Page 27 of Like You Love Me

“How long has he been gone?” he asked, softening his tone.

Reaching for a spoon, she stirred the marshmallows around in the cocoa as she said, “I haven’t seen him since Sunday.”

Anger threaded through London’s body, but so far, he managed to hold it in check. “Have you called his phone?”

“Several times, but it’s going straight to voicemail, so it’s probably dead.” She drew a deep, calming breath before saying, “He never remembers to charge his phone, so I’m used to that.” She sounded like it was no big deal, but four days of no communication was a huge deal.

“Have you contacted the police?”

She shook her head. “No, he’ll be home.”

London lowered the mug to the table and stared at her. “This isn’t the first time he’s done this, is it?”

She didn’t have to answer; her eyes said it all. “What did Caleb cash in this time, your money market account or the last of the life insurance that Dad left you?”

She swallowed and said meekly, “Gabriella’s college fund.”

“Goddammit, Mona!” He spat furiously and slammed his fist against the countertop, startling her. “For God’s sake, you’ve got to do something.”

She hesitated before saying, “I have this handled.”

“I don’t think you do. Gabriella’s mother died, and that money was meant for her education. You told me so yourself.” He shook his head. “You’re going to let that fool suck the life out of you,” London added with a sweep of his hand. “Look at you. You’ve lost so much weight and there are bags underneath your eyes. Sis, we are all worried about you.” She was already a slender woman, but now her clothes hung loosely on her body. The brilliant light in her brown eyes was gone. “You’ve got to do something,”

“I know!” she burst out desperately and lowered into the chair. “I know.”

“If not for yourself, at least do it for Gabriella.”

At the mention of her stepdaughter, Mona Lisa’s lip quivered again. She reached for her mug and sipped, blinking back tears.

London tensed, his chest tightening with anger. “Mona, you’ve been battling with his gambling and alcohol addictions for far too long. He’s sick and needs help. Professional help.”

She was silent for so long before she finally nodded and said, “I know.” She took a sip then said, “When Caleb comes home, I’m going to insist he gets help, or I’m asking for a divorce.”

At her confession, London’s eyes widened. This was the first time he’d ever heard Mona Lisa use the “D” word and Caleb in the same sentence.

“You’re right. I can’t keep living like this. When he asked me to add his name to the deed of this house, I realized that he would take everything from Gabriella and me, and it wouldn’t matter if he left us with anything.”

The house belonged to all five Brown children. Clarence made sure of that. The house couldn’t be sold unless all the siblings agreed, and none of them were ready to part from their childhood memories. London was not sure if they ever would.

“You let me know when he gets back. I want to be here when you tell him.”

Mona Lisa gave a rude snort. “You worry about me too much.”

“You’re my sister. I’m supposed to.”

She rolled her eyes and said in defense, “My husband may be selfish and irresponsible, but he isn’t a violent drunk.”

“Thank God for that.” Because if a man ever put his hands on one of his sisters, he’d knock that fool out before he realized what had hit him.

“I can handle Caleb.”

“You be careful, and you know I’m here if you need me.”

Her face brightened with a wide smile. “Well… since you’re feeling helpful, the bathroom tub is clogged again.”

Tossing his head back, London gave a boisterous laugh. “I’ll take care of it before I leave.”

“Thank you, bro.” Mona Lisa walked around, wrapped her arms around him, and kissed his cheek.

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