Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair Burney Read Free Book Online Page A

along with my spiritual father, Dr. Mason May. Rocky sat next to him.
    We were about to have a grueling group-therapy session. I just knew it.
    â€œDid something bad happen? Because you all have to know it would be a terrible conflict of interest for me to see any of you as patients, even in a group session.”
    Carly lit her cigarette and began to smoke furiously. I noticed she’d taken a paper cup from the kitchenette to use as an ashtray.
    â€œWe’re not the crazy person in your life,” she said, puffing away.
    â€œNo comment on that,” I said. “And this is a smoke-free office, Carly.”
    My mother stood up at my desk like she was about to begin a sales presentation. “This is an intervention, Bell.”
    â€œAn intervention ?” I didn’t recall abusing drugs or alcohol. What kind of addiction do they think …
    â€œYou’re getting fat.”
    â€œI told you,” Maggie said to my mother.
    Maggie, who did not get fat and always looked fantastic, gave her a triumphant nod. The snitch.
    Fortunately, a few kind loved ones averted their eyes when Ma started in on my weight, except Addie Lee, my husband’s mother, who intently stared at me. Still, my defenses soared.
    â€œYou’re doing an intervention because I gained a few pounds?”
    â€œA few?” Carly quipped. “It looks like you’ve gained about ten, maybe twelve.”
    â€œSeven! I’ve gained seven pounds.”
    â€œHave you seen your abs?”
    â€œI haven’t seen my abs since 1987. Abs don’t count. I’m bloated . And I’m not addicted to food.” Well, maybe ice cream, but did that mean I needed a 12-step program?
    Kalaya spoke up. “We’re not here about your weight, Bell, which I think looks great on you. Your mom just mentioned your weight to be…”
    â€œVicious?”
    â€œUm…I was going to say motherly.”
    â€œHow ’bout truthful ?” Sasha said, her face looking like the innocent little lamb she wasn’t.
    Even Rocky agreed. “You do look a little fluffy, babe.”
    â€œ Fluffy ?” It sounded better than fat, but not much. “And don’t call me babe.”
    Addie threw this jewel out there. “Sweetheart, are you pregnant?”
    I sputtered. They were doing a pregnancy intervention? The wicked spawns of evil.
    â€œNo!” I shouted.
    Rocky supplied. “Bell’s very sensitive about her pregnancy.”
    â€œI’m not pregnant! What is this so-called intervention about? I. AM. NOT. PREGNANT!”
    Sasha shook her head. “Umph, umph, umph. I knew someone would get pregnant. I had a dream about fish. I thought it would be your reporter friend.”
    â€œHey,” Kalaya said, “I’m doing the right thing with him.” She nodded to Souldier, crossed her arms defensively, and scowled.
    â€œMaybe it’s Carly,” I said. “She’s the one with a sex life.”
    â€œNot anymore,” Carly said. “And I wouldn’t smoke if I were pregnant.”
    Rocky said, tentatively, because Carly hates him, “Maybe you should put that out, with Bell being an expectant mom and all.”
    I tried to reiterate. “I’m not pregnant.”
    Addie Lee didn’t buy it. “I knew you were pregnant. As soon as you walked in, I could see it all over you.” Tears welled in her eyes. Jack, who happened to be sitting near one of several boxes of Kleenex strategically positioned in my office, snatched up a tissue and handed it to her.
    I tried to calm her. “I’m not pregnant, Addie Lee, honest.”
    I wanted to call her Mom like I used to, but I didn’t know what Jazz had told his parents about me. I feared they thought the worst of me.
    â€œCall me Mom,” she said, relieving my fears.
    Sasha just sighed. “Aren’t you a little long in the tooth to be having your first baby?”
    â€œI’m