Build And Break novel Chapter 44

Steven couldn't help but wonder about what Grace said. If the Donahue family members all had their favorite seat, then that was why Angela sat next to him. That was her seat. Next to Tony.

They hadn't began to eat until Grace took her seat and the woman had said a short prayer. Steven had to admit the first bite on the tender pork loin was more scrumptious than he expected. From the large portion before him, he could guess that Grace had gone beyond her own limits of dinner for the sake of offering a great dinner to Steven. Even though this was a family that detested him and didn't care that he was the mighty Steven Morris, it seemed they didn't want to appear lowly before him. And he felt he didn't deserve any of that.

"This is one of the most excellent dinner I've ever ate. Well done, Grace. May I call you Grace?" Although she had invited him into her home, he still wasn't sure if the animosity between them had passed. She did after all make clear on their first encounter that they never be friends.

"What else should you call me? Mrs. Donahue? I'm not as formal as you, Mr. Morris." Grace said his name with a hint of humor.

It seemed that their relationship status had somewhat changed from foes to good acquaintances.

The soccer game was on half time when Jimmy came in the kitchen to refill his and Daniel's glasses with cheap soft drink.

"So Steven," Grace spoke. "You're in real estate. How do you like our little abode?"

"Being honest I have to say I expected must worse. But I am impressed with your cooking skills. I especially love this mushroom sauce."

"I appreciate the compliment but the sauce, that's Jimmy's doing. His specialty he says."

"Oh" Steven turned to look at Jimmy leaning to the kitchen counter sipping his drink. He didn't expect that kind of skill from Jimmy. "Well done Jimmy."

Jimmy raised his glass in toast like manner accompanied with a fake wide grin. Unlike his mother, Steven's compliment didn't faze him.

Grace overlooked the exchange between the two men and a smile formed on her lips. "You know what. I think this is the first time I'm completely sure Tony is grinning down at us." The woman turned her speech directed at Steven. "Even if he married Angel, my Tony always knew she was your Angela. He knew you'd come around sooner or later." Grace turned to Angela then. "Angela had always disagreed with him."

Angela lifted the boy in her arms and took him to the bathroom to clean him up. By then, the boy had let go of the tears Angela knew he was holding back. She knew he hated this weakness and even more hated showing it. Something she was sure inherited from his father.

For the past days, the chemotherapy that was being given to Daniel to prepare his body for the procedure was making him weak. Although the boy was used to all the downside of his condition, he hated being even weaker. The therapy left him tired and nauseated all the time. The medical team at the hospital had been of solace for Angela and Steven. It was bad knowing you couldn't do much for your son to ease his pain but somehow their words calmed their racking nerves. They had guided them thoroughly through the whole cycle of the procedure and what they were to expect afterwards. Steven was especially explained in further detail of the procedure since he was the donor. As much they were lost in the surreal situation they were in, Angela and Steven felt ready with help from the medical team.

Jimmy showed up in the room with a mop and a bucket. Steven went to him, reaching an offering hand to take the mop. "I'll do it."

"In that?" Jimmy pointed to the clothes Steven was wearing.

Without any hesitation, Steven removed his jacket and stole the greasy mop from Jimmy's hold. Daniel was his son. He was his responsibility. And he would do anything for him. Even if that included cleaning up the floor in one of his most expensive dresses he owned. That didn't bother him as much as Daniel's muffled crying was.