Book Two: Branch Two Hundred and Seven

Joshua pulled away from his mother's firm grip on him. "I'm not a child you know that right?" he said blinking to send away the tears threatening to break from his eyes.

"You will always be my child" Jessica said peering into his eyes. A knock on the door made both of them turn to the door. "Who is it?" she asked and he shrugged.

"No idea," he said standing up and walking to the door to see who it could be.

"Hello brother" Jeanne said leaning into the door frame.

"Jeanne?" he was shocked to see her there. "Are you just getting home now?" he asked when it dawned on him that she was still in her work clothes and shoes.

"Yeah," she drew out as her eyes darted around.

"We closed from work five hours ago" Joshua exclaimed in surprise.

"I was on a date with Thiago" Jeanne responded a blush creeping up her face.

"Little lady, don't you think you spent way too much time outside?" Joshua asked.

Jeanne's eyebrows went up in a questioning manner. Why was he acting like a concerned older brother?