Page 25 of Sweet Surrender
“Flares. We were catching your parents up on everything over dinner,” Tyra explained.
“Alex, you’re going to act as though I did not just ask you a question?” my mother demanded, creating an uncomfortable environment.
"I uhm . . . nothing,” I lied.
“You spent an awful lot of time together at the resort for your brother’s wedding when you should have been hosting, and you’re here together now. I don’t understand.”
“Mama, I did a great job of hosting Jon-Jon’s wedding, and nothing is going on. I’ve been helping Judah plan an event,” I lied.
I cringed because I could feel Judah’s energy shift around me, and I felt so bad, especially after the conversation we just had. Unfortunately, I was feeling like that little girl again, looking for her mother’s approval.
“What sort of event? I thought you only did weddings,” Mama retorted.
“I usually do, but he’s planning a surprise wedding anniversary for his dad and stepmom, and he hired me to do it.”
My mother looked between the two of us again with her lips pursed. I could tell that she didn’t want to believe me, but she didn’t want to make a bigger scene.
“Give me a hug,” my mother commanded.
When I did, she whispered, “He’s too old for you, and he’s your ex’s brother. He’s old enough to be your father.”
I pulled back and muttered, “Not quite, Mama.”
Unfortunately, I could tell that everyone else heard because they were shifting uncomfortably.
“We uh, must be going. We’re going to miss the first act at the theater,” my father stated.
My mother gave me a harsh look, but my father grabbed her hand and pulled her away. Jonathan gave me a disgusted look as well before he turned to Judah. “Take it easy, man.”
“You too,” Judah replied before he turned to look at me. “You ready to go home?”
“Uhm, . . . sure.”
Neither of us bothered addressing the elephant in the room. Enough had been said for one night.
