Over Before She Loved Me novel · Chapter 21 of 24

Chapter 21: A Dozen Dish Towels

Joelle got to her mother's building in ten minutes, with Dustin driving and her coat on over her pajamas.

Dolores stood in the third-floor hall with a covered dish in both hands.

She had on her good wool coat and no earrings.

Maureen stood in the doorway, arms folded, in her robe.

"She's been here forty minutes," Maureen said. "She won't come in until you do."

"Why?"

"She says I have to be sitting down for it."

Joelle pressed her lips together so as not to laugh.

"Mom, sit."

Maureen turned and sat in her kitchen chair, the one by the stove, the one with the worn cushion.

Dolores came in after her.

She set the casserole on the counter and took off her gloves one finger at a time.

Then she stood in the middle of the little room.

Dustin and Joelle took the doorway.

Dolores looked at Maureen for a long moment.

"Mrs. Hartigan," she said. "I came into your home and called your daughter a purchase."

"You did."

"I told you she was paid in kidneys. I said it so that it would hurt."

"It did."

"I said I would take your grandchild."

"You did that too," Maureen said.

Dolores swallowed.

"I am sorry," she said. "I'm sorry for every word."

"I was cruel to a woman who had done nothing to me."

"I did it because I couldn't stand her happiness."

The kitchen clock ticked.

Maureen did not move.

"That's a start," she said. "Is that all?"

"I don't know what else there is."

"Then I'll tell you. You owe me a dish towel."

Dolores blinked.

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