Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie) novel Chapter 1020

"What's wrong?"

Brandon and I were playing with Merry when Lisa walked in. Without a word, she grabbed her bag and headed for the door.

"Where are you going? Aren't you staying for dinner?" I called after her.

"No, I've got something to do," Lisa replied, her displeasure written all over her face.

She was usually someone who kept her emotions in check, so I sensed something was off. I glanced outside and saw Logan hanging heart-shaped balloons, with Joelle helping him.

"Are you being bitter?" I asked Lisa.

"Oh? Do you keep bottles of bitterness at home?" She shot back.

Brandon chimed in, "We've got more than just that—plenty of salt and sugar too. Dr. Carline, care for a taste?"

He was protecting me, not even letting my best friend take a jab at me.

Lisa glared at him. "How annoying!"

She left without another word, clearly upset.

"She's definitely jealous. Leave her be. Let's see how she can keep this up," he reassured me.

I wasn't clueless, so I nodded slightly. "She'll either explode in silence or let it consume her. It's up to her to decide which."

"Knowing her, which do you think it'll be?" he asked.

I pursed my lips. "I'm not telling."

He hugged Merry and leaned closer to me. "Sweetie, your mom's so mischievous."

"Don't talk about me like that in front of our daughter," I protested.

Lisa smiled slightly, neither confirming nor denying it, but to others, it seemed like an admission.

"Well, have a great time on your date," Joelle wished her.

"Thanks. And I hope both of you enjoy your meal," Lisa replied, then walked out. As she passed Logan, she subtly shifted her body to the side, as if he carried something filthy that might rub off on her.

This small gesture went unnoticed by Joelle, but Logan caught it clearly.

Lisa had never done this around him before. Normally, she walked in a straight line, deliberately brushing against or bumping into him.

"Don't stay out too late tonight," he reminded her as she walked around him.

She didn't even pause, saying, "Even my mom doesn't worry about me anymore."

Her underlying message was clear. "Why do you care?"