The Arrangement (Available in paperback & eBook-SAMPLE)

Chapter 4

Thank you all for your support. I appreciate it. I hope you enjoy the new chapter and I will have another one for you next week. Have a great weekend everyone. :)

(Derek)

I had just left the diner and was heading to the office when my cell phone, which was connected to the car's Bluetooth system, went off. A voice informed me I had a call from my mother. Wondering why she was calling, I pressed a button on the steering wheel.

"Hello, Mom," I said. "Everything alright?"

"Everything is fine, honey," she answered. "What are you doing?"

"I'm driving," I replied.

"Then drive yourself over here," she said. "I want to see you."

"I was heading for the office," I told her. "I thought I would get some work done before-"

"It's Sunday," Mom interrupted me. "You don't work on Sunday. I would really like to spend some time with you, Derek."

"Okay, Mom." I activated the turn signal, checked the mirrors, and switched lanes. "I'm on my way over. Do you need me to stop and get you anything?"

"No, I'm good," she muttered. "Drive safely."

I thanked her and ended the call.

Ten minutes later, I let myself into the house and went in search of my mother. I found her in the living room, reading the newspaper. I kissed her on the cheek and sat beside her on the couch.

"Thank you for fitting your old mom into your busy schedule," she said, folding the newspaper.

"Fifty-four is not old," I stated, "and you are just as beautiful now as you were when Parker and me were children." I wasn't just saying that to make her feel better. I meant every word. Her skin was still flawless and her light brown hair didn't have a streak of gray in it.

"Oh, sweetie." She smiled at me, her brown eyes shining with love. "You are my favorite. Don't tell your brother."

I winked at her. "My lips are sealed. Where's Dad?"

"He's playing golf with some friends at the club." Mom set the newspaper on the end table. "How are you doing, honey?"

"I'm doing okay," I answered.

She gave me a sympathetic look. "Do you want to talk about your grandfather and what he is making you do?"

I glared at her.

"I see you're still angry," she uttered dryly.

"I have every right to be angry," I said coolly. "Wouldn't you be if you were being forced to do something you didn't want to do?"

"I would," Mom agreed. "If it helps, I am against your grandfather forcing you to get married."

"You are?" I asked, frowning. "I thought you would be in favor of it."