Vegas to Varanasi (Fortytude Series Book 1) by Shelly Hickman Read Free Book Online Page B

okay talking this over with her, but I’m not. The reclusiveness, the drinking, the unhealthy fixation with Jason Bourne-a-be. It’s downright depressing, and I guess I don’t want her to worry.
    Despite David’s claim he’s going to turn things around, for some reason, I’m not all that optimistic.

 
    Nine
     
    About once a month, I try to have Luke and Richard over for a movie night with the kids. Sure, it’s kind of cheesy, given how old Hayden and Carly are, but we’ve been doing it for a few years, and surprisingly, the kids have yet to bow out.
    Tonight the selection is Shaun of the Dead . Luke and I have always shared a love for stupid, cornball movies. However, getting everyone else on board can be difficult. Richard likes artsy films, stuff that’s Oscar-nominated and usually nothing I’ve ever heard of. For Hayden, think anything with Jason Statham, the Rock, or Tom Cruise. And Carly, unfortunately, likes horror movies. I can’t stand horror and can barely watch the trailers in the theater.
    David is normally up for anything, but he hasn’t joined us the past couple times and, I assume, has no intention of doing so tonight.
    “Lord, which one of you two made the selection tonight?” Richard asks me and Luke. “I know it wasn’t the kids.”
    Joining them on the sofa, I raise my hand. “That would be me,” I admit and pass them a bowl of popcorn.
    Richard is twelve years older than Luke and me, so there’s a bit of a generational gap as far as what we find engaging. “Anna, I’m determined to convert you into a person who can appreciate a film that makes you think.”
    Rolling my eyes, I glance at Luke. “Well, that wasn’t the least bit pretentious.”
    Snuggled up against Hayden in the loveseat, Tessa laughs. The cooking dinner thing must have worked, despite Carly’s lack of faith in her brother.
    “Besides,” I continue, “I can appreciate a movie that makes me think, but maybe I just want to be entertained.”
    “That’s right,” Luke agrees. “Laughing is just as important, you old fart.”
    “Well, since you guys are making me endure zombie humor,” Richard says, grabbing Luke’s knee, “next time it’s my pick, I’ll bring Million Dollar Baby .”
    “Ugh, no! Not unless you wanna see me curl up in the fetal position and weep uncontrollably.”
    “Mom, you weep uncontrollably watching The Lion King ,” Hayden says.
    “And your point is?”
    David wanders out from the back room, and for a moment I’m encouraged by the possibility he may join us. “So what are we watching tonight?” His eyes are trained on the TV.
    “ Shaun of the Dead ,” Carly replies.
    “Now that’s a classic!”
    “You, too?” Richard scoffs before he gets up from his seat. “I’m going to need some more wine for this.”
    “I was just heading to the kitchen for a refill myself,” David says.
    And there we have it.
    After the two of them leave the room, Luke smiles and pinches me on the cheek. Brother! Now I’m getting sympathy cheek pinches.
    The five of us watch the movie quietly. When they return, Richard takes his seat next to Luke, but David hovers at the side of the room with his wine glass, rocking in place on his heels.
    “Are you going to stay and watch with us, sweetie? Come over here by me.” I pat a spot beside me. “We can squeeze in and make more room.”
    “Ah, thanks, but I’ve got work to do.”
    Writing is not your work.
    “Aw, come on,” Carly persuades. “Take a break. You’ve missed the past few.”
    An indistinguishable sound comes from his mouth and he scratches his cheek. “Next time. I promise. You all enjoy the movie.” He gives me a wink before he walks back to the office.
    While keeping his eyes on the TV, Luke affectionately taps his knee to mine and Carly gives me a sad smile. It would be nice if I were the only one here who sees the awkwardness in the situation, but I guess that would be too much to ask.
    After the movie ends, we laze around a