Page 29 of Honey Bun
I stepped in front of her. There was no way she’d get bullied in front of me. “Reverend, I’m sure you misunderstand. Maddie and I are old friends. We haven’t seen each other in many years, and we’ve reconnected, though that is no business of yours. If we decide that there is more for us, that is between us and God. I don’t see that you have any concern in the matter.”
The reverend bristled and took a step back. “Are you trying to intimidate me, Mr. Norouzi?”
“No, Reverend, but you are trying to intimidate my lady. Let me remind you of the words of your God: ‘Judge not lest ye be judged.’”
The reverend lifted his hand to his chest as if he’d been assaulted.
Maddie took my hand. “Goodbye, Reverend. Let’s go, Arman.” She slid her arm through mine again and held her head high as we stepped away from the shocked pastor. “It’s all fine. Let’s keep walking, Arman.”
It took a second before I could breathe. Never in my life had I felt angry at a man of God. I placed my hand on her back to make myself feel more grounded, and we found a new spot to watch her daughter. “Sorry if I sounded possessive.”
She beamed at me. “No, it was nice that you called me a lady.”
Near the edge of the pier, Cyrus, Jeff, and Elon were deep in conversation. They hadn’t moved. I tapped Maddie’s shoulder. “My brother is still where we left him. We should head over.”
She texted her daughter and walked beside me. “Cyrus always seemed so serious to me. He must be in shock.”
I took a deep breath and focused on my brother. “Agreed. He’d planned out everything in his life and tracked his schedule with organizational skills I’ll never have.”
She took my hand again and squeezed. “He was determined to outshine you as a kid.”
Maybe there was truth to her words. I’d never had to vie for attention the way my brother felt he had to. I was always fine on my own and more worried that my parents would find out whatever I did than not notice me.
I said, “He’s a heart doctor because that’s as specialized as you can get. First, the dancing, which is totally out of character, and now this—I don’t know how he’s going to cope. He’s a Taurus and hates change even when it’s good for him.”
She glanced back at her daughter, who was laughing and having a great time with her friends as they walked to the Tilt-A-Whirl. “Well, neither of us put stock in astrology, but I know what it’s like to raise a girl in less-than-ideal conditions. Leah seemed… put together and smart, like him. I’m sure they’ll work it out.”
“Thanks for being here with me.” I went to rejoin my brothers. I had no idea how to help. I’d do anything to protect them, just as I had with Maddie and her daughter. I kept what was mine.
Arman
My last night at the beach, I’d wanted to spend every second with Maddie. However, my brother’s confusion was palpable, and helping family was in my DNA. Maddie stayed at my side as we turned away from the pier to join my brothers.
As we reached them, I asked, “Cyrus, how are you?”
His lips were thin, and he gave a curt nod. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”
Jeff quietly said to Maddie that the divorce was final and he was working on the custody arrangements but felt confident he could ensure that Aurora was forever in her care. Maddie nodded. She trusted my brother.
I focused on Cyrus. Family meant being there, even when it was inconvenient. And being near Maddie the past few days had somehow brought out more of my heart with everyone I loved. “If you want to talk—”
“For the first time in years, I don’t know what to fucking do. I don’t think she even intended to tell me.” My brother then turned to Maddie, and his face reddened. “Wait. I’m sorry for swearing, Maddie. It’s been a shocking day.”
She smiled brightly and laughed. “I’m not that easily offended.”
As Cyrus focused on her, my skin prickled with a jealousy that made no sense. I knew logically that my brothers would never interfere.
Cyrus said, “Thanks. I hear you’re planning Arman’s office party.”
She bounced on her toes. “I am. It will be fun to exercise that part of my brain.”
He patted me on the back. “You were always organized and cheery. I’m sure my brother’s party will be amazing with you at the helm.”
Her smile grew wider. “Thank you—that’s sweet. I used to love party planning.”
Cyrus relaxed and even cracked a smile. “Look, if you start your own business, I’ll hire you.”
Good. At least he has a moment away from his shell shock.
