Love Will Keep Us - Book 5

Family BBQ (Part Two)

"Julius, why are you so angry with her?" Tess asks as she and the young man are sipping on Pina Coladas out on the back patio as Gary and Marty were with Philip playing yard games, and the kids were running up and down the beach and in the water.

The barbecue was a nice little thing for everyone to put their feet up, relax and just chill for a bit. The last few weeks had been rather stressful and they knew this was a great time to unwind.

"I am sure Stef feels awful and it's been about three weeks. Just talk to her." She says puffing on her smoke and taking another sip.

"Nope! Not interested! And I feel terrible about what happened with all of them! I really do. I feel bad Stefanie broke her finger and that the girls are so traumatized. BUT your little ex lover blamed me!" Julius waves his hand for emphasis as he winks at Philip.

"I really don't think she meant to, Julius. She loves you. She always has, and you know that and she trusts her kids with you. And she's not my ex lover," Tess rolls her eyes.

"Sure she does. Meanwhile Corey is a little ninny and hiding from me! HIDING I tell you! As if I don't see his little punk ass! I have half a mind to tan his behind!"

"How is he hiding if Lena made him clean up the bakery?" She asks looking confused at him.

"I told her I didn't want that. NO, no can do! That boy is careless, a smartass and does not listen. You hear me." He says waving his hand around even more as he sips on his drink.

"He's going through a phase. Besides do you really think he started that fire?" Tess asks looking right at the young man.

"Yes! I do!! His careless ass went to go see his friend and left it burning up! He didn't care one bit and still doesn't. Did he say sorry to me? Did he??! NOPE!! I'm done with him and his Mama Dukes!" He says the latter so sarcastically that Tess glares at him now getting rather annoyed with him.

"He's a kid! A child! Give it time. Plus, Lena said she called you over so you could talk to him and Stef. But you wouldn't. You're the nincompoop!" Tess' voice raises now.

"If she's not there, FINE. And when she shows up I'm leaving."

"Oh, Julius, come on! This is even petty for you. You and Stef have been close for 16 years!" Tess gets louder as the man's face turns red.

"Well we are about to be UN-CLOSE! I loved her little blonde ass, but she crossed a line, one I never would cross with her! I'd give anything to have kids, and does it look like I can give birth? NO! And I love those kids like my own!"

"Look I know you love them and if you want children there are always options. But seriously both you and her have been through so much. WE all have and your going to end your friendship over this? Really? Last I remember you did your fair share of things as well to her that weren't always nice. Like butting into her business and disappearing, scaring all of us off! She took it the hardest! And she forgave your skinny ass!" Tess sputters.

"Oh puh-leeeeeezzzzeeee, like what?! Is that all you got, Queen Latte?" He shouts the nickname he had recently given her.

"If you have to ask then you're an ass, Julius. You aren't void of hurting any of us. Because you have and Stef let you speak to her and forgave you each and every single frickin' time."

"Whatever. Like I didn't expect you to take her side." He rolls his eyes as he downs the rest of his drink.

"I'm not taking sides I'm trying to get you to see you don't just throw a friendship away like that. You just don't. It's petty. It's foolish, and you, of all the people in this world, should know that life is short. I hate to take it to that level, but we're family. We just are, and you need to get over your damn pride and talk to her for once in your life." Tess spits out.