Evelyn sat on the stone patio overlooking her garden, holding a warm mug of earl grey tea in her hands. She wore a comfortable cashmere sweater and slacks. A small, neat bandage covered the cut on her cheekbone.
The heavy iron gates at the end of the driveway opened, and Brandon's car pulled up the gravel path.
He got out of the car, looking exhausted, disheveled, and crushed. He walked slowly across the grass, stopping at the edge of the patio.
"Mom..." Brandon whispered softly.
Evelyn took a slow sip of her tea, setting the porcelain cup gently onto its saucer. She didn't look up with anger. Her face held only a calm, sorrowful clarity.
"The hotel called me, Brandon," Evelyn said quietly. "They informed me that you had to sign a three-year personal payment plan with a fifteen percent interest rate to avoid being arrested last night."
Brandon fell to his knees on the stone patio, burying his face in his hands as tears finally broke through his masculine facade.
"I'm sorry, Mom," Brandon sobbed, his voice cracking with profound remorse. "I'm so sorry. She... she made me