Forever Too Far

Grant a couple of hours ago. Something to do with Woods.” I was talking too much. That wasn’t her business.
        “Are you gonna let me in? Or should I come back later?” The disgusted tone of her voice at the idea that I had the power to not let her inside what was now my house was obvious. I didn’t want to let her in but then Rush would want to see her. He’d just mentioned her a few nights ago. He was wondering how she was and telling me his mother said she was out of the clinic and doing better.
         Going against my better judgment I stepped back to let her inside. “Come on in,” I said , hating the idea of being alone with her. My gun was in the car although I really didn’t think I’d need that. She wasn’t that kind of dangerous... I didn’t think.
         “So how’s it feel being Mrs. Finlay?” she asked. Her tone indicated that she wasn’t happy about it and that this was not a friendly question.
         “Wonderful. I love your brother,” I replied.
         “You can’t lie to me. I’m not fooled by the innocent look. You got knocked up so you could snag him. He wasn’t gonna ignore his kid. You figured that out and used it. I just hope the kid’s his.” The hate laced in her words made me wince.
         I really wanted to call Rush and get him home. I didn’t want to talk to her. Not if this was going to be a Blaire-bashing conversation.
         “I’m sorry you feel that way. When you see Nate you’ll see there is no doubt who he belongs too. He is Rush’s mini-me,” I was mad at myself for taking her bait and defending myself.
         At the mention of Nate I could see Nan wince. She either hated the idea that we had a child or she hated that it was also my kid and she didn’t want to feel connected to it. I wasn’t sure. “I’m going to go grab my phone and call Rush to let him know you’re here. Please help yourself to something to drink or eat if you want it. You know where everything is.”
         I started for the stairs.
         “Wait. I don’t want to see Grant. Tell him not to bring Grant,” she said in a tight voice.
         “Okay. I will,” I replied. I was pretty sure Grant didn’t want to see her either but I wasn’t about to let her know I knew all about that. I wasn’t touching that issue.
         I hurried up the steps and went to get my phone. I would call Rush then go check on Nate... maybe I could kill all the time alone with her up here hiding.  Picking up the phone I dialed Rush’s number.
         “Hey baby, everything okay?” he asked when he answered.
         “Um... depends on what you consider okay,” I said. “Your sister is here.”
         “Turn around man. I need to go home now,” Rush said to Grant. “I’m on my way. Is she okay? Is she being nice? Did you let her in?”
          “Yes, not really, and yes,” I replied.
         “She’s not being nice. Shit, Blaire. I’m sorry. Why’d you let her in?”
        “Well, because Rush, she’s your sister. I wasn’t going to refuse to let your family in your house.”
         Rush took a deep breath. I knew what that meant. He was frustrated. “Blaire. If I ever hear you call it my house again I am going to go apeshit. That is our house. Our fucking house. If you don’t want to let someone in then don’t. Call me and they can wait on the damn steps until I can get there. I just want you comfortable in your home.”
         “Okay. Well, I let her in because you love her and I love you. How’s that for a reason?”
         Rush let out a low chuckle. “Nan is, and will probably forever be, the one person I love who I don’t expect you to be nice to. She needs to earn that shit. She hasn’t. You blow her off, kick her ass out, whatever you want to. Don’t you put up with her mouth spewing bullshit.”
        I decided I wouldn’t tell him about her accusation that Nate might not be his. He’d lose it. “Just hurry,” I begged.
         “Five minutes away,” he promised.
         I hung up and slipped the phone into my sports bra before going to check on Nate. Opening the door , I peeked in to find him kicking and gurgling at the sea creatures hanging from the mobile. Smiling, I walked over and his little eyes shifted until they locked on me. He kicked harder at the sight of me and my heart squeezed.
         “That was not a very good nap,” I told him , leaning over to pick him up. “I