Chapter 13: Bring a Pen

"Say that again," I said.

"Which part?"

"The part about my children."

Piper looked at me with her head tilted, pleased, and did not say it again.

Headlights swung across the yard and a truck turned in at the gate.

I watched her face change.

The calm went out of it and the old bright look came back, the one she wore for photographers.

"Margo!" she called, and waved. "I was just leaving."

Margo stepped down from the truck and shut the door without hurry.

Gideon got out on the other side and stayed where he was, near the hood, with his hands loose at his sides.

"She brought a folder," I said, loud enough for both of them. "She wants me at the label on Monday to sign over every song I've written."

"I came to make peace," Piper said. "Family should be able to talk."

"Then talk," Margo said. "We're listening."

Piper smiled at her.

It was a very good smile, and it had nothing behind it.

"Ten o'clock Monday, Lyd," she said. "The fourth floor on Lyric Row. Bring a pen."

She walked to her car, and she did not hurry either.

Gideon moved a few steps to the side so that she had to pass him.

She passed him.

When her taillights were gone he came up the path and stopped one stair below me.

"Tell me," he said.

I told them in the kitchen, with the porch light still on outside.

It took about four minutes, and I didn't cry until I got to the loop of the L.

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