Read Online Letting Go by Erosa Knowles - Free Book Online

her while sucking her teeth in derision. “You’re wrong and you’re stubborn. Always was hardheaded, but you’ll see. One day you’ll wish you’d a listened to me. A woman, a mother, has to make sacrifices for her children, don’t matter that he don’t want you. It’s what’s best for that young boy in there. Without his father, he will grow crooked.”
    She frowned. “Crooked?”
    “You know what I mean. Not straight.”
    Jessie hugged and held her as she spoke. “No, sis, it doesn’t mean he’s gay. But if he is, you need to prepare yourself and help him. The world’s not kind to those who look, live or believe differently. I don’t need to explain that to you. But Robin’s going to need you on his side, not just with words, Kell. You’ll need to love all of him, embrace that he’s walking a different path than you planned for him. It’s his life after all and your job is to help him, not live for him.”
    The pain in her sister’s voice and the tears that wet her shoulder reminded her of her sister’s constant battles with their grandmother. They’d lost their parents early and lived with granny. It seemed every other day; Jessie couldn’t leave the house or lost privileges for something. Kelly never understood why Jessie couldn’t just do things their grandmother’s way.
    “What happened, Jess?” She stroked her sister’s back, returning the comfort she had just received.
    “Nothing unusual. Christian and I broke up last week.” She turned to the side, her profile hidden.
    Kelly hadn’t expected the bald statement and couldn’t lock down the gasp that escaped.
    Jessie wiped her face with the back of her hand, offering a watery smile. For a few moments clouds covered the sun, and the room darkened in agreement with the depressing conversation. “Asshole, he walked away from the best thing to ever happen to him.”
    Kelly nodded. “You’re right. And I’m sorry. I know you really liked him.” She didn’t know what else to say. Christian had lasted longer than the others and she had hoped he’d be the one to tame her wild sister. Sharing her good fortune with Grant seemed wrong and out of place, besides she needed to deal with Robin.
    “I love him. That’s a first for me.” Jessie turned and sat on the sofa.
    “Marc?” Kelly walked into the living area, sat in the comfy arm chair, and stared through the sliding glass doors. The wind had picked up, and she saw a ship in the distance.
    “You know I married Marc to move out of grandma’s house. College wasn’t my dream like yours. Marc joined the military and got me out of Alabama. Nice man, we had fun, but when he retired and wanted kids, I did the best thing for both of us and left.”
    “He would argue that.” Marc had tried for months to get Jessie to give their marriage a real chance, but her sister had always said she didn’t want children. Unable to compromise, that became their deal breaker.
    Jessie waved off her comment. “Old news. Back to what we were discussing before we got sidetracked…Robin. You need to talk to him.”
    “I can’t.” She frowned. For the past six years she had been working on her Doctorate. Eleven years of college ate up all her weekends and free time. Had she missed something? A boulder sized knot lodged in her chest, pressing against her rib cage at the mere possibility of Robin being gay. She read the reports, took the seminars, understood the dangers, the hatred, and the discrimination. She did not want that for her baby.
    Jessie sounded too certain for her to ignore the possibility. But he played rough sports, preferred spending time with his teammates and other martial artists, some were girls. All this time and she’d never paid attention. Good Lord, she never dreamed she’d use her counseling skills and knowledge of the gay community with her son.
    “Yes, you can. Robin is big for his age, plays football, and other sports. Chances are no one will bully him like smaller boys. But