Free Mattie's Call by Stacy Campbell

didn’t want her to marry him. He was too old and too experienced for her.”
    â€œGigi, be quiet!” Synaria and Josh said in unison. They glanced at each other and quickly looked away, sidestepping their mutual irritation for Gabrielle.
    â€œDon’t talk about me like I’m not here.”
    â€œSomeone needs to speak up for you since you haven’t in—” Gabrielle held up her fingers and wriggled her shoeless toes—“thirteen years.”
    â€œIf you can’t be cordial, Gigi, you need to leave. Mama’s missing and we’re all we have. It makes no sense for us to turn on each other.”
    â€œTell me, little Bro, when have we stuck up for each other?”
    â€œI’m not having this discussion with you in front of Synaria. To answer your question, it’s been a long time, but today is a good day to start.”
    Synaria chomped on her turkey sandwich and enjoyed the Benson antics. For once she silently thanked her parents for being an only child. After calling Gabrielle at Joshua’s request, she gaped at the beautiful but arrogant woman Alice spoke of at the library. She waltzed through the front door, barely speaking. She tossed her heavy, expensive coat to Synaria as if she were the maid. A head of healthy, bouncing curls flowed around her face; thank God a fan wasn’t blowing because it was apparent Gabrielle fancied herself a superstar. Synaria held back a chuckle at the image of Gabrielle on stage like Beyoncé with a fan blowing her hair. She didn’t help put the lunch spread on the table, she didn’t set the plates or pour the drinks, and she belittled Alice every chance she got. No wonder Alice was so lonely; she had no refuge with her husband or her family.
    â€œPass me the lettuce, Sakina.”
    â€œIt’s Synaria.”
    â€œOkay, Sy-na-ri-ya,” Gabrielle elongated her name. “May I have the lettuce?”
    â€œSure.” Synaria passed the tray of romaine with a tight smile.
    â€œAnyway, since I’m the oldest and have power of attorney over Mama’s affairs, I’ll decide the next move Alice should make. Judging by the clothes she wears, she can’t afford a place of her own right now. Joshua, she can stay here with you until she gets on her feet. She doesn’t need to be in an apartment. She’s so weak that she’ll let Beryl slide back in.”
    â€œGigi, Alice probably wants her own space.” Joshua considered his words. “You’re welcome to stay here, Sis. I didn’t mean to imply you’re not wanted in my home.”
    â€œI do want my own space. A bachelor needs to be alone. I want to keep my job at the library and find somewhere to stay.”
    â€œAlice, you can stay at my home until you get on your feet. I have three bedrooms.”
    â€œThanks, Synaria.” Alice pinched off the cinnamon roll near her sandwich. “Gigi, may I stay at the house? I mean until I find something? It’s only fair since it is our childhood home.”
    She sipped her Mimosa again. “Since we’re all here together, I wanted to let you two know I’m selling the house.”
    â€œWhat?” Alice and Joshua shouted.
    â€œWhat do you mean you’re selling the house? It’s in my name, Gigi. Daddy insisted his son, his only son, keep the house.”
    Without missing a beat, she hissed, “And since it’s paid for, you can deed it to me and we’ll split the profits three ways. It could help with my new start.”
    Synaria folded her arms, enjoying the three-ring circus.
    â€œWhat new start, Gigi?” Alice asked.
    â€œI’m getting married. Colton and I want to start fresh in our own place.”
    Synaria jumped in. “Surely you don’t mean Colton Bembry? Colton Bembry who recently spearheaded the Bookathon gala with his wife , Roselle?”
    â€œThey’re divorcing soon.”
    â€œDidn’t look that way to