Page 23 of An Unexpected Encounter

“Yeah, I wasn’t feeling well. Heard some news that made me sick.” I cut my eyes in their direction.

“It would have been nice if you had told me, Selena. It was so embarrassing when everyone was asking me where my daughter was. Not to mention I’ve been home for a month and haven’t heard from you once to check on me. Your brothers have been here, I don’t know how many times.”

“They’re not my brothers,” I say through gritted teeth.

“Selly.” Sam squeezes my hand as he smiles at me.

“I assumed you would want some alone time with Abel, with him moving in and all.”

“Abel’s not moving his stuff here. We’re buying a new house, one with memories of just us. The boys have been coming over to help take care of some of the repairs. I need you to get what you want of your stuff out of the garage.”

“What!” I pull my hand free of Sam, then slam them on the table as I stand. It turns out to be a bad move, as I get dizzy from the sudden movement and drop back down in my chair.

“Are you okay?” I hear in unison.

“I’m fine.”

“Here, Selly, drink some water.” Sam hands me a glass, and I take small sips.

“If you would lose some of that weight, that wouldn’t happen. It even looks like you’ve gained weight since I saw you last.”

“Her weight is fine. She’s perfect,” one of the brothers defends me.

I don’t even care what they think. The only thing on my mind is that she plans to sell my family home. The last place my father lived.

“What do you mean, you’re selling it? Why didn’t you tell me? I’d buy it.”

“Why would you want it? Can you even afford it?” I can’t believe her attitude. Why wouldn’t I want my childhood home?

“Ladies, why don’t we table it for now? We can meet later to discuss the house, and I’m sure if you want it, Selena, your mother will make sure you get a chance to make an offer. I’m sure she just thought you wouldn’t want it.” Abel tries to diffuse the situation.

Is this man for fucking real? Is my mother’s pussy gold-plated or something, because he’s whipped.

“Yes, let’s eat. Selena, please put a small portion on your plate. I know how you like to eat and you’re never going to lose weight if you continue like that. I’m sure Sam doesn’t want an overweight girlfriend.”

I can hear my new step-brothers coughing beside me. “Julia, really?” one of them says.

“I personally love Selena’s body. Every single inch of it. All my friends tell me how hot she is. If you want an extra serving of food, baby, take it. We can work off those calories later. And Mrs. Carter, I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t make those comments about Selena again. I’ve always been taught to respect my elders, but you're being nothing more than a bully. If you continue this act of yours, then Selena and I’ll be leaving.”

Tears well in my eyes, and my vision blurs. I couldn’t love Sam more than I do at this moment.

“Abel, are you going to let him talk to me like that?” My mother stands and storms from the room, her new husband rushing behind her.

“Your mother is a piece of work,” Ezekiel says as he drops his fork on his plate.

“Sam, let’s go. I’m suddenly not hungry, or up for family.” I push my chair back and stand up.

“Selena, can we talk with you before you go?” Elias asks.

“No, I’m ready to go. I don’t think we have anything to say to each other.”

With that, Sam and I leave. There’s nothing they can say to make me forgive them for what they said.

Chapter 12

Ezekiel

The ride home from dinner was tense.

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