"Hello, so good to see you," Joanna said as she walked out into the living room.
I only had one word to describe her. Huge. I saw her entire belly before I even saw her, the bulge making my eyes go wide.
She just laughed at me.
"I see you have met your nephew, and trust me, it's not nearly as bad seeing it from your angle as it is every day when I wake up. I always wonder if I am going to topple over." She smiled wide and grabbed me in for a hug.
It was awkward, but we managed. "I'm so glad that you are safe. All Greyson has done is worry."
"Thanks," I said as I brushed off my awkwardness.
"I made a small ham dinner; I hope you don't mind. I'm starting to learn how to cook, and I have a big family meal coming up with your mom. I want to get all of the recipes down by then." Motherhood suited her. She was glowing, her face rosy as she smiled at me.
"Sure, not a problem."
"You want to come help? I need someone to set the table and chat with."
I breathed a sigh of relief. At least I wasn't going to have to sit there awkwardly with Janson and my brother.
"Sure, I think I can do that." I would do anything for a reprieve from the two of them.
"Great," she pulled me into the kitchen. "So, tell me all about Chicago. I've only been there once, for a conference," she said as she sat me down at the table and handed me a bowl.
"You mind making the salad? It's just some greens, veggies and a light vinaigrette. It shouldn't be too much."
"Chicago? Well, it was good." I could tell by one look from her that it wasn't going to be enough. "I mean, I got to play my violin every day. For once, I didn't have to cave to anyone's expectations. No school, no pressure."
"Yeah, but it can't all be like that, right?"
"No, my friends started summer session at the end of June, and things kind of... devolved."
She nodded. "I know what you mean. I was due a week ago, but now the doctor thinks the conception date was off. I swear this little bugger is never going to come out. But they say he is healthy."
A nephew. I had a nephew. I mean, I knew that. We all knew that, but it didn't seem real. Not until I was looking at her engorged stomach.
"But you are still up and moving around, cooking a big dinner," I said.
"Yeah, because it's the only thing that can keep my mind off it. I've been cooking up a storm. And baking. I'm not allowed to take cookies into the factory anymore. They already have a stockpile in the break room." She shrugged and smiled. "But I have two pies for tonight."
I nodded. "Does it hurt?"
"Sometimes. He kicks. A lot. And for a while we weren't sure if he was going to turn or not, but now he's exactly as he should be and we are just waiting." She shrugged. "But sleep is hard, and Grey is barely getting any. Especially with you gone. He'll sleep better knowing you are home."
And awkward silence fell over us. She was trying to show me how worried he was, but I had already known.
I just didn't want to think about it. So I closed my mouth and worked on the salad. "I think it's done," I said finally, double checking all of the ingredients.
"Great, go ahead and put it on the table, and I'll call the boys." She stood up, but the way she wobbled only made me stand.
"Don't worry, I'll do it," I said as I turned and walked out of the room. They were both in the living room with drinks in their hands.
"Dinner is ready," I said as quickly as I could, but as I turned, a hand grabbed my arm.
At first I thought it was Janson, and all the hairs stood on the back of my neck, but when I realized it was my brother, fear coursed through me.
He'd never been like Dad, but I was always afraid.
"I'm glad you are home," he said as he pulled me into a hug. "But I swear to god, if you ever do anything to endanger yourself like that again, I'll kill you." He chuckled. Who was this man and what had he done with my brother?
"No, he won't," Joanna said from the kitchen. "He just won't sleep."
"Fine, I won't kill you, but it'll be worse than having to hide out in an old safe house."
I crossed my arms. "How long is that going to be for?" I asked.
"Depends on you. Are you going to run off on me?" Janson asked. He looked at Greyson, who seemed only to understand what he was saying.
But something was going on between them.
I didn't answer. It wouldn't be fair to lie.
"Exactly. Now eat your meal." He pushed me towards the kitchen table, and I walked, trying not to be angry.
But I couldn't help but shift my gaze between Greyson and Janson. What were the two talking about? There was obviously something going on there.
Janson
It's not every day your best friend threatens your life. But mine just did.
"Keep her safe or I will kill you." Those were the words that came out of his mouth, and I could tell he meant them. He cared about his family so much that I didn't doubt a single thing that came out of his mouth.