Page 45 of Red Mountain Burning
Adriana didn’t respond.
Mary got the message and retreated through the hall toward the front door.
Brooks followed her into the foyer. “It’s just a bad time.”
His mother waved him off and apologized again. “We can do this later. I’m sorry to bother you.”
“Mom,” he said, “she’ll be fine. Just give her some time.”
They shared a quick hug and then she was off.
Returning to the living room, Brooks nestled in close with Adriana and pulled the blanket over their legs.
“I’m sorry, Brooks. I’m not going to bend over and take it. She wronged me.”
“I completely agree.” He pushed a stray chocolate-colored hair from her eyes and held his hand on her cheek. “I love you, Adriana, and I’m forever on your side.”
Though he couldn’t imagine the rampant thoughts running through her mind, he wished she’d come out and say that she would stay, that this news was the best thing in the world. Michael’s violence had just breathed new life into Brooks’s hopes for his own family. If she’d just stay, they could work out the kinks.
