Chapter 29: Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Den glanced at him without thinking. What’s up? Something on your mind?”

Brandon slowly shook his head, but he still looked like he was deep in thought, as if he was chewing on something.

Don, impatient as ever couldn’t take it and gave him a nudge. You know what drives me nuts about you? Whenever ask anything it’s always nothing’s wrong, it’s all good, never a shred of useful info. It’s enough to drive someone up the wall, you get that? What’s the big deal in spilling the beans, huh?”

Brandon shot him a look and pointed towards the door, “Then please, show yourself out Don’t let me keep you.”

Don was speechless.

In the end, he caved in “Alright, alright, if you don’t wanna talk, then don’t”

He shifted his gaze back to the girl on his phone. But I’ve gotta say, I don’t buy your take on this. People change, man. After all her whole environment’s changed, and she was just a kid back then, hardly set in her ways. Who knows, maybe she got spoiled rotten by her family later on.”

Brandon gave another indifferent glance, ‘When was she ever short of people doting on her? Everyone’s always treated her like she’s the apple of their eye”

But Dan frowned. “Maybe her family had solid values back in the day, and the current bunch are a bit more high and mighty could’ve rubbed off on her.”

Brandon didn’t bite, merely casting an almost imperceptible look at the girl on the phone again

Don couldn’t help but take another peek too, and again his eyes landed on that hideously mismatched bracelet. “Honestly, if it wasn’t for the necklace being so special to her, who at her age would wear such an ugly bracelet?”

Brandon remarked. That bracelet’s not cheap, you know.”

Don frowned. “You think she found it or something?”

“Im not ruling out that possibility

Don looked at him thoughtfully, “Shouldn’t you be happy if there’s a lead on Yolanda. You seem less than thrilled, aren’t you the one looking for her?”

Just being cautious.”

“Cut it out, Don shot back. Tve known you long enough. Are you worried about your wife?” he asked.

Brandon’s gaze paused for a fraction.

No. His voice was faint

Don huffed clearly not buying it.

Brandon didn’t bother with a response, just glanced at the girl on the phone and then looked away.

Logically, a lead on Yolanda should be good news, but he wasn’t as excited as he had expected to be

He didn’t know if it was because she didn’t match the sweet little girl in his memory and he couldn’t handle any change. in her, or if deep down he hoped Yolanda was someone else?

His fingers resting on the phone hesitated for a moment

Don noticed the sudden stillness of his hand, and his gaze shifted to Brandon’s face, “You’ve got something on your

mind.

Brandon’s reply was still as calm as a millpond, “No.”

He changed the subject, “What did you come here for anyways?”

Just checking in on you Don slung his arm casually over Brandon’s shoulder, “We haven’t hung out in ages, how about wego grab a drink?

Brandon shrugged off his arm and stood up. “Let’s go.”

“Huh?” Don was stunned, “For real? You’re actually down?”

Inviting Brandon for a drink was just a throwaway comment. Don hadn’t dared to hope Brandon would agree.

He’d known Brandon for years, and every time he tried to make plans, Brandon was either working late or heading home Being able to grab a meal with him was the last act of brotherly kindness

Brandon wasn’t one for socializing: he hardly ever hit the bars or clubs. His life was work, more work, hitting the gym, and reading A dull and simple life, yet his self-discipline was infuriatingly on point

Everyone in their circle wanted Brandon’s discipline, but no one had his determination.

Brandon had already reached the door, grabbing his coat off the rack. Seeing Don still gawking at him, he raised an eyebrow, “Changed your mind?”

“Going, of course, Don bounced to his feet, giving Brandon a thoughtful look, “You’ve got relationship troubles.”

It wasnt a question, it was a statement

Brandon shut the door with a “bang, not caring whether Don was still in the room, startling Don into hurrying after him.

“Hey, I was just poking around, why are you getting all worked up?”