Page 71 of Opening Strain

At least that’s something. “I’ve told you a million times to stop reading the tabloids and seeking out shit online.”

“Don’t do this, don’t do that. You’re not the boss of me. If you’d let your sister live, I’m sure she wouldn’t treat me like the dog you do.”

And here we go. If I’d had any say in the matter, my twin would be here right now. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Do not engage. “You know I’m only telling you this for your own good.”

“What you think is my own good,”she sniffs.

Time to change the subject. “What did you do today?”

“Ramona took me on a walk inside the mall.”

“Sounds nice.” Better than railing against me. “Did you buy anything?” Like Jenna’s going to have to, because of me.

“No! I wanted to get a blouse, but she said it was too big for me. I know my size. I know it would’ve fit me perfectly. That Ramona thinks she knows everything. Like you do, Bennett. Neither of you know anything!”

Round Two. I need to end this. “I’m sure she meant well.”

“Just like the Black Widow you’re hooking up with now. I’m sure she meant well when she killed Darren. Maybe she’ll do us all a favor and take you out too.”

My blood pressure spikes. “Perhaps if you were a sane human being, you wouldn’t have run Dad into an early grave.”

The line disconnects.

Jenna steps into the room. “Guess the call didn’t go well?”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Fuck. How much did Jenna overhear?

I take my time removing the ice pack and placing it on top of the platter on the coffee table. “My thigh feels a little better.”

She comes over and picks up the ice, then disappears into the kitchen. I take this moment to get to my feet, spying her oversized purse on the floor. Looks like a laptop case. Smart.

Jenna crosses the threshold. “No matter how much she tries your patience, you can’t replace your mother.”

She doesn’t know what that woman has put me through my entire life. “Your mother is great, Jenna. Mine is not.”

She crosses her arms across her chest. “Every mother deserves respect, Bennett.”

“Growing up, Dad used to say something like that to me.”

“Would he be proud of your last conversation with her?”

I drop my head. No, he wouldn’t. My hand goes behind my neck. “Probably not,” I mumble. Jenna remains silent. “I suppose I could send her a little gift to smooth things over.”

“Smart man.” She picks up my cell, where I had dropped it after Mom disconnected our call. “Start now.”

“Bossy.”

She shakes my phone at me.

“Fine,” I grumble and take my cell from her. Dad used to give her chocolates on the regular when I was growing up, which seemed to mellow her out. She could use some mellowing now. I search for the best chocolates in the world and place my order. “There. Done.”

“Good job.”

Somehow, I know the kudos from Jenna will far exceed any thanks I get from the woman who birthed me.

“I want to call King and Angie to confirm everything’s a go for us to hit up Secluded Rest.” At her nod, I hit send on my phone and am connected with King.

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