Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1356

Winona hurried to explain,

“We’re just friends, honestly. With everything going on with Zane lately, Keaton’s helped me out a bunch, and I’m really grateful.”

“Today he got punched by Mr. Huber, so everyone’s worried about him.”

“Mr. Bradford said that you and he were bringing Keaton some food, but Keaton probably wouldn’t eat if you guys brought it, so he asked me to come instead.”

“Mr. Bradford figured Keaton’s got his pride, and he wouldn’t turn me down if I brought him dinner.”

“I brought some wine, just hoping to get him to eat something, but then we got to talking and, well, ended up opening Harold’s whiskey…”

“When you and Mr. Huber came in, and I saw Mrs. Murphy and Mrs. Windham too, I just didn’t want them to get the wrong idea and start gossiping, so I thought hiding was the best move.”

Seeing Janelle still looking skeptical, Winona emphasized,

“Seriously, Keaton and I are just friends. There’s nothing else between us.”

A maid came over with a blanket, and Janelle personally draped it over Winona’s shoulders.

“You don’t need to be nervous,” Janelle said gently. “I just worry Keaton might give you a hard time. I hope he hasn’t upset you.”

Winona shook her head, “No, not at all.”

After chatting for a bit, Winona said her goodbyes.

Janelle walked her all the way to the car and even arranged a driver to take her home—no way was she letting Winona drive after drinking.

Once Winona had left, Janelle headed toward the family chapel.

The security guards immediately rushed over to apologize.

“We’re so sorry, ma’am, we let Ms. Newsom in without asking, we—”

Janelle cut them off, looking more energized than ever.

“Good job! Double pay for everyone this month!”

The guards all stared at her in disbelief. “?!”

Was this their lucky day or what?!

Janelle walked into the chapel but doubled back suddenly, a thought striking her. She looked at the guards.

“So, what’s really going on between Keaton and Winona? Do you guys know?”

The guards all started talking at once, eager to spill the tea.

“I swear they’re secretly dating!”

“Exactly! Ms. Newsom came to see Keaton in the middle of the night, didn’t care about what people would say. That’s gotta mean something, right?”

“She’s clearly very worried about him! Her eyes were all red when she got here, and when she heard Keaton wasn’t eating, she looked heartbroken!”

Keaton glared. “Mom, who are you talking about? You want Dad out or me?”

“You!” Janelle snapped, her face stern. “After everything you’ve pulled lately, I’ve decided I don’t want you! Out you go—whoever wants you can have you!”

Keaton was speechless. “...And what if nobody wants me?”

“Then you’re on your own—sink or swim!” Janelle huffed.

Keaton stared at her, dumbfounded. “Mom, are you possessed or something?”

Janelle shot him a glare. “Zip it!”

Richard was just as baffled. Usually, whenever he even joked about not wanting their son, Janelle would raise hell—crying, threatening, the whole nine yards.

Now, after a chat with Winona, she was suddenly ready to toss Keaton out herself?!

“What’s gotten into you?” he asked.

“What’s gotten into me? I said what I said! Out with him—I don’t want this son anymore!”

Janelle was all action, calling over a couple of staff members and personally directing them.

“Take him outside right now! And you two—go pack up all his stuff, everything, and toss it out with him!”

Keaton was still in shock. “Mom, what the heck?!”