Page 37 of Bonita Brynne
“That’s right.” Angel brought a plate of cheese and deli meats to the table. “We all love Track and only want him to be happy. We also love Tina and Raul and, by extension, you. If being together makes you and Track happy, then we’re all happy for you.”
“I… I appreciate it.” Emotion clogged my throat and made it difficult to speak.
“It’s getting less weird for me too.” Valerie smiled and assembled a tower of cheese and crackers as any kid her age would do.
“Mail delivery.” A man announced with a few boxes and letters in his hand.
“Thank you, Hollywood.” Eve filed through envelopes and handed them out. “Tina, there’s a box for you.”
“For me?” Mom went over to the island. “I’m not expecting anything.”
“Maybe you forgot that you ordered something before you and Raul left so suddenly for Montana,” Angel said.
“Maybe.” My mom opened the box.
My heartbeat thumped in my ears. My hands sweated. What was going on with me?
The women at the table ate their food and continued talking, but I remained focused on my mom.
“I didn’t order this.” She scrunched her face.
Dread crashed down on me when she removed a flip phone. “That’s the kind of phone my dad uses.” I flew out of my chair and snatched it out of her hand. “And Dorian.” I quickly messed with it and found an attachment.
“Don’t do anything with it!” Eve ran out, yelling for Storm.
My hands shook. I wanted to click on the attachment so badly.
“I can’t believe he would be ballsy enough to send a package to the compound,” my mom whispered, probably because Valerie was staring at us with wide eyes.
“Maybe she should leave.” I flicked my gaze at my little sister.
“Yes.” Mom rushed to the side door. “Maddox, please take Valerie back to her room.”
“But I want to stay,” she whined.
“No, honey. Please go with Maddox.”
“Where’s the phone?” Storm entered the kitchen like he was about to rip someone’s head off.
“I have it.” I found myself putting it behind me before he swiped it out of my hand. “Joseph, there’s an attachment. I think it’s a video.”
“Give it to me,” Storm said, his voice tight, eyes narrowed.
All eyes were on me.
Even a couple of kittens were hanging out in the back.
“Give him the phone, honey,” my mom said. “Maddox, get Val out of here.”
“Come on, kid.”
“The phone.” Storm’s hand was out in front of him, palm up.
“I’m not a kid,” Valerie snapped at Maddox. “And I’m not going anywhere with you.”
Little Max started to fuss.
The room’s air grew thick with tension.