AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Going back into my office, I grab my jacket and put it on. I pick up my purse, make sure I have my cell and wallet, and pop my head into Margie’s office. “I’m going out, I need some air.” Before I think better of it, I ask, “Would you like me to bring you back some lunch?”
“Oh, no. I’m good, thank you. If you want some lunch, I can order it, I don’t mind.”
“No, it’s okay, but thank you. I have a headache, and the air might do me good.”
She nods and turns back to her computer.
“I won’t be too long.”
As soon as I step out onto the street, I inhale a deep breath of fresh air into my lungs, but it doesn’t help, the air out here is even thicker with the humidity. I walk to my favorite deli and order a tuna sandwich, water, and chips. After paying, I take my paper bag from the young kid behind the counter, thank him, and walk to Central Park.
I sit down on an empty bench and take out my lunch. As I eat, I watch people walking their dogs, small families having picnics. It was nice. It was peaceful. It was what I needed.
My cell rings, cutting into my serenity. With a sigh, I place my sandwich on top of the paper bag and put it down on the bench. I take my cell out and answer.
“Hi, Mom,” I greet her with a smile. I know she can’t see me, but at least she can hear the happiness in my voice.
“Hi, darling. Are you still coming for dinner?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Oh good. You know, if you wanted to bring anyone with you, that would be okay. You know that don’t you, sweetheart?”
“Yes, Mom, and thank you, but it’ll just be me.”
“Okay, then.” She sighs.
“Why are you saying this?” I know my mom wouldn’t be asking without a reason.
“Just extending the offer,” she answers, way too quickly for my liking.
“What has Hayden told you?” I say a little firmer than I actually mean to.
“Nothing really. Just that you were seeing that man you were talking about a while ago. I just want you to know you can bring him around anytime you’d like.”
“Well, thanks, Mom. I’m on my lunch break and I really have to go. Love you.” I locked my screen and threw it back into my purse. When I get to Mom’s tonight, I am going to kill my brother.
I pulled into Mom’s driveway just after five thirty.
The traffic leaving New York was crazier than usual, and that was saying something. I turned my key in the door and walked in, placed my purse down on the table by the door, and took out my cell before searching for Mom.
I saw Hayden first. I sat down next to him and punched his arm. “Thanks, dickhead.”
He rubbed at his arm and frowned. “What have I done?”
“Telling Mom about Everett ring any bells? You have a mouth wider than a Venus fly trap, surely you know that?”
“Oh, come on, Reag. You can’t keep him your dirty little secret forever.”
“You’re a moron. You know she’s going to be on my back now. Why can’t you get a girlfriend, so she’ll be too distracted to get onto me about getting married.”
“Who says I don’t have one?”
My eyes widen at his statement and I needed to know everything.“Tell me.”
He shakes his head at me and scowls. “You’re like a little bird, one little breadcrumb and you just want more.”
“Yes…and?” I tap his leg until he gives in. “Just tell me.”
