“Good. That means you’re human, and now you’ll actually have to deal with life. Honestly, I have a good feeling that you’ll become a little less selfish; you’ll find a way not to work as much, and if that baby throws up on your designer suit, you’ll donate it to charity and buy you and the baby a new one. That child is going to be spoiled rotten.” Stephanie shook her head in disbelief. “Wow. I’m going to be an auntie. I can’t say I saw this one coming.”
“Me either. Stephanie thanks for not making me feel foolish. An unexpected pregnancy at my age and it happening to me— is the situation is just ripe for ridicule.”
“It’s life Braylee. You are not perfect—you’re human. Contrary to what you believe I’ve never thought you were. While this situation isn’t a mistake, you have made plenty of them. It isn’t your first and won’t be your last.”
Thoughtfully, Braylee released an appreciative sigh. “When did you grow up and become so smart?”
“I’ve always been smart. But, honestly…” She turned serious for a minute as she looked into her sister’s wary eyes. “When I thought you almost died in that building, something inside of me changed. I felt as if I had to grow up.”
Braylee reached out to touch her hand. “I’m too stubborn and evil to die.”
“No, no you’re not. That’s just The Mask you wear to protect your heart. You don’t need it anymore. There are too many of us willing to protect you from hurt and harm.” And in classic Stephanie fashion, she attempted to lighten the mood with humor. “You’ve got yourself a Manchetti baby. I want to know how I can get one. That Fabi is just too delicious.”
“Fabi? Not Fabi. I mean he is cute, but you’re not serious. Are you serious?”
She laughed out loud at the look on Braylee’s face. “Okay, maybe not the baby part but most definitely the process of making one because I don’t believe in getting pregnant before marriage.”
*****
It was ten o’clock on the dot. Braylee and Stephanie stood outside in the waiting room. Their father would be walking through those double doors at any minute.
Stephanie sat down and started reading the latest ”Entertainment Weekly” magazine. While Braylee stood by the window with her arms folded around her body rocking on her heels.
“Did you know that actor Brian White just signed on to the movie MEGA-AX1 – The Beginning? I thought he wasn’t going to do it. The first one – The Inferno was pretty good, but I hope the second one has more action. They must have paid him what he was asking for.”
Braylee responded as she continued to rock back and forth. “I saw the first one with Alex. He likes Action/Sci-Fi. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.”
Stephanie turned the page on her magazine. “Would you sit down? You’re making me nervous.” Just as she’d turned another page, James Robert Hinsdale walked through the doors of Chances Rehabilitation Center.
Braylee couldn’t see why her mother wouldn’t have fallen madly, head-over-heels in love with her father. Mr. Hinsdale was a good looking man. He appeared well rested and had a sparkle in his dark brown eyes that she hadn’t seen in a long time—longer than she cared to remember. His full nose and strong jaw reminded her of an African warrior. ”Thank goodness,” she thought. His skin finally looked healthy. It was a beautiful shade of smooth dark chocolate, and it no longer had that jaundiced or ashen look to it. The alcohol was clearly out of his system. He’d also put a bit of weight on his six-foot-two-inch frame and looked strong. His smile was big and wide as he looked from Braylee to Stephanie. There was no sign of the shakes he would have when he was in need of a drink. They seemed to be non-existent. This was a good day. No, this was a great day. Braylee couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen her father mentally and physically alcohol-free.
Wearing a button–up, cotton shirt and a pair of cargo pants, he dropped his carry-on bag onto the floor and clapped his hands together. “Finally, I can get out of here. Let’s go so that I can have that well-deserved glass of Jack Daniels I’ve been craving ever since I’ve been in here.”
Chapter 25
Braylee and Stephanie both froze in place and stared at their father in disbelief. Moments ticked by where neither of them was able to breathe. Not until the corner of his lips lifted in an attempt to contain his laughter. “I was just kidding. I don’t want a drink of alcohol. It’s a running joke that everyone tells on the day they are leaving.”
Stephanie exaggerated releasing a pent up breath then put her hand over her heart. Her fake outrage was evident as she spoke through her laughter. “Daddy! That is not funny.” After a gentle chastisement, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.
Braylee stood stone-faced before picking up her phone and putting her index finger in the air. “Wait—I just received a text from your doctor, daddy. Strange? I wonder why Dr. Shelby would be sending me a message.” She swiped at the screen.
Mr. Hinsdale’s smile faded and was replaced by a slight frown of apprehension. “Why would he want to talk to you?”
She shrugged. “I’m not sure. Let me call him back.”
