Free The House by Anjuelle Floyd

ended the awkwardness of the moment with, “Yeah, I see what you mean.”
    “So, it’s definite you’re moving back to Oakland?” Serine jump-started David’s conversation with Brad.
    “That or either some place down in the So Cal,” David said. “The firm I interned for is looking for someone with acumen and experience in wills and trusts,” Serine said.
    “Acumen?” Brad threw a smirk across the table at Serine. He exchanged looks with Linda, who, along with Edward, had been listening to David.
    The legalities of family planning, trusts and wills, establishing, overseeing, and executing them was David’s specialty. Yet as on so many occasions, and concerning other subjects, Serine’s use of the word acumen had held an air of haughtiness.
    “It’s not simply about the knowledge,” Serine explained while attempting to size down Brad’s comment. “People are a ball of emotions when you’re drawing up their trusts and wills. You’ve got to know how to handle them and their families. Especially when carrying out their wishes after they’ve ... “ Her voice trailed off. She turned to Edward.
    Again the conversation halted.
    “That’s certainly true.” Edward eyed Anna and then turned to David. “Bryce has brought mine up to date. I’d like you to look it over.”
    “Of course,” David said. He reached over and patted Anna’s hand. Softness covered his eyes. Her hand trembled.
    David returned his attention to Serine. “L.A.’s a bit large for me, but I’d like to speak with your friend.”
    “I’ll have him call you. It’d be nice to have you close.”
    “I agree,” Linda intervened. She began rubbing her stomach.
    “But Mom might need you nearby,” she said to David, then lifted Brad’s hand.
    “I was wondering the same thing,” Brad said. “In fact—”
    “You raise a point,” Serine started once more. “Particularly with Mom being alone after Dad’s—” Anna’s youngest child threw her a pointed gaze. “Then again—” Serine started. She looked to Linda and Brad across from her. Linda massaged her stomach.
    “I could use all the company I can get. With David and Heather in the same city, I’d get to see my niece and nephew. I like having family close by, unlike some people who don’t mind living alone. And away from those they claim to love.” The frustration intensified in Serine’s voice as she again threw Anna a pointed stare.
    Anna cut into her second slice of roast and lifted a bite of broccoli to her lips. Linda and Brad exchanged glances. They too lived in L.A., and had helped Serine settle into working there after graduating from law school.
    David again patted Anna’s hand. “Emily and Josh would love to see more of you. Not that Heather and I want to make you a nanny, but it would be good for the kids to see you more oft—”
    “You might want to think twice about Mom being around to babysit,” Serine said. “That is unless you’re willing to send them abroad. Mom’s moving to France.” On registering Serine’s words, everyone turned from Serine to Anna.
    “Is this true?” Confusion and hurt filled David’s face, a darker complexion than Edward’s.
    How had Serine learned of France ? Anna had told no one except Elise and Theo. Of Inman, she had spoken only to Elise.
    “I’d planned to,” Anna said.
    Edward’s face, so often buffered against emotion, remained blank. Linda clutched his hand tighter.
    “Before or after Dad got sick?” David asked as Serine observed intently.
    “I found out about your father only two weeks ago,” Anna said. David took in a breath and exhaled as Brad lifted Linda’s other hand.
    “When were you planning to tell us?” Linda said. Unlike Serine, her tone was non-judgmental.
    “After the divorce. When I’d sold the house.”
    “So, let me get this straight?” David gestured with his hands.
    “You were going to divorce Dad, sell the house, this house —” he made a broad sweep of his hand as if