Divorce Time

11:02

Chapter 257

Charlene and Helena had been keeping Irma company for about half an hour when Thorne suddenly announced, “I’m going to step out for a bit.”

During that time, Thorne had mostly been a silent observer, not contributing much to the conversation.

Irma, not particularly impressed, waved him off. “Go if you must.”

Thorne left the room, not returning for quite a while.

Earlier, Abbey had made sure there was a good supply of fruit, pastries, and coffee. But after Abbey left, Charlene noticed that Helena’s coffee had cooled down. So, she grabbed the small pot and walked over to the coffee table, determined to make a fresh pot.

Seeing Charlene take matters into her own hands made Irma think of Thorne. She frowned, “Thorne, honestly. Who knows what he’s up to, gone this long.”

Charlene hadn’t really thought much of it when Thorne said he was stepping out. But hearing Irma’s complaints now reminded her that Vesta was still downstairs. Thorne had probably gone to keep Vesta company, not wanting her to feel bored. Still, he’d been gone for a good half–hour, which was quite a long time.

After brewing the coffee, Charlene poured fresh cups for herself, Helena, and Irma. Just as she was setting down the pot, Thorne returned.

Irma shot him a look and huffed, “I thought you’d gone for good.”

smiled,

didn’t press further, instead complimenting, “Charlene,

themselves. But when their cups were empty, and

half–hour passed, and the sky

and Helena decided it was time to

them for dinner,

quickly interjected, “There’s no need. We have

Besides, neither she nor Helena was eager to have dinner

sensed their reluctance and didn’t press the issue, simply asking

downstairs.

Irma, “I’ve got some things to take care of, but I’ll be back tomorrow

want,” Irma dismissed him with a wave, though she was secretly pleased with how attentive Thorne had been since her accident. He’d been quite dutiful, in fact. Her only gripe was his attitude toward Charlene. She could tell he was still set on the idea of ending things with

the elevator, they ran into Terence waiting for it, school backpack slung

Helena

“Are you guys headed

a question of his own, “Why aren’t you at school yet?”

and see Grandma for a bit,

up, then.”

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