Chapter 47 Layla

• Dad takes a deep pull off his cigar; it must’ve burned his hand because he let it go hurriedly, and it falls to the ground. I see him pull out another from the carton on the table and light it. Mom puts a hand on my cheek and looks me straight in the eyes. She rarely touches me. Her icy blue eyes remind me of Deanna’s but without the warmth.
• “We need whatever we can get against him for the judge to grant us custody. It is not enough for him to be a former alcoholic. We need concrete proof that he’s still just as bad as he was. Concrete proof that he’s not fit to be Ruby’s guardian.”
• I nod slowly, Mom’s hand staying on my cheek. “I understand.” I know mom will remove her hand soon, so I savor the few moments of affection she’s showing me.