Sweet Violet and a Time for Love by Leslie J. Sherrod

Author:Leslie J. Sherrod [Sherrod, Leslie J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2015-02-11T16:00:00+00:00

“Mom, I have to ask you something.” Roman’s voice was barely above a whisper as our family troop took over the hallways of Metro Community. It was just a little after 4:00 p.m. and he’d finally been given the green light for discharge. Despite his bandages, swollen cheeks, and scattered bruises, he was finally awake, moving, ready to go home.

“What is it, Roman?” I held my breath as he walked down the hallway next to me. My mother, father, sister, and niece straggled behind us, chatting and laughing along with Shavona. Leon and Mike were farther ahead, which was fine with me; I didn’t want to be anywhere near that winking eye.

Roman got quiet again and I didn’t push. These were the first words in ages he’d directed toward me that didn’t have a harsh tone or a hurt look.

I didn’t want to ruin the moment even though I felt a little unnerved that Roman seemed intent on talking so quietly to me.

His question could be about anything. I braced myself.

We were stepping out of the garage elevator when he finally spoke again.

“Mom, I don’t want you to think I’m crazy for asking this.”

“What is it, Roman?”

A sudden screech of tires squealed right by us as we walked away from the elevator and began walking in the underground parking facility.

“Watch out.” Roman nudged me back as a black car with tinted windows sped by.

Looked familiar.

My heart skipped a beat.

Leon and Mike, who were still ahead of us, both paused, both looked back. I could feel that my eyes were as big as my belly.

“It’s nothing, Sienna. Probably someone from the media trying to get a picture. See?” Leon pointed to a group of uniformed police officers who stood near an exit. They had parted to let the car zoom past them. Didn’t look the least bit concerned.

It bothered me, feeling like I’d just seen something familiar and not figuring out exactly what it was.

“Dad thinks you’re being paranoid.” Roman’s tone was matter-of-fact, an observation. “I won’t bother you with my question.” He pulled away from me just as we neared Leon’s car. My parents’ car was parked nearby; they would drop Yvette and Fiona home. I had no idea where the Grants were parked.

I also had no idea what Roman’s last statement meant. Paranoid? Question?

“What question?” I tried to catch up with him before he reached for the back door handle. “Is this about that girl . . . woman?” I couldn’t hold back any longer.

Roman’s hand froze for a second on the car door handle. Then he pulled it up and swung the door open with enough force to nearly hit the car beside us. I had to take two steps back to get out of the way.

“I’m not talking to you about that.” His voice reeked of pain. I took another step back, my heart breaking at the sorrow that pierced his vocals.

“What is your question?” I pleaded. Leon looked at both of us as he finished shaking hands with Mike and headed toward the driver’s side.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.