Free Covered in Coal by Silla Webb Page A

but I want to tell you my side of the story, so we can rebuild our relationship.” Just as I’m beginnin’ my confession, my cell phone rings, interruptin’ me. I glance at the screen, and excuse myself so I can take the call. A few minutes later, I return to the livin’ room.
    “Hey, how about you join me for supper tonight with my parents? Momma’s been cookin’ all day, and they’d love to see you. “
    “No thanks, I’ll just have something here.”
    “Woman, just get your shoes on and get your ass in the truck. You know how persistent Emily Weston is, if you don’t show up, she’ll drive over here and expect an explanation. Besides, it’s actually better this way.”
    Releasin’ a heavy huff, she laces up her shoes, and walks out to my truck. The drive is silent and nerve wrackin’. Within ten minutes, we pull up to my parents’ home. I shut off the engine to the truck, hop out and walk around to open the door for her. As she gets out, I lace her fingers within mine, and pull her toward me. I tilt her chin up, so I can look deep into her beautiful hazel eyes.
    “After supper, we’re talkin’, no exceptions. For now, promise me that whatever happens this evenin’, you just roll with it. Promise me you won’t lose your shit.”
    “Well now that scares me. What makes you think I’m gonna,” Carly Jo trails off as she hears the front door open and the bubbly voice of the one lady who holds my heart safely, and loves me unconditionally.
    “Daddy! Daddy! I’m so glad you’re home! I’ve missed you, Daddy!” Heidi Jo shrills as she jumps into my arms and hugs my neck tight. I swing her around, like I always do and she lets out a heart-warmin’ giggle. As I turn to set Heidi Jo down on the ground, I notice the reaction on Carly Jo’s face. She is as white as a ghost, and I’m fairly sure her spirit has completely died and gone to heaven. She looked broken before, but now she looks empty.
    I whisper to Heidi Jo and a sweet smile spreads across her adorable face. She nods, then walks over to Carly Jo, and wraps her tiny arms around Carly Jo’s waist.  “Hi, Ms. Carly Jo.  My name is Heidi Jo Weston. My daddy talks about you all the time. Come on inside, Mamaw is cookin’ supper.” Heidi Jo says as she begins to tug the still frozen Carly Jo towards the house.
    Walkin’ up from behind, I place my palm on the small of Carly Jo’s back and guide her inside the house. Kickin’ my boots off, I walk into the kitchen where Momma is just settin’ the table for dinner. When she looks up and sees Carly Jo, she squeals like a school girl, runnin’ over to hug her. When she releases Carly Jo, she turns her around and around examinin’ every square inch of her.
    “Oh my, Carly Jo Simon, I’m so happy to see your pretty face. Lady, things just ain’t been the same around here without you! Sit down and have some dinner. Lord, girl, you look like you never eat,” Momma says to her.
    “Ms. Carly Jo, I want you to sit between me and my daddy, please!” Heidi Jo begs with the cutest toothy grin.  Carly Jo smiles down sweetly at the little girl and sits down next to her. She still hasn’t said a word. She always loved my Momma, but I think she may have shell shock. Maybe this is all too much at once.  We say grace, then pile our plates high with chicken and dumplings.
    “How was your day, princess?” I ask Heidi Jo.
    “It was fun, Daddy. We got to decorate paper punkins, and I made mine extra sparkly, just for you!”
    “Sweet, princess, I can’t wait to see your masterpiece.”
    We continue to make small talk throughout dinner, but Carly Jo is still as quiet as a mouse. She watches intently as I interact with Heidi Jo, but a smile never forms on her face. As we finish dinner, she offers to help Momma with the dishes, but Momma declines her offer, of course.
    “Carly Jo, you ain’t said two words this entire time. Go on now, get through there and spend some time with Colton and Heidi Jo.