Chapter 443

Cindy’s heart fluttered, but on the surface she acted unsure, almost reluctant. Her words did make sense, though, and Octavia hesitated after hearing her. She was worried Claire might use whatever leverage she had to threaten her. Cindy could see her mom didn’t really want to go to bat for her, and it left her feeling just a little hollow. Didn’t Mom always say she loved her most? Why wouldn’t she do something so simple for her?

Cindy hid her disappointment and forced a smile. “I know this is kind of tricky for you, Mom. Claire might even make things hard on you. Just forget it, okay? I really don’t want you to go through all that because of me p>

But Octavia shook her head, suddenly determined. “No, that’s not happening,” she said, not about to let it go. Cindy’s playing-it-cool move worked. Octavia had been conflicted, but seeing her daughter act so mature and understanding made her feel this wave of motherly love.

“Whether she agrees or not, we should at least try,” Octavia said. “Hang on, I’ll call Lance p>

She pulled out her phone right then and dialed Lance, telling him to come over. “I just saw Claire get home. I heard she won first place in the selection trials and scored herself a guaranteed spot. We should celebrate. Come over. We’ll all have dinner together p>

Lance sounded skeptical. “Are you serious?” He didn’t trust his mom’s intentions, not one bit. After all, ever since Cindy started complaining about Claire’s good grades, their mom hadn’t exactly been nice to Claire.

Octavia forced a smile. “We’re family, right? No point holding grudges forever. I’m honestly happy for her p>

She could barely keep up the pretense, and she knew her own son didn’t buy it. The idea of being happy for Claire honestly felt like a joke.

“You’re right,” Lance finally said. “I’ll come over p>

Once she hung up, Octavia headed straight to Claire’s place. Claire was taking a shower. Shirley sat on the carpet, watching TV and munching on snacks. When she heard a knock, she rolled her eyes and reluctantly got up. “Coming! Who is it?” She peeked through the peephole, then jumped. Seriously? Octavia and Cindy? Was it too late to play dead and pretend no one was home?

“It’s me. Shirley, open up.” No chance. Octavia had already heard her voice, and she definitely knew Shirley had come home with Claire.

Shirley grudgingly opened the door, keeping herself squarely in the way. “Octavia. Cindy. What’s up?” She didn’t even pretend to invite them in.

“Where’s Claire?” Octavia craned her neck to look around the apartment, clearly put off by Shirley’s attitude.

“She’s in the shower. Why are you looking for her?” Shirley’s tone made it obvious she didn’t want them there and both Octavia and Cindy picked up on it Weren’t they supposed to be family? Why was Shirley acting like they were

outsiders?

“I heard Claire won the qualifiers. I happened to be nearby, so I thought we could

celebrate. We should have dinner together tonight p>

Shirley raised an eyebrow. “You’re going to cook, Octavia?” She looked at her like she’d just suggested

feeding them to the wolves. Shenet”

knew Octavia could cook-she’d heard all the stories about her moms kitchen skills from years ago but how long had it been since she actually made a meal? Would it even be safe to eat? Honestly, with how jealous Cindy was of Claire, would you trust anything served up by either of them?

Octavia smiled coolly. “I can cook if you want, but I’m not sure if you girls anymore.

are used to my cooking e

Actually, there’s a new restaurant

nearby. Let’s just go there

Clearly, she had no intention of spending hours in the kitchen. Why should she put

in all that effort for a group of kids who didn’t appreciate her?

Shirley relaxed, just a little, when she heard she wouldn’t have to risk eating

Octavia’s food. Poisoning didn’t seem so far-fetched, given all the drama.

“We should ask Claire,” Shirley said. “She just got back from Cabinda, and she’s really tired. I don’t want to decide for her p>