In Times of Trouble by Yolonda Tonette Sanders Page B

than I am. When Justin goes into the NFL we’re going to have many more long lost cousins emerge.”
    â€œKeep talking and I’m going to be one of them,” Lisa joked, forcing Isaac to chuckle slightly.
    â€œConsidering that you handpicked Justin to be Chanelle’s boyfriend, claiming to be a cousin will be just a little incestuous. Such practice is shunned by today’s society. That’s why Liv and I keep tight-lipped about the fact that we’re half brother and sister.”
    â€œI might have to sell that headline to the tabloids. How much you think I can get for it?”
    â€œI’ll give you a dollar right now if you promise not to say anything.”
    Lisa laughed. “You really have a few loose screws somewhere, don’t you?”
    â€œMaybe one or two. . .Seriously though, have you noticed how chummy Chanelle and Justin have been today? They’ve virtually been side-by-side since everyone got here. When Olivia sent Justin to the store to get some more ice, guess who went with him?”
    Lisa smiled approvingly. “I know. I’m pretending not to notice because if I do, Chanelle will swear I had something to do with this. I’m staying out the way and allowing nature to take its course. I’m just glad she’s not seeing that other boy anymore.”
    â€œYeah, Liv told me all about that.”
    â€œShoot, that’s enough to celebrate in and of itself.”
    â€œSpeaking of celebration, have you and Eric set a wedding date?”
    â€œNot officially. I’ve been so consumed with Chanelle’s graduation party these last two weeks that Eric and I haven’t really talked about it much. We would like to get married by the end of the year, though.”
    â€œLiv is so excited about the engagement party.”
    Lisa’s eyes grew bigger. “What party?”
    The smile on Isaac’s face deflated like a balloon pricked with a needle. “Uh-oh. I have a feeling I need to invoke my Fifth Amendment rights about now.”
    â€œIt’s too late, you’ve already spilled the beans. So, Liv’s throwing me an engagement party?” Lisa stirred with excitement at the thought.
    â€œYes, but you better promise me that you won’t breathe a word of it to her. I didn’t realize that it was a surprise! Olivia will be ticked if she knew I told you. It could make my nights at home very lonesome these next few weeks, if you know what I mean.” Isaac winked.
    Lisa laughed. “Don’t worry; I won’t say anything. I’d hate for a brotha’s bedroom ministry to be affected.”
    Olivia opened the great room door and poked her head out. “What are y’all out here talking about?”
    Isaac shot a quick look of warning Lisa’s way before replying, “Oh, nothing, honey.”
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    Callie stood in the hall outside Bryan’s office, listening to the intense debate between him and his wife.
    â€œHave you forgotten that we have guests outside? I can’t believe you would bring me inside the house to talk about something this ridiculous!” she overheard Bryan say.
    â€œIt’s not ridiculous!” Tyra protested. “I don’t want her here anymore.”
    She pressed her ear so hard to the door that it began to throb.
    â€œSo, it’s like that? Mom is going through a very difficult crisis and all you can do is play into your own fears.”
    â€œI’d rather be safe than sorry. This is serious, Bryan.”
    â€œWe’ve already told her that she could stay as long as she wants. . . .now you want to go back on your word.”
    â€œI think the situation justifies doing so. Maybe she can stay at a hotel or something, but we can’t have her here.”
    As painful as it was to listen to, Callie couldn’t break away. She stretched her neck, absorbing every word.
    â€œFor goodness’ sake, Tyra, she’s not