Chapter 36 After several silent, tense seconds, Brian finally set the bowl down and said, "My mom said she misses us. She'd like to have a family dinner together." Jessica let out a silent laugh, the kind that cut deep. She sneered inwardly, 'She wants me to go back, and I should follow?' Just then, Brian's phone rang. Ever the workaholic, he answered immediately. "Mr. Atkinson, I-" Madeline's voice sounded. Brian glanced at Jessica and turned away slightly to listen. Jessica only recognized it was Madeline's voice, but she didn't hear what she said. He mumbled a few "uh-huhs" and ended the call, but he noticed that Jessica's gaze only turned colder. "It was business," he explained, trying to sound neutral. Jessica gave a dry, biting smile. "Did I say anything?" 2/2