Starting Now (Blossom Street #9)(54)

Lydia ignored the girl as much as possible.

Ava came all the way into the room. “Hello, Mrs. Goetz,” she said.

“Goetz is your surname?” Darlene asked, looking away from the television screen.

“My married name.”

Ava stood almost directly in front of Lydia, her eyes begging her not to mention the pregnancy.

“Do you know Ronny Goetz?” Darlene asked.

“No, I’m sorry, but I can ask my husband if you’d like.”

“Do. Ronny borrowed fifty bucks from me and never paid me back. Haven’t seen him in six months. I should have known better, but he had a sob story, and fool that I am I fell for it.”

“Ah, sorry, I haven’t heard Brad ever mention any relation named Ronny.”

“Goetz is an unusual name. If your husband’s related, I’d appreciate a phone number. I’m not the only one Ronny owes, so I’d like to get to him before anyone else does.”

“I’ll mention that to Brad.”

“I’d appreciate it.”

“Getting back to what I was saying earlier …”

“Can I get you anything, Grandma?” Ava asked, breaking into the conversation.

“A beer. What about you?” She motioned to Lydia.

“No thanks.”

Ava hesitated.

“Don’t stand there like a bump on a log; get me another beer.” The older woman glanced sheepishly at Lydia. “Another bad habit. I plan on cutting back on drinking, too. I only have two a night. That’s my limit; really can’t afford any more than that.”

Ava hurried into the kitchen and returned with a beer can. She handed it to her grandmother.

“You could open it for me, you know,” Mrs. Carmichael complained, as she took the aluminum can out of her granddaughter’s hand. “I’ve got arthritis in my hands. I wish you’d learn to be more thoughtful.”

“Sorry, Grandma.”

Darlene Carmichael mumbled under her breath. She handed the empty can to Ava and took a deep swallow from the full one before setting it down next to the ashtray.

“I was saying that Ava looks like she’s gained weight over the summer,” Lydia said. “And I—”

“I’ve been telling her the same thing,” Mrs. Carmichael said, interrupting her. “I tried to put her on a diet but it doesn’t seem to be helping.”

“I believe I know the reason for Ava’s weight gain,” Lydia said, speaking quickly. She refused to be deterred. Either she forged ahead or lost her nerve.

“So do I.”

Lydia straightened. “You do?”

“She doesn’t get enough exercise. Ava spends half the day in her bedroom, and she steals snacks out of the kitchen. I swear Ava and her brother eat me out of house and home. They think money grows on trees, apparently. Last week alone I spent over a hundred dollars on groceries. I can’t afford that and now they need new school clothes. Jackson wants to play sports and he had to get a physical. Those doctor visits don’t come cheap.” She shook her head as though overwhelmed by it all.

“I think the weight gain might be due to more than snacks between meals,” Lydia suggested.

“Oh?” Darlene Carmichael frowned.

“I’m afraid Ava might …” Lydia paused and gathered her courage. “Actually, I believe Ava might be pregnant.”

“Ava, pregnant?” The old woman laughed as though this was a bad joke. “No way. She’s only thirteen.”

“I know. She needs to see a physician.”

Darlene rose to her feet, paused just long enough to take another drink of her beer. Then she shouted for Ava, who’d recently left the room. “Ava, get in here!” Her shrill voice rang through the house like a foghorn.

Nothing.

“Ava!” she shouted again, more threatening this time. “Get in here. Now.”

The bedroom door opened again and Ava slowly made her way down the long, narrow hallway. Her grandmother met her halfway and grabbed her by the upper arm, practically dragging her into the living room. She brought her to stand in front of Lydia. Ava hung her head.

Lydia wanted to shout for Darlene to release the girl but knew it wouldn’t do any good.

“Are you pregnant?” Darlene Carmichael demanded of her granddaughter.

Tears streamed down Ava’s ashen face. “No, Grandma.”

Darlene let go of Ava’s arm as if that was all the proof she needed. “What did I tell you?” she stated calmly. “The girl eats too much. Isn’t that right?” The question was posed to Ava.

“Yes,” Ava whispered, keeping her head lowered.

“Now I think you should know that I don’t appreciate you coming into my home and making accusations. I take care of my own, and my granddaughter doesn’t sleep around.”

“I didn’t mean to imply—”

“I know you probably mean well,” Darlene said, cutting Lydia off. “But I don’t appreciate you butting your head into my family business. Ava says she’s not pregnant and I believe her. I don’t know what makes you think my granddaughter is having a baby, but that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Now I’d appreciate it if you left my home.”