These Sorrows We See by Schultz Tamsen

Author:Schultz, Tamsen [Schultz, Tamsen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Booktrope
Published: 2013-10-08T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 16

“GET OUT! ALL OF YOU! All of you—just get out!” a voice screeched at the door.

Matty, who had been laughing at a story Elise was telling, turned at the sudden invasion into what was turning out to be an impromptu wake. With so many people, over twenty now, the dogs had ceased barking at every new arrival, so she’d been unaware of the entrance of Sandra and Douglas Brooks until she heard the shrill voice and laid eyes on them standing just inside the kitchen doorway.

Sandra looked livid; her white hair in its harsh bob and her fair skin flushed red added to her sharp look. For a second, Matty could see her point; it did look like they were having a party in the aftermath of Brad’s death. On the other hand, if she’d taken even ten seconds to look around, Sandra would have known what they were doing. Pictures of Brad were laid across the table and kitchen island; people were standing around, holding photos up and talking, laughing, and, yes, some were crying. It was so obviously a celebration of his life that any sympathy Matty might have felt toward the woman vanished.

And her father, well, he did what he usually did when it came to Sandra. Nothing. Tall and well dressed with sun-streaked, brown hair that was remarkably free of gray, he stood behind his wife saying nothing. But as Matty watched his eyes, eyes the same blue as Brad’s, take in the room and register what was going on, she also noted the redness there and the dark circles underneath.

His gaze landed on her and she took a deep breath. These people had just lost their son, she reminded herself; there was probably very little in life worse than that.

“Sandra, Douglas,” she said, stepping forward. She felt Dash come up beside her in a silent show of support. “This is Casper Collins, a friend of Brad’s.” As she introduced Casper, he came forward but didn’t hold out a hand. “And this is Tommy and Candy and Autumn . . .” Matty continued until she’d introduced Brad’s parents to everyone in the room. “They were kind enough to come and share their condolences, as well as their stories of Brad,” she explained.

Sandra’s eyes glistened in fury—an anger Matty knew was born of sadness, but there was so much history between the two of them that it was hard to grant her that sentiment. It didn’t help when Sandra straightened her shoulders and took a moment to glance at each person in the room, stopping only when her gaze focused on Matty.

“In that case, I just want you out.”

Matty had thought that Sandra could no longer shock her, but she had. And judging by the uncomfortable shuffling in the room, she wasn’t the only one shaken by Sandra’s words.

“Sandra,” Douglas said, putting a hand on his wife’s shoulder. A small conciliatory gesture that was too little too late by Matty’s standards.

“Stop it, Douglas,” Sandra shot back, shaking off his hand.

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