Behind Closed Doors by Debbi Rawlins Read Free Book Online Page B

she’d had to literally run around, bribing and cajoling, fixing last-minute snafus and liberally cursing both Mr. Choo and Mr. Louboutin.
    No, the real problem with living here was that it pushed her buttons. Thrust her back in time to feeling like that scared, helpless child, convinced she’d never be safe, never know the security of a home that couldn’t be pulled out from under her. As clear as it was that she’d made the right choice to move to Blackfoot Falls, she was equally certain that she couldn’t live in this house much longer. Beth needed her own space.
    And the other unsettling thing? She suspected the rent was being paid by one of her sister’s lovers. Or maybe the guy owned the house and was taking payment in trade. When Beth had offered to cover the rent and utility bills, Candace had eagerly requested cash instead of a check made out to the mysterious landlord. Beth had bought Liberty school clothes and a computer instead.
    Candace was standing at the open door puffing on her cigarette. “I told you before you came that girl was a handful,” she said, the corners of her mouth curling up as if the warning gave her reason to be smug.
    “Is it any wonder?” Beth pushed past her. “She doesn’t have adequate parental supervision.”
    Candace put the cigarette out on the side of the house and joined Beth in the kitchen. “You talking about me or her father?”
    “Oh, God, really?”
    “Hey, at least I’m here. I didn’t get myself locked up for breaking and entering.”
    Beth sighed. “She shouldn’t be hanging around Spike. He’s too old for her.”
    “I agree. I even had a sit-down with Liberty.”
    Beth had picked up the keys she’d left on the table, but surprised, she was no longer in a hurry to go. “And?”
    “I told her to wake up, that she’s wasting her time. He’s eighteen and still a junior in high school. She doesn’t need a loser like him. He’s never gonna be able to buy her something nice or take her anywhere. I told her straight up. I said, baby girl, you can do so much better than that clown.”
    Her mouth hanging open, Beth stared at her sister. The woman was completely clueless. Even after all the heart-to-heart talks they’d had in the past two months.
    Candace took the tomato juice out of the fridge and fixed herself a Bloody Mary. After taking a sip, she glanced at Beth. “You want one before you go?”
    Instead of answering, she saved her energy to keep from exploding. “Liberty is a bright girl. She doesn’t need a man buying her things or—” Beth’s control slipped a notch. “Or paying her rent.”
    With a chilly glare, Candace picked up her drink, leaving everything else on the counter, and walked to the door while reaching into her pocket.
    “Look, I’m sorry.” Beth briefly closed her eyes. “I’m not here to judge you, I’m not...but come on, this is about Liberty. You don’t want to see her go down the same road as—”
    “Me?” Candace paused to look at her and shrugged. “Go ahead and say it.”
    “I mostly blame Mom, not you. She was a horrible influence on both of us.” Beth had to be careful to keep her voice neutral. No one appreciated condescension, and she wanted to provide motivation, not ammunition for another fight. “The example you set for Liberty matters.”
    “Oh, for God’s sake, Bethany, kinda late for that, don’t you think?”
    “No. No, I don’t.”
    “Well, that’s your job, isn’t it, Little Miss Perfect? Being the shining example for your niece,” Candace said, and slammed out the screen door.
    Holding on to her temper by her fingernails, Beth followed her to the stoop. “Look, you called me, remember?”
    Candace lit her cigarette and drew in deeply. “You heard from her recently?”
    “Who?”
    “Mom.”
    Beth shook her head. Candace’s mercurial moods alone drove her crazy. “I haven’t talked to her in two years. She could’ve changed her number or moved for all I know.”
    “I’m pretty