Read Online After the Morning After by Lisa G Riley - Free Book Online Page B

him all of her ripping and running and getting in his way only meant one thing: that she’d been widowed far too long and needed to find herself a husband and redecorate his house . Well, that was early yesterday evening, and needless to say, I woke up this morning and found Mother gone and a note that simply said ‘See you when I see you.’”
    Sufficiently recovered now, Victoria laughed.
    “It isn’t funny, Victoria,” her mother chastised, but it lacked any real power because she herself was chuckling.
    “It’s just all so funny,” Victoria said once she had wound down. “I honestly think that those two enjoy sparring with each other.”
    “Of course they do,” Regina confirmed, “but that doesn’t change the fact that your father was completely out of line yesterday, and I let him know that in no uncertain terms.”
    Victoria chuckled, knowing her father was in for it. “I know this is probably an insulting question, but did you call her cell phone?”
    “Yes, and of course she has it turned off.”
    “Well, she’s done this before, and she’ll be back when she’s calmed down. She hasn’t called me, but when she does, I’ll let you know.”
    “You do that, sweetheart, the minute you hear from her. I love you.”
    “I love you, too, Mom. Bye.”
    * * *
    Victoria was finishing vacuuming her living room when the front doorbell rang. She opened the door to find her grandmother, Ms. Theresa Stanton, standing on her porch with two big suitcases at her feet and determination on her face. Victoria smiled cheekily. “Well, hello there, Rebel. How long will you be staying?” she asked as she went in for a long, tight hug and a gentle kiss on the top of the head.
    “Hi, baby,” Theresa said. “Oh, it’s so good to see you,” she cooed and squeezed Victoria one last time before releasing her. “I take it your mother called you.”
    “Of course,” Victoria said as she lifted the bags and brought them into the house. “She’s worried, and I told her I’d call her as soon as I heard from you. So, just let me put these bags in your usual room so I can do that.” She’d lived in the house for five years, and during that time, her grandmother had visited her at least twice a year.
    “Thank you, dear heart,” Theresa said as she followed her up the stairs and to the second door. “You know, I can’t believe I still have to wear my coat,” she said as Victoria helped her take it off. “This is California, after all.”
    “This is northern California in late January,” Victoria reminded her as she walked to hang the coat in the closet. “We don’t get much past fifty degrees in the winter. Now,” she said as she watched her grandmother sit on the bed, “do you want to call Mom, or should I?”
    Theresa already had her phone out of its case. “I’ll do it.”
    As her grandmother talked on the phone, Victoria busied herself with the unpacking.
    “Don’t bother with that right now, I- adori-ya-Victoria,” Theresa said when she’d hung up. “Come on over here and tell your nana what’s going on with you.” She patted the space next to her on the bed invitingly.
    Victoria grinned at the old childhood nickname and walked to sit down on the bed. “Okay, Nana, what do you want to know?”
    “For starters, you can tell me about this man you’re seeing, and it’s about time, I might add.”
    Victoria studied her for a silent few seconds. “How did you know?” she finally asked.
    Theresa’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh you are seeing someone? Honey, I was only guessing,” Theresa confessed with a wink, making Victoria burst out laughing. “Well, good for you! Tell me all about him.”
    “Well.” Victoria drew the word out cautiously. “I really like him, but there’s something about him I know the family isn’t going to like. He isn’t a Christian.”
    Theresa drew back with a frown. “Oh, sweet pea, your daddy’s not going to like that at all, neither will your mother. What