The Perfect Deception by Lutishia Lovely Read Free Book Online Page B

phrase. One can’t know they’re middle-aged until the day they die. By then, who cares?”
    “Not me. I’m old and glad to claim it.”
    “You’re as young as you feel. That’s why I’m going to get you started on a cardio routine. We’ll take a run in the morning.”
    “You go ahead and run. I’ll be watching from the rocking chair on the porch, cheering you on.”
    They laughed as Nathan and Jessica sat down.
    Sherri and her family entered the room. “What’s funny?”
    “Your brother, that’s what; thinking I’m going to live until I’m over a hundred.”
    “You’re not?”
    Sherri’s husband, Randall, greeted Nathan and Jessica before taking his seat. Soon after, the young, dreadlocked chef brought out bowls of conch chowder: their first course.
    After a bit of small talk about Sherri’s lovely home and the beauty of the island, Sherri turned to Jessica. “You used to live in Oakland, correct?”
    “Yes.” She picked up her spoon.
    “Were you born there?”
    She shook her head in answer, pointing to her full mouth.
    Nathan shot Sherri a look, but she either didn’t see it or chose to ignore it.
    “Oh, really? Where’d you grow up?”
    Jessica glanced at Nathan, who used humor to intervene. “Come on now, Sis. Don’t grill my girl before she’s even eaten her first meal!”
    “Just trying to get to know your friend, Nate.” Sherri smiled politely. “The only way I can find out what I don’t know is to ask.”
    Randall reached for a warm roll. “How’s business, Nate?”
    And with that, the conversation blessedly turned away from Sherri’s probing to everything from the economic climate to sports; and from the delicious entrée—baked fish served with peas, rice, and vegetables—that the adults ate, to the everyday hamburgers that the kids preferred.
    Later, however, when Jessica went looking for Nathan, she found Sherri instead.
    “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought Nathan was back here.”
    “No, he and Randall went for a walk. But come on in and join me. At the end of the day, this porch is one of my favorite places to unwind.” She lifted her glass. “Would you like some wine?”
    “No, thank you.”
    Sherri chuckled. “Girl, I’m not going to bite you. Have a seat. I know it can be uncomfortable meeting your guy’s family, wanting to make a good impression, not knowing what to expect. With us, there’s nothing to worry about. The château aside, we’re pretty average folk who do regular things. Family is very important to us and my brother is my life, has been since he was born five years after me and followed me around like a puppy dog.”
    Jessica smiled.
    “Do you have siblings?”
    “I have a sister, but we didn’t grow up together.”
    “Oh. Why not, if you don’t mind my asking?”
    Jessica looked out on the serene ocean view, listened as the waves crashed against the shore. “It’s not that I mind. Of course you want to know about the person your brother is dating. My childhood was . . . difficult. I don’t like to remember it, let alone talk about it.
    “When very young, I was taken from my family, and for a very short time lived with an older lady. Later, I was placed in the foster care system where I remained until I was seventeen, when I met the man who became my husband. He was controlling and abusive, but after almost eight years he met someone to take my place. She probably thinks I hate her. But she was the distraction that made my leaving easier. I could have thrown her a welcome party.” She leaned against the back of the chair. “I think I’ll take that wine now.”
    Sherri reached for the bottle of pinot noir and poured.
    “Thank you.” Jessica took a long sip. Retelling these events had obviously drained her.
    Sherri refilled her own glass as well. “That had to have been difficult, though I’d have no idea. I think those of us who grow up with our biological families take it for granted. Like I’ve said, Nathan is my heart. I can’t