Leo sniffed again. “Mom thinks we don’t know ‘bout what happened but we do. Tilly used to hide me under her bed when Dad got mad but we could hear it. I didn’t like when he hurt her.”
“I’d never physically hurt your mom, Leo. And no man should raise his hand to a woman, ever. There’s no excuse for that, but I think your dad had problems and he thought it was okay. I’m sorry he wasn’t well and I’m even more sorry that you children had to witness his behavior.”
“He was mean. I didn’t like it. I’m glad he’s gone.” His lips turned down at the corners, gave a tiny wobble.
Out of the mouth of a child. Drew looked up at the sound of footsteps on gravel. April had come to a halt on the path just out of Leo’s vision. She looked shocked and he wanted to go to her, but couldn’t leave Leo in the state he was. He hoped she understood. They could talk about it later at work once he’d settled Leo down. Drew shook his head and indicated that she should go. He gave her a smile and waited until she understood then he started talking to Leo again.
“It’s sad, Leo. Sounds like your father was sick and I’d say he didn’t get the help he needed. Perhaps if he did, he wouldn’t have hurt your mom.”
“Why didn’t he?”
“I’m don’t know. I sure your mom tried to talk to him about it, but perhaps he wouldn’t listen.”
He seemed to think for a moment. “Would you listen if my mom told you to get help?”
How to answer that one? The boy certainly knew how to put him on the spot. “Maybe, if I thought she was right, I would.”
“Moms are always right. You should know that.” He heaved a sigh. “Are you still going to be friends with her?”
“Of course I will. And if she’ll forgive me maybe we can get together for dinner again soon. I enjoy spending time with you all.”
“So why did you take that lady home last night?”
“Because it wasn’t safe for her to drive herself.”
Leo thought it over. “Mom’s gonna be real mad at me.”
“Why do you think that?” Drew was beginning to enjoy the conversation.
“Cause I missed the bus and she’ll have to take me to school and then be late for work and you’ll get mad at her. She said she doesn’t have time for all that today.”
Drew smiled. “You tell your mom I said it’s okay for her to drive you in today even if it makes her late for work. I’ll see her later when she’s ready and I promise not to get mad at her. Okay?”
Leo slung his arm around Drew’s back and snuggled in for a hug. “I better go.” He stood up, wiped his hands over his face again, and grinned at Drew before he skipped down the steps. With a final quick look back, he raced up the pathway toward home.
“Nicely done, son.” Atticus walked out of the house and stood watching Leo run up the road. “Now all you have to do is convince April that you’re the man for her. You’ve got the children on your side.”
“You think?” He stood up, retrieved his mug from the deck. “I don’t think she’ll be quite so easy to talk around.”
“Not giving up, are you?” His lips twitched, making his moustache waver.
“Not likely. Sounds like you’ve changed your tune since last night. Sounded like you didn’t give me a chance in hell of getting her back.” He walked past his father and into the house.
“Nope. I think you’re a good man, Drew. I’m just not sure you’re what April needs right now.”
“Atticus. That’s not nice,” Gigi admonished her brother and poured herself a coffee. “Give the poor boy a break.”
“Wasn’t meant to be nice. That poor girl has been hurt and doesn’t need any more pain. If Drew wants to make this work, he has some serious thinking to do. That’s all I’m saying.”
Chapter 15
April snuck back home with tears in her eyes. Listening to her little man talk to Drew about his violent father broke her heart. She’d honestly thought that she’d been able to shelter them from most of the confrontations. It seemed she’d been very wrong.
“Mom, what’s wrong?” Tilly stood at the front door watching her walk up the steps.
April rubbed her hands over her face and tried to smile. “Sorry. I’m so sorry, honey.”
“Mom, tell me what’s going on. You’re scaring me.”
The look of fear on her face hit April and she reached out to her daughter. “It’s okay.” She hugged her close, regret that she’d never left her husband earlier almost swamping her. They stood on the porch hugging until Tilly pulled away.
“Mom, tell me what’s going on. Why are you so upset?”
“Let’s sit down.”
“How am I going to get to school?”
April shrugged her shoulders. “I’ll drop you both off today, don’t worry.” She eased her daughter into a chair and clasped her hands together and sat down beside her. “Leo ran down to Drew, upset that we aren’t together. He thinks we won’t be friends anymore.”
Tilly pulled a face. “Why would you after that lady showed up last night?”
“Honey, it’s a little bit more complicated than that. I work for Drew and even though we grew up together, it doesn’t mean we should be together now. We’re friends and that won’t change no matter what.”
“Okay. So why are you sorry then? I don’t get it.”
“Because Leo told Drew that you hid him under the bed when your dad got violent.” Even saying
