“I didn’t say she stole anything, Mom. She was merely the messenger.”
“I’m not sure what you’ve had to drink, but whatever it is, it’s muddled your brain. Why are you telling me this?”
“You tell me, Mom.”
I swear I may pass out because the ferocious glare Joseph is giving his mother right now would cause a heart attack in an Olympic sprinter.
“Joseph.”
Sophia is angry, evident by the fierce glare she directs his way.
“Whatever you want to say, spit it out because I am not here to solve a quiz. But before you do, please tell me why you never informed me that you engaged the services of a therapist? Do I not deserve to be informed of that? Your mother, the one who loves you above all others and prays to God every night for peace for you.”
I can’t believe she told him, and I shrivel in my seat as he slams his fist on the table and says with a fierce tone. “I wonder how you extracted that piece of information, but just so we’re clear, that is my personal business and no longer any of yours because if it hasn’t escaped your attention, I became an adult when I turned twenty-one. So, if you’ll excuse us, Mom, we must leave you to it because I have a lot to do before we head off on business.”
“I see.”
Sophia shakes her head, and I’m upset for her because the expression in her eyes is a hard one to witness. Above it all, she is his mom and obviously cares deeply, and my heart breaks for her as her son stands, pulling me to my feet before approaching her and kissing her on both cheeks.
He whispers something in her ear this time that causes the tears to appear, and she nods, hanging her head as she whispers, “Remember I love you, son. I’m always here for you.”
He hugs her tightly and, despite everything, his extreme love for his mother wins through, and his face softens as she smiles.
“Take care, Mom. Have a safe trip home. Dad told me to tell you to make this visit a short one.”
She bites her lip before offering me a weak smile.
“Take care, Tiffany. You must come and visit, and I’ll throw a family party to celebrate all your marriages. In fact, I’ll arrange it the minute I return home.”
I approach her with an apologetic smile, and as I hug her, she whispers, “Remember. I am always here for you, whatever happens. You are not on your own, darling. I am your friend.”
Her words mean a lot because they are said with conviction, and I hope this disastrous ending to an otherwise pleasant dinner won’t be held against her son.
CHAPTER 38
JOSEPH
As tactics go, that was a cruel one, and if I thought Mom would cave, I was mistaken. The moment she deflected the conversation onto my problems; it was exactly the answer I needed. Somehow, Mom has the keys. But why?
It struck me almost immediately the minute I heard her friend’s name. Three friends, three sisters, and three keys. It’s a coincidence, and when I questioned my father, he didn’t appear concerned.
I suppose I should be grateful they are safe, but why did they lie to us? It doesn’t make sense.
As we empty the restaurant,I don’t feel bad about deserting my mother because I was right. We do have business to attend to, and I’m certain she does too.
As soon as we are in the car, Tiffany sighs. “That was harsh. Why were you so angry with her?”
“Why not?”
I turn, and my glare withers her smile.
“You told her about Su Yin.”
“I thought she knew. She’s worried about you.”
“She has no reason to be.”
“Doesn’t she?”
