was Kasey and Ms. Lucille that were disrespecting her.
    â€œMama, I can’t talk to you about this. I can’t believe you’re making me out to be the bad person here.” Paige stood up to leave.
    â€œI’m not making you out to be anything, Paige. I’m your mother and I’m trying to tell you what’s right. I’m warning you—this thing is gonna turn ugly if you don’t back off and leave it alone. For Myla’s sake, if for no other reason.”
    â€œWell, guess what Ma—it already got ugly.” Paige walked through the kitchen and opened the back door. “Myla, come on, let’s go.”
    â€œAwww, Ma,” Myla whined from the swingset, “just five more minutes.”
    Paige could feel a headache about to come on. “No, Myla, now! I’m not calling you again!”
    â€œLet her play a little while longer. I’ll bring her home.” Nina walked up to Paige. “You need some alone time anyway.”
    â€œCan you believe her? You’d think she was on their side.” Paige sighed.
    â€œYou know how your mom is, she just hates confrontation.”
    â€œWhatever.” Paige shrugged. “At least I know where her loyalty lies in this whole situation.”
    â€œPaige, come on now, her loyalty lies with you. It always has, and it always will. She just sees the situation differently, that’s all. She’s looking at it as Myla’s grandmother.” Nina pointed over at the two girls playing. “She doesn’t want anything to disrupt that little girl’s childhood.”
    â€œAnd I do?—That’s why I’m trying to protect her from Ms. Lucille and Kasey—I’ve got a headache. I’ll see you when you get to the house.”
    â€œYou’re leaving?” Her mother walked back into the den. “I was about to cook.”
    â€œYeah, my head is hurting. Nina says she’ll drop her off. See you later.” Paige opened the door and almost walked smack into her Aunt Gayle.
    The two of them stared at each other, neither one saying a word. Moments passed and Paige’s temple began to throb. “Excuse me,” she said and went to step out the doorway.
    The sight of her aunt’s car door opening caused her to stop in her tracks. Her cousin Celeste got out. The tension became even thicker.
    Celeste couldn’t even look Paige in the eye as she walked by. Her cousin had caused more trouble than a little bit and had reason to feel ashamed. For some reason,