Grant caught on to what wanted. a grin, he “Mrs. “Thank you, Ms. Th–Trevor glanced at Kylie, about to but Noreen’s look made him pause. corrected himself smoothly, “I’ll be needing your help, Kylie. Kylie’s smile flickered for a moment. It that she bothered by first but coming from Trevor with tone, it a too familiar. Meanwhile, got a call from the hospital. They were running low on blood for Melanie’s and needed her come in tomorrow. Melanie was devastated. you don’t she’s just going to me to fend for myself, do you? She must hate if wants me out of the picture. I’m sick, and now got deal with attitude. And not even family now,” Melanie said, tears streaming down her face as she hugged Julie. heart as she held Melanie. “I’ll it. been giving her silent treatment for a now. She’s had to reflect. Melanie looked at Julie with a hint of worry. “But will come without making demands? I don’t want cause any more stress for and Dad. “Don’t worry, she pulls any stunts, she’s out of here for good. I she might be regretting things went down last talk. She’s just for me to first move,” Julie sneered. face about Kylie, biological daughter. Kylie had always been disappointment, never quite fitting in. Melanie felt smile tug at lips. The more disliked Kylie, the better julie feel about Melanie. With a deep breath, Julie picked up her and dialed Kylie’s number. And Kylie was massaging with Grant every move. It an odd dance, their faces closer than ever been, and the tension was palpable. Trevor initially Kylie was just trying to his grandma’s heart, pulling all the stops to impress. But her fingers deftly worked way across his head, he felt an unexpected wave of relaxation wash over him, a rarity for usually struggled to unwind. come with the idea of learning new trick or Noreen had put it. But the massage was a complex ballet of pressure points. Despite Kylie’s patient guidance, Grant was hopelessly lost. Each had a a purpose, but it was hard. It dawned on. her that probably hadn’t expected her an expert. calm was suddenly pierced the sharp ring Kylie’s phone. Grant, noticing it on the side table, called out, “Mrs. Walters, it’s your phone. Kylie finished the massage and reached her phone. she answered, her tone of curiosity and wariness. Julie’s voice came through the line, all high–and–mighty. “You’re on the phone Figured out you’re hot water? sweep the other day under the rug. I this crap later. For now, just get your butt back here. We’re heading. to the hospital tomorrow,” Kylie glanced at who was catching some on couch, and slipped out quietly with her phone. As the door shut behind eyes popped open. He stared door, a look in his eyes. He could the muffled scolding from Kylie’s seemed the Lampard family were really laying into her. Julie, hearing anything was getting more ticked off by the second. “You lost your voice or Talk!” “Wanna drag me back to be personal blood bank?” shot back, a bite her words Julie’s brow furrowed at the flat tone Kylie’s voice. this about a bank? Mel’s your sis. just a blood. Don’t be so dramatic. Just get home, upgraded you to a that’s almost as sweet her A humorless laugh escaped Kylie. The sound traveled through the and Julie the wrong idea, was pleased. “After hospital, you’ll go to the office with your dail. He’s you up with a clerk Julie continued, her words sharp good, Mrs. Kylie’s voice with sarcasm. Her own true was eye–opener. “What did call me?” Julie’s temper flared. “I’m your mother!” “Is how you roll as a People might I’m arch–nemesis, Kylie her voice icy. In her past life, been stuck in the dinkiest the with Julie making an appearance, and when did, it was just to look down on her for her disability. Let have all the love she could handle. “What are you saying? That’s how talk to me?” Julie’s voice rose. “You’re spending our money, and your dad’s cut your credit card. If don’t to be on the street, get back here and apologize!” Kylie had already pulled the phone away from her car. When Julie’s rant over, she phone back. She and Mr. Lampard aren’t that old. still your marbles. Since 1 came to the Lampard family, 1 haven’t spent a dime of yours. Check the credit card statements. stirring but took a for ink things through? really need to use your better. Kylie the call, her set firm. Julie’s phone the her jaw set firm. She’s got some nerve, saying never took our money. Like I was yesterday, she to the disbelief seeping into her tone. Melanie raised an eyebrow, the storm brewing. the scoop, You look like you could fight a fire with that glare,” she trying to pry. In her eyes, Kylie didn’t stand a chance her. And Melanie her cards right, could Trevor’s in no time, leaving Kylie in the dust. Julie’s face was red with anger as she lobbed her phone onto the couch. not home, talking back, and claims hasn’t spent any of money. of parenting did Amanda do? Raising such a bad girl!” danced with a knowledge. She Kylie wasn’t lying. Craig had mentioned Kylie’s during holidays and weekends, saving up for herself. But… she about defend Kylie. “Kylie has the dad gave her. silly to think she fib without caught. Mom, don’t let her your skin. Julie’s only Melanie’s words. “This is outrageous!” she huffed, her voice laced with irritation.