Page 28 of Missing Marcus

Bryanna wiped her forehead as Gabby giggled. “I’ll ask Gran Victoria to talk to them. She’ll make them understand it’s not a nice word.”

“Yeah. They’re pretty scared of her. Uncle Shadow walks funny when she comes to visit. But I think he does it to make Gran Victoria happy cause she laughs and laughs.”

“Why don’t you let me finish making up your pancake so you can eat before Uncle Whiskey arrives to pick you up?” Bryanna asked.

“Ok, Mama.” Nugget hopped off her stool and ran to fetch her things.

“She’s a pistol. You’re very good with her,” Gabby complimented her.

“Thanks. She’s a great kid. Sometimes the men forget when they’re around…”

“Can I help with anything?” Gabby asked.

“No. I got it. Do you want milk or orange juice?” she asked as she flipped the pancakes onto a platter and set the sausages on the table.

Gabby’s smile faded as her friend avoided her. “I’ll take milk, please.”

Bryanna poured the drinks as Nugget returned to the table and dug into her pancake and sausage.

“Did you remember your library book?” Bryanna asked Nugget as she passed the milk to Gabby.

“Uh, huh. I’m checking out two new ones today. Mrs. Henderson said I moved up another reading level,” Miya boasted proudly.

“I’m proud of you. You worked hard for it.” Bryanna passed a plate to Gabby.

Gabby’s appetite disappeared as she watched Bryanna ignore her. An unwanted feeling came over her. She wondered if Marcus lied about Bryanna inviting her to stay there. Saint made her feel welcome, while her ‘friend’ made her feel like an intruder.

Trying to act normally, she picked at the food and drank the milk. The longer they sat at the table, the silence reverberated around the room, making her uncomfortable. A car horn beeped twice and Nugget drained the rest of her milk and brought her plate and cup to the sink.

Bryanna leaned down, smiled and kissed her daughter. “Have a great day. Aunt Samantha will pick you up. Love you.”

“Love you, too.” Nugget turned toward Gabby. “Have a great day.”

Gabby smiled and gave a small wave. “You, too.”

Bryanna held the door open for her daughter and watched until she disappeared. Bryanna closed the door and returned to the kitchen.

Gabby gave her a slight smile. “It appears like you’re a bit further along than me. Maybe closer to eight months?”

Bryanna picked up her plate, took it to the sink, and began putting away the breakfast items. “Yes.”

“Did you decide on a theme for the nursery?” Gabby asked, trying to break the tension between them.

“No.”

“Your house feels cozy and I see your touches everywhere. It’s lovely,” she commented.

“Thanks,” Bryanna responded.

Gabby shook her head and rose from the table. She unsteadily picked up her plate and cup to take them to the sink.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of it,” Bryanna informed her.

Gabby turned to stare at her. “Bryanna, I know you’ve avoided my calls. I understand you might’ve felt uncomfortable about Marcus’ and my decision, but I didn’t end our friendship. Why did you invite me here if you didn’t want me here,” she exclaimed.

Bryanna appeared surprised by her statement. Her eyes narrowed as she glared at Gabby. “I’m sorry?”

“Why did you invite me here if you’re this angry with me?” Gabby demanded.

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