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She slowly opened the door.
“Can I help you?” she asked softly. She was dressed in faded jeans and a thick brown sweater. Her hair was pulled up in the same messy bun Violet wore on the weekends when she cleaned house.
“Can I come in?”
“Um...okay.” She swung open the door, and Violet smelled cinnamon.
Inside, the kitchen was tidy with navy Formica countertops in a U-shape. The living room was full of toys, and Lula sat on the floor near the coffee table with a cookie in hand and a puzzle on the table. She glanced up but didn’t speak.
“I baked cookies. Would you like one?”
“No thanks. I don’t do much sugar.”
“Coffee?”
“Coffee sounds good.”
Ruby motioned for Violet to have a seat at the kitchen table. She eased into a wooden chair with white backing and caught Lula’s eye.
Lula dramatically waved. “I know you.”
“Yes, we met at Mother’s. You were eating cheese curls.”
“I like cheese curls. I’m doin’ a puzzle. You like puzzles?”
“I love puzzles. I get to do them every day at my job.”
“Lula,” Ruby said. “Mind your business while we talk, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am.” She occupied herself with the puzzle on the coffee table.
Ruby opened the fridge. “How do you take it?”
“Like this.”
“Me too.” She closed the fridge door and sat across from Violet, stealing glances to see their similarities—ones hidden by the shadows the other night.
Violet cupped her mug with both hands. “I don’t really mince words, so... I’m your sister.”
“I know,” she said softly. “Mama told me you were here. That you’d probably come by to find me. It’s strange.” She sipped her cup.
“It is. What did your mom tell you?” Violet sipped the cheap coffee and waited patiently.
“Mama, I gotta pee.”
“Okay, hon. Go.” Ruby sighed. “Do you have kids?”
“No.”
“I don’t see a ring.”
“Reason for that.” Ruby was stalling. Violet would give her a few more questions before redirecting.
“Ever been married?”
“No.”
“Me neither. I thought maybe Lula’s father might...” She sighed and glanced at the counter. Nothing but a large black duffel bag. But it connected with her statement, which was about Lula’s father, and the duffel bag that John said earlier she was carrying from the trailer with Whiskey. Whiskey must be Lula’s father.
