CHAPTER TEN

The next day, Hailey took her grandparents over to the social hall, as Gran called it, for the Tuesday afternoon gathering. It was a large building where the residents of the area met for dances, meetings, and activities. Today was a get-to-know-you day to help new residents feel welcome. Gramps wasn’t thrilled about going, but Gran insisted he get out and say hello to folks.

Gran said the two of them would be fine there without Hailey and sent her back to the house. Hailey wanted to argue, but she was looking forward to taking a nice shower, then getting caught up on some work.

As she stepped out of her bedroom still sporting a towel on her head, someone rapped on the door.

She rushed to it, hoping it wasn’t an emergency involving her grandparents. On the porch stood her aunt, Regina, her dyed black hair in a scraggly ponytail and her mid-section hanging over the top of her too-tight jeans. Other than her ex, Kevin, Regina was the last person Hailey wanted to see—there was far too much history there.

Regina stared at her. “Are you gonna let me in or what?”

Her aunt deserved the or what.

Regina pushed the door open and brushed past Hailey.

“Aunt Regina, I didn’t know you were coming,” Hailey said as calmly as possible.

“Didn’t think I needed your permission to visit my own parents.” Regina surveyed the room.

“They’ll be surprised, that’s all.” That was a nice way of putting it.

Regina arched one of her too-thin eyebrows. “Are you tryin’ to say that I don’t come see them?”

“No. They hadn’t said anything so I’m sure—”

Regina waved her hand at Hailey. “Never mind. Where are they?”

Trying to keep her anger under control, Hailey said, “They’re at the community center.”

Regina nodded, her long, silver earrings swaying.

Hailey reminded herself that even though Regina deserved a big kick in the rear, she was still her aunt, and her parents had taught her to be respectful. “Do you want to sit down?”

“Don’t mind if I do.” Regina sat with an ample thud on the couch.

Not really wanting to know the answer, but being polite, Hailey asked, “What have you been up to?”

“Travelin’ the country with Jake.”

“Jake?” Regina had such a long list of boyfriends it was hard to keep track.

“Don’t matter. He’s yesterday’s news.” Regina stood and walked to the kitchen where she rummaged through the refrigerator. “Anything in here to eat? I’m starving.”

“I think there are leftovers from dinner last night. You can have all the meatloaf you want.” Hailey smiled inwardly.

Regina pulled out a container, lifted its lid, and took a whiff. She jerked her head back. “You make this?”

“Yeah. It’s a—”

“Don’t give up your day job to be a cook.” Regina laughed at her stupid joke.

“How long are you planning to visit?” Please say it’ll only be a day or two. Please. Please. Please.

Regina let out a snort. “I’m not plannin’ to visit. I’m movin’ in.”

“Oh.” Moving in? I can’t even. Hailey wanted to burst into angry tears.

“You’re looking at me with some kind of shock on your face.” Regina narrowed her eyes, then walked past Hailey back into the living room.

“You have heard that Gramps had a stroke, right?”

Regina whirled around and stared at her. “No. Hadn’t heard that. I don’t seem to be in the family news group.” She laughed.

“Would you like to know if he’s okay?” Regina’s lack of sensitivity was appalling.

“You know,” she set her hand on her plump hip, “I don’t think I like your tone.”

Hailey drew in a long breath. “Excuse me?”

“These are my parents. Don’t act like I don’t care about them.”

“I wasn’t,” she lied. Regina only cared about Regina. Period.

“Why are you here anyway?” Regina plopped back onto the couch.

“To help Gramps.” Obviously.

“I see.” Regina kicked off her boots and sat back, shoveling food into her mouth. “It don’t matter now,” she said with her mouth full. “I can take care of them. You can go on home.”

A noise sounded at the door. Hailey looked to see her grandma opening the door. She rushed over. “Gran, I thought you weren’t going to be done for another thirty minutes.”

“Harry got too tired, so Dee brought us back.” She lowered her voice. “Is she here?”

Hailey nodded.

“Momma, Daddy,” Regina said, standing “I’m so happy to see you.” She wore a sickly smile.

Gramps looked at her and smiled.

“Regina, what are you doing here?” Gran’s voice was monotone.

“Momma, is that any way to talk to me? I haven’t been home in—”

“Two years,” Gran said in a sharp tone. “No word from you in over six months.”

“I know. I know.” Regina engulfed Gran in a hug. “And I’m sorry. But I’m here now. When I heard about Daddy’s stroke I knew I had to come.”

Hailey rolled her eyes. Regina was something all right.

“How’d you hear about that?” Gran asked. One thing Hailey loved about her grandmother was how she never let anyone get away with anything.

“Cousin Barb told me.”

Gran nodded, but Hailey could tell she didn’t buy it.

Gramps made some sounds, then reached his arms out for a hug. Regina snuggled up close to him.

“Always was a daddy’s girl,” Gran said quietly.

“I’m going to stay and help for as long as you need me.” Regina grinned. Hailey wanted to smack that fake smile right off her aunt’s face.

“Hailey is already—” Gran started.

“Now that I’m home, she can go back.” Regina helped Gramps over to his recliner.

“I can make up the other bedroom,” Gran said with resignation.

Hailey wanted to scream. Regina was so pushy and bossy. And she didn’t care about anyone but herself. In all of Hailey’s growing up years, Regina had visited a couple of times and it always ended badly. And usually with some cash missing. She couldn’t be more opposite from Hailey’s dad, who had worked hard in his career, put down roots, and raised a family. Regina liked to call herself a free spirit, but more accurately, she was lazy and irresponsible. And if she thought she was going to run Hailey off, she had another thing coming.