“It’s not you I’m looking for; I want to speak to Sonia. Is she there with you?” Grace asked on the other line, prompting Charles to glance over at Sonia.
“She’s here,” he answered.
“Pass the phone to her.”
Having made a noise of agreement, Charles handed Sonia his phone while saying, “Here, it’s my mom.”
Sonia took the phone over and greeted pleasantly, “Mrs. Lane.”
“Sonia! I’ve missed you so much.” Grace beamed as soon as she heard Sonia’s voice on the other end of the call.
Sonia, on the other hand, smiled as well. “I’ve missed you, too, Mrs. Lane.”
“You could always drop by to see me, you know,” Grace pointed out, feigning dejection.
“Sorry, Mrs. Lane. I’ve been tied up with tons of stuff recently. I barely have time to breathe,” Sonia winced and said apologetically.
“Well, you could come over for a meal right now if you have the time. I’ll bust out a few of my best recipes for you,” Grace cajoled kindly.
Sonia was just about to say something when Charles—who had been eavesdropping—spoke up instead. “Mom, I’m bringing my darling for seafood.”
Grace, however, was insistent as she countered, “You know how restaurants never run a quality check on their seafood supplies, and it’s not as if they could do better than me when it comes to cooking.”
offer, Mrs. Lane. We’ll go over to
See you soon!” Grace chortled happily, elated that
a resigned look.
gifts for your parents.” With that, she linked arms with him
elegant cloak for Grace and a tasteful necktie for Curtis. Then, they made their way
had always had close ties with the Reeds, and their relationship was more family than anything else. In particular, Grace had been best friends with Sonia’s mother. As far as
before Charles and Sonia pulled up in front of the
by in six years, though she noted that the house looked the same as it had before. As such, she
out of the house to greet her guest when she heard the sound of the car pulling up. Her
Lane,” Sonia greeted with a bright
by the side and drawled sarcastically,
day, and believe me when I say I’m getting tired of it. My attention is on Sonia now. Come here, Sonia, let me take a good look
amused by the remark.
have,” Grace insisted. “Your
more slender than usual,” Sonia placated. “Alright, that’s enough fretting, Mrs. Lane. Shall we head into the
by the hand
the villa, Sonia noted that there was no one else at home but them, and she couldn’t help but ask, “Is Mr. Lane not
still golfing with his buddies. No matter. Sonia, why don’t you tell me how you’ve been for the past six years.” Ever since
Sonia answered easily with a nod and began to detail the life she had had with the
show of frustration and snapped, “I knew those Fullers were rotten! You should have told us how badly they were treating you, Sonia.
into an
abusive marriage wounded him, and the rage he felt never went away. That being said, he was less angry with her than
course through her. Tears pricked her eyes as she said,
to stand up for her throughout her marriage to Toby, but they couldn’t come to her defense all
with you?” Grace gently prodded the
knew that Grace was frustrated, but she smiled good-naturedly as she wrapped the
and smoothed
“Mom, what do you have
her eyes lit up with panic. She rose to her feet in a
simmering in the pot, and thankfully, she made it in time
some juice while you watch a bit
Lane.” Sonia nodded with a warm
shot Charles a look. “Come and help me out in the
what he had just heard as he pointed at his nose. “Are you serious,
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