Page 8 of New Growth
“I hope you wasn’t drinking that poison. Alcohol is the devil’s vice, Elliot,” she warned.
I shook my head. “I know.”
As I approached the table, I spotted Ryan, now comfortably settled in my chair, whispering something to Johnathan. Their hushed giggles and sideways glances made my stomach turn.
Ryan grinned when she saw me. “Just in time. I kept the seat warm for ya.”
She jumped up and slid into her own chair like nothing had happened.
I looked at Johnathan as I sat down. “What was that about?”
He waved a hand dismissively. “You know your sister’s being silly. Just gossiping.”
Before I could press further, Ma called the room to attention.
“Alright, everyone, time to settle down.” She cleared her throat, her voice taking on the smooth, practiced tone she always used in front of company. “I want to thank you all for joining us today as we celebrate the life of my late husband, Elijah Sawyer, who you may know asBig El.”
She conveniently left out theexbeforehusband.
Let people be people, Ellie.
“Bishop James would like to lead us in a word of prayer, so please bow your heads.”
I lowered my gaze, tuning out the bishop’s voice as he spoke. I could not wait for this whole thing to be over.
As the meal finally began, the chatter resumed, but I barely paid attention. I focused on my plate, eating more out of obligation than hunger—until a familiar voice cut through the noise.
“Now, Ellie, I know damn well you ain’t make that dry-ass cornbread.”
I looked up.Frank. Daddy’s no-filter neighbor, who always sniffed around for a free plate whenever Daddy grilled.
The table rumbled with faint laughter.
I sipped my wine. “No, I didn’t. That cornbread is Ryan’s doing.”
Frank let out a loud cackle. “Ryan, girl, you know you can’t cook! What the hell are you doing in the kitchen?”
Laughter exploded around the table, and Ryan’s face flushed red.
“I did my best!” she snapped, balling up her napkin and throwing it onto her barely touched plate. Then, with a huff, she shoved her chair back and stormed away, cussing under her breath as she went.
I smirked slightly, feeling the effects of the cognac kicking in. “Reckless Ryan.”
Johnathan shot me a disappointed look. “I’ll go check on her.”
“You?” I frowned. “Why are you going?”
He stood, fixing his shirt. “She needs a listening ear. She’s going through a lot.”
I wondered who else was going through a lot.
I scoffed. “She’s a big girl. She can handle herself.”
“Not everyone is as put together as you, Elliot.”
I watched as he walked off after her.
“Put together, huh?” I thought, swirling the wine in my glass before taking a long sip.
