AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“All right then. Guess we’ll get it hashed out,” he murmured in mock disappointment. He leaned forward, and for the second time that day kissed her forehead.
“Go. Have a relaxing evening,” he encouraged, “and thanks for taking Cerberus.”
“Sure thing,” she replied, heading out the door with Cerberus by her side. Anthony turned around and caught a glimpse of Clarissa and Jolene sitting on the porch. He was happy to see them talking, and so far, it didn’t look like they were going to take a go at each other. With nothing left to distract him, he picked up the takeout container holding a shrimp po’boy and homemade slaw, and went to go stand at the counter with Jasper.
“So, that was a pretty good tackle last night,” Jasper said after they both chewed in silence for a few minutes. Anthony huffed out something that was not quite a laugh.
“I didn’t know it was you at first. Plus, you kind of caught us at a bad time. We were all a little on edge when you guys arrived.”
Jasper put down the bowl of red beans, rice, and ham hocks he’d been feasting happily on, and looked up at Anthony in concern.
“Why? What’s been going on?”
“Don’t worry about it,” Anthony huffed, taking a big chunk of his po’boy.
“Well, does it have to do with why you stopped talking to Mama after Daddy died?”
Anthony swallowed his bite, feeling it hit every wrong spot on the way down. He picked up his beer and washed it down, but still felt the unease that had gathered in his chest.
“It does not,” he said pointedly, looking over at his older brother. “Look, I just need some space, alright?”
Jasper sighed as he shook his head. It was going to be a long night.
* * *
Jolene smiled proudlyover at Clarissa, her stomach happy and full. She couldn’t say the same about her heart quite yet, but it felt like it was getting there.
“You know, Mama and Grandmamma would be so proud that you’re usin’ their recipes,” she told her, putting her fork down on her empty plate. Clarissa looked up from her bowl of shrimp étouffée with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“I know,” she replied softly. “I miss talking to them. Really I do. But it’s best that I’ve laid low. I appreciate ya comin’ to check on me, but I’m fine.”
“Did he…find you?” Jolene asked timidly, her heart racing with fear.
Clarissa laid a reassuring hand over Jolene’s and shook her head, giving her a soothing look. Jolene felt Clarissa’s calming presence seep into her, and she relaxed. That was the thing about her little sister. She had a gift. It was why so many people were attracted to her…and why one went too far.
“No, he hasn’t,” she replied, but I have a feeling likesomethin’is up. I’ve been getting thejujusagain. I had to shut a lot of things out and focus on just not messing up my food at the bar.”
She shrugged, looking down at the lit candle on the table between them. “Maybe heishere and I just haven’t seen him yet. Or maybe it’s something new. Either way, I’m sorry for worrying you.”
Jolene leaned over and hugged her little sister tightly.
“Of course, I forgive ya, cher,” she sputtered, feeling tears of relief slide down her cheeks. “I’m just glad you’re doing well and you’re safe.”
They pulled away from each other, smiling.
“So, these weird things,” Jolene asked, reaching for the strawberry cheesecake stuffed beignets smothered with white chocolate sauce, happy that her appetite would now allow her to have them, “would they have anything to do with rocks?”
Clarissa’s brow furrowed as she tilted her head.
“Rocks?”
“Uh-huh. Like little stacks by your door? With a flower?”
Jolene took a large bite of the dessert, and her eyes rolled in pleasure as all of the flavors combined perfectly and exploded on her taste buds.
“Cher!Mon Diu,these are amazin’!”
Clarissa’s concerned face broke out into a wide smile.
