Chapter 25
55 vouchers
Queenie kept quiet. She knew Vincent would go after her first, long before he’d bother with Leo. She wasn’t going to let Leo get caught up in her problems.
In the private room, Vivian looked up at Vincent, studying him carefully. “Seems like Queenie and Leo know each other pretty well,” she said tentatively, fishing for a reaction.
Vincent sat there quietly, his expression unchanged.
Vivian continued, “If I’d known that, I would’ve had Queenie reach out to Leo from the start. They’re obviously close. It would’ve been way easier.
“But earlier, she wouldn’t let me anywhere near him. It makes me wonder if she’s got some issue with me,” she added, clearly hinting at something.
Vincent picked up his wineglass and took a sip. His eyes were unreadable. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking.
Vivian went on, “Anyway, Vincent, don’t worry. I didn’t come back empty-handed. I met this specialist from the School of Medicine. He’s got his own research lab now.
“It’s not as fancy as the N&Q Institute of Medicine, but he’s qualified. I told him about Linda’s condition, and he thinks he can help. I’ll get him to come see her in person.”
“Okay,” Vincent responded flatly.
*****
After lunch, Queenie made copies of the materials, said goodbye to Leo, and headed home.
As soon as she walked in, she caught Linda’s snarky voice.
“Poor Archie. Nobody even takes care of you. It’s Saturday, and your mom can’t even stay home with you,” Linda said.
Archie thought his mom was being totally unreasonable, too. He shot her an annoyed look. Without even saying hello, he rolled his eyes at her.
Queenie drawled, “Poor kid, you got a mom but no dad around.”
“Queenie, what’s that supposed to mean?” Linda snapped.
Queenie raised an eyebrow. “Am I wrong? His dad isn’t around, is he?”
“Don’t push it, Mommy! Daddy’s working his butt off to support us, even on weekends. You don’t even care, and now you’re saying stuff like this?” Archie yelled angrily.
Queenie looked at him like he was a stranger. ‘Is this really the son I carried for nine months and loved so much?’ she thought.
“Mommy, you’ve been such a disappointment lately. You know you’re not smart or capable. Can’t you stop making trouble and act normal for once?” Archie said harshly.
Queenie slapped Archie across the face. She’d never hit him before.
1/2
WE ARE
AD
Comment
Send gift
No Ads
