Book TRK
Chapter 56
“Estrella,” Kristin called out with a wave of her hand as she spotted her approaching.
Estrella came closer and whispered, “Did someone have their way with Bryce?”
Kristin shook her head, “No. It’s not that serious.”
The Nelsons were known for calling a family council only when there was a serious issue at hand. These meetings used to be a rarity, but ever since Estrella tied the knot with Jason, they seemed to become a tad more frequent.
Keith took his seat at the head of the table and eyed Estrella as she walked in. “Estrella,” he began, “the Lamont family said you incited Janie and Paula to hit someone last night.”
Estrella shrugged. “Grandpa, I’m not that powerful. Just laid out some truth for them. Whatever happened next, that’s on the Lamonts to decide.”
Her words made Keith’s face darken a bit for show, though inside he was clear as day that the girl was up to no good. He retorted, “Even so, you shouldn’t have stirred the potr right now. Any other time would’ve done.”
“Janie was trying to school me on life, and how to bear sons. So, I figured I’d just seek some tips from Hunter on how he’s so darn capable,” Estrella shot back.
The elders began to chime in.
“Estrella’s always been sensible. Last night, it must have been Janie and Paula who provoked her first.”
“Exactly. I saw it with my own eyes,” Jason’s aunt exclaimed. She had initially wanted to rush to Estrella’s defense, but seeing Estrella in full control, she held back. She didn’t want to cramp Estrella’s style by stepping in and playing peacemaker. Instead, she enjoyed the drama from the sidelines. And what a delightful show it was.
“Dad, Estrella knows where the line is. She wouldn’t start anything,” Kristin also sided with
Estrella.
One by one, everyone rallied behind Estrella, leaving Keith with no room to scold. He knew all too well that the Lamonts had grand ambitions and were gunning for the Dorvolds.
Unable to berate Estrella, he turned his attention to Jason. “Estrella’s got a passable excuse. What about you, Jason?”
Jason, hands in his pockets, coolly replied, “No excuse.”
Estrella, intrigued, quietly asked her aunt-in-law, “What did Jason do to Bryce?”
Her aunt-in-law whispered back, “That rascal soaked Bryce in a bath all night and wouldn’t let him relieve himself with any ladies. Nearly broke the man.”
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Estrella mused, “Might as well have just had someone take Bryce by force.”
“No, that’s not the way,” her aunt-in-law replied “Grandpa says all of the Nelson family’s mischief seems to have landed on that one.”
Keith’s expression darkened as he declared, “You two, each as mischievous as the other. I say you better just stick together for life and spare the rest of the world your trouble.” It was clear to him that either of them paired with another would be unmatched; no one could handle their level of mischief.
Looking at Jason’s demeanor, Keith spoke up with dissatisfaction, “Jason, even if Bryce Was hur
you shouldn’t punish him like that. What if it causes a real problem?”
With a serene air, Jason said, “I know what I’m doing.”
Estrella gave Jason a sidelong glance and then shot Bryce a sympathetic look. Bryce, taking the cue, dramatically lunged for a hug, sobbing, “Estrella, Jason is a monster. Last night, he almost killed me.”
As Estrella moved to console Bryce, Jason shot her a frigid stare, “Bryce, try touching her.” Bryce’s arms, mid-air, froze, and then he bawled even louder, “Estrella, Jason won’t let me hug you.”
Feeling sorry for Bryce, Estrella went over and hugged him. “There, I’ll hug you. That better? If you need more, I’ll scout out some good company for you.”
Her comment left everyone flushed with embarrassment. This brazen girl.
Bryce, even more despondent, confessed, “I can’t even think about it anymore. I’m scared I’ll never be able to perform again after last night’s blunder.”
The room fell silent.
Estrella teased, “Worst comes to worst, I’ll accompany you for a gender reassignment surgery. Life’s easier as a woman, less effort involved.”
The elders didn’t know where to look.
Seeing Estrella still hugging Bryce, Jason kicked her playfully, “Can’t let go.
Estrella let go and retaliated with a couple of kicks of her own, “Stay away.
you?”
from me.”
Jason’s domineering attitude rubbed his aunt the wrong way, and she couldn’t help but remark sarcastically, “Jason, I thought you couldn’t stand Estrella. Weren’t you the one insisting on a divorce? What’s this about now?
“When did I ever say I didn’t want her or insist on a divorce?” Jason countered.
His aunt reminded him, “We all heard it. Estrella herself can testify.
But Jason was adamant. “I never said that.”
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Keith, seizing the opportunity, shifted the conversation, “Since that’s not the case, you two better start working on having kids. Seems to me the only way you’ll straighten up is by becoming parents.”
His aunt looked skeptical. “Jason, are you sure you’re up to it? Maybe you should get some tips from Hunter.”
“That’s right. He’s got three sons, with the youngest being twins.”
“No need, thank you.” Jason’s expression darkened.
Jason, no shame if there’s a problem. We’re all family here.” Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
Bryce chimed in, “Bro, if you can’t manage, I can put our past behind us and lend a hand.”
That comment took a weird turn. As soon as Bryce finished, both Estrella and Jason kicked him in unison. Bryce looked confused, “What did I say wrong now?”
His mother spoke up, “You deserved those kicks.”
Still, Bryce couldn’t figure it out. Everyone was saying the same thing, and why was he the one getting hit?
The group was buzzing with chatter, and Kristin eventually turned to Jason, her gaze locking onto his with an intensity that commanded the room. “Jason, by the end of the year, Estrella better be expecting, or you’re marching straight to the doctor, no ifs or buts.”, “Yeah, Jason, it’s high time you and Estrella had a kid. It’s starting to look odd,” another
voice chimed in.
“Jason, why don’t you let Bryce come with you for a check-up at the clinic?” suggested someone else, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
Jason, unfazed by the mounting pressure, casually pulled his hand from his pocket and placed it heavily on Estrella’s nape, kneading it with a familiarity that spoke volumes. some serious
“Estrella, you sure know how to get everyone on your side. You’ve got s
skills.”
Estrella, with a scoff that resonated with self-assurance, shrugged off his hand. “What can I say? I’m just a good person.”
Kristin, not satisfied with Jason’s nonchalance bore down on him with a look that could
ahy or not?” cut steel. “Jason, we need an answer. Are you two going to have a
Jason lifted his head, feeling the weight of all their stares, the silent anticipation hanging in the air. Everyone was waiting for his response.
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