Page 16 of Return to Us
Stella nods and then reaches for her purse. “Have you talked to Mom?”
“No, you do that so I don’t have to.”
“Yeah right. I’m sure you’ll have no choice when she picks up Melia this week. She said that Dad is visiting Oliver this week and then will check on Joshua in New Orleans after that.”
“And I care because?”
“Because that means we have two weeks where she’s going to be up our asses and we’ll have to entertain her. I dealt with it the last time he traveled, so you’re it this time.”
My mother is a brilliant, strong, and fierce women—as long as my father is by her side. When he’s gone, she wilts.
She also pretends that his trips aren’t to visit his mistresses that he has all around the properties he owns. It’s too bad his kids don’t have the same ability. Even if we don’t discuss it around her, my father is well aware that we know and how we feel about it.
“When does Josh come back home for a visit?”
Stella shrugs. “Hell if I know.”
“Hell is a bad word,” Amelia cuts in.
“Yes, it is. We’re going to have to wash Aunt Stella’s mouth out with soap.”
Amelia nods. “Uh-huh.”
“I’m sorry, Melia, I won’t say it again.”
“Okay.” Amelia forgives her without pause.
“Now, I have to go to work, you need to feed your child something that has nutritional value, and I’ll see you tomorrow . . . at Mom’s.”
I walk her out, not commenting on that last part because if I have to see my mother this weekend, I’m not going tomorrow—no matter what threats my sister hangs over my head.
“Thanks again, Stell.”
“Anything for my favorite brother.” She kisses my cheek and then playfully slaps it. “Well, Alex really was, but you were a close second. Also, don’t think I didn’t notice you evading my questions about how it went with Jessica.”
“I’m sure Winnie will tell you everything.”
Stella’s face brightens. “She most definitely will, but I was hoping you’d share.”
“There’s not much to say. It was awkward at the diner, so I went there to let her know there were no hard feelings.”
Stella laughs. “Oh, I’m sorry. You’re serious?”
“It was a long time ago.”
“Yeah, but Jessica was that girl for you. The one who haunts your dreams, and even when you were with Yvonne, we all knew it was Jessica who had your heart.”
Arguing with her about this will get me nowhere. “And on that note, you have to go.”
“You have lost a rung on my favorite brother ladder.”
I clutch my chest. “I’m crushed. As much as I’d like to continue our conversation, I have Daddy duty to ensure my kid doesn’t survive on your version of food groups.”
“All right. Love you, Gray.”
“Love you too.”
Once she’s off, I head inside to find Amelia sitting on the floor with her dolls and an open container of cookies.
