Page 9 of Justus
Thebed continues to grind and shake as we leave, and I have to restrain a laughwhen I drop the key in the return box by the front door. It might still begoing by the time the housekeeper gets there.
Sadie’smood improves when we get closer to her mother’s home. It’s clear how eager sheis to see her, though the circumstances are grim. “If she asks any questions wehaven’t discussed, just let me answer,” she says, chewing her nails as we pullinto the driveway of a modest two story house.
“Don’tworry. It’ll be fine,” I assure her.
We’rebarely out of the car when a tall, blond guy steps out onto the porch, a smilespreading across his face. “About time, sis.”
Sadiegrabs my hand and steers me across the yard. “Justus, this is my brother, Doug.Doug, this is Justus.”
“Niceto meet you, man.”
Itwould be hard to miss the air of animosity between them, but I ignore it. “Niceto meet you, too.” I start to tell him that Sadie has told me a lot about him,but quickly change my mind. I know zero about this guy.
“How’sMom?” Sadie asks, as if she’s not sure she wants to hear the answer.
“Aboutthe same. She was just getting ready to take a nap,” Doug replies, escorting usinside.
“Sadie!”Sadie is wrapped in the arms of a thin woman wearing a housecoat as soon as wemake it to the living room. “Girl, look at you. You’re too skinny!”
Sadielaughs and hugs her mother. “You always say that.”
“Andthis must be Justus!” Her mother’s eyes rake over me like every other female Icome in contact with, and her cheeks redden when I smile at her. “Good Lord,Sade, you could’ve told me he was a hunky stud.”
“Mom,”Sadie groans.
“It’snice to meet you, Mrs. Belmont.”
Hermother shakes her head, grinning. “Call me Amber. I’m not all that much olderthan Sadie, you know.”
“Mom,I swear to—”
“Thanksfor inviting me, Amber,” I interrupt, fighting back a laugh.
Thethree of us take a seat in the living room, her mom in an oversized recliner,and Sadie and I on the couch. Her brother disappears down the hall.
“So,tell me about yourself, Justus. I swear I was starting to think Sadie made youup.”
Ifeel Sadie tighten up next to me, so I slip my arm around her, tucking heragainst my side. “There’s not a lot to tell. I’m from Indianapolis, and I workas a computer programmer.”
“Really?”Amber’s eyebrow lifts. “I would’ve thought you worked a more…physical job.”
Laughingat the mortified look on Sadie’s face, I reply, “No, but I like to work out. Ispend a lot of time in the gym.”
Sadiechanges the subject, and they chat for a bit before we hear the back door slamand a car start. “So, I don’t suppose he’s going to work?” Sadie asks, glancingdown the hall.
Ambershakes her head, her expression dour. “No, I’ve been after him to get a job.I’ve tried to tell him I won’t be around forever, but you know how he is.”
“Idon’t suppose throwing him out on his ass is an option?”
“Ican’t do it. He’s still my son. Someday when you have kids, you’ll understand.”She looks from Sadie to me then back again. “You do want kids don’t you?”
Sadiesnorts. “Slow down, Mom. We haven’t been together that long.”
“Nonsense.Nine months is more than enough time. Lord, your kids would be gorgeous.”
“Ifthey take after Sadie,” I agree, slipping my hand into hers. Her mother nearlymelts on the spot.
“Whydon’t you show him where you’ll be sleeping? I’m sorry, but I really do need alittle nap. I get tired so easily.”
