Renewed (The Fractured Series Book 3) Read Free Page B

southern accent, turning his attention toward me.
    “Well, it is hot in here.” I used an open hand to fan my face.
    “Then I guess we’d better remove that heavy, warm robe.” He came at me with focused intention.
    It was eleven o’clock when he walked me to my front door. “Will you call me when you come home tomorrow? I want to find out if I have to visit anyone in the hospital once the Suttons finish talking to the Stewarts.”
    I laughed, but I don’t think he was joking. “I promise to call just as soon as I know something.”
    We spent the next twenty-five minutes saying good-bye with just our lips.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Five
     
     
    “Hurry up, Bryan,” Mom yelled up the stairs. “I don’t want to be late. We shouldn’t make a bad impression.”
    Dad was in the car, no doubt thinking of a million excuses just in case the extra-marital activities of him and Mrs. Sutton became an added topic during the day’s meeting. From the living room window, I could see him sitting in the car, his fingers tapping the steering wheel with desperation. Good, he deserves to be uncomfortable. I hope Mr. Sutton wipes the floor with him.
    Bryan came down the stairs wearing a light blue button-down shirt, a striped tie , and navy Dockers. Shoes replaced his usual sneakers. Even his hair was combed neatly back on his head. Oh my God, what’s happening to my brother?
    “You look very nice,” I said trying to boost his confidence. He responded with a nervous smile.
    Dillon brought a few of his metal airplanes to keep him occupied while the adults talked.
    Although I had seen Jennifer’s house a hundred times before, it always gave me a feeling of awe when I approached the façade of the mini-mansion. The huge cypress trees stood like sentries along the frontcourt. Tall windows on the main level sparkled in the sun.
    Grace, the housekeeper, opened the oversized wooden door and allowed us entry. We were shown into the elaborately decorated living room. Expensive pieces of artwork were scattered throughout the room, some on shelves by themselves, some resting on pedestals on the floor. There was a piece on the glass and chrome coffee table, and even a crystal orb on the edge of the grand piano in the corner.
    The female Suttons – Jennifer, her sister Michelle, and their mother, Arlene – were already seated on the long, white couch. Mr. Sutton was standing near the tall windows that looked out to the front of the house. I flashed a glance at my mother, who was eyeing the glass of alcohol in his hand.
    “Dina, Mark ... please come in,” Mrs. Sutton said, getting up from the couch.
    I looked at her, then at my father, whose face seemed to get brighter and more worried the moment he saw her. Disgusted by this, I shifted my glance to Jennifer. Her eyes were puffy , and her nose was red. Bryan raced to be by her side. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a big kiss. It improved her sad appearance, but only a little.
    “Won’t you sit down?” Mrs. Sutton offered.
    Mom sat on the chair across from the couch. Dad stood behind her. I whispered to Dillon to sit on the floor and play. He crossed his legs and sat Indian-style right where he stood. A handful of planes emerged from his pocket. Silently, he “flew” them in the airspace around him. I didn’t know where I should be, so I stood where I was.
    Mr. Sutton began. “Can I get either of you a drink?” Bryan, Dad and I looked at Mom.
    “No. Thank you,” she said gracefully. I was very proud of her at that moment. With all that was going on, I was sure she’d fold. I’m glad she proved me wrong.
    “Okay, on to business,” Mr. Sutton continued. “I’m not going to sugarcoat this, Mark. Jennifer is pregnant, and despite listening to reason, she has decided she wants to keep the child.”
    “ We decided,” Jennifer corrected squeezing Bryan’s hand. He kissed the top of her head. It was nice to see my brother so sweet.
    “What do you