Read The Better Man (Chicago Sisters) for Free Online Page B

With his elbow on the table, he rested his head on his hand. “My tummy hurts. I want to go to work with you.”
    It was disappointing but not unexpected. Stomachaches were a sure sign of the yucks. “We talked about this yesterday. Mommy has to go to the restaurant today, and you can’t come with. School is your job. You need to go to your job and Mommy needs to go to hers.”
    “It hurts too bad. I can’t go,” he protested, shoving the oatmeal away.
    Kendall stirred his oatmeal and pushed the bowl back in front of him. “Eat. It will make your stomach feel better. It hurts because it’s empty.” He frowned but picked up the spoon and took a bite. “What two things are you looking forward to today?” she asked as he ate.
    He finished the whole bowl before answering. “Coming home and seeing Aunt Lucy.”
    Kendall’s sister was picking him up from school today. Lucy swore she was never getting married or having children, so she reasoned that spoiling Simon was her God-given right.
    “I’m sure Aunt Lucy is looking forward to seeing you, too. She told me on the phone that she’s bringing something very special for any boy named Simon who makes it through the whole school day.”
    Simon’s mouth twisted then fell back into a frown. “My tummy still hurts.”
    Kendall sat down next to him. “Mine, too. I’ve got the yucks about this new job. It’s going to be a lot of work.”
    “You have the yucks?”
    She nodded and put a hand on her stomach. “Everybody gets the yucks sometimes. But we still have to go to work. I’ll tell your yucks to beat it if you tell mine, okay?”
    Simon almost smiled. “Okay. Beat it, yucks!” he said to her stomach.
    Kendall jumped in her seat. “Whoa! I felt them run away. Good work, mister. My turn.” She held on to his waist and whispered, “Beat it, yucks.”
    “Mom. They can’t hear you when you talk so soft.”
    “They can’t?”
    He shook his head. Kendall put on a determined face and bent closer to his belly. “Beat it, yucks!” she said firmly. She glanced up into those big, blue eyes. “How was that?”
    Simon looked down at his stomach. “I’m not sure.”
    Kendall sat back and surveyed the room like she might spot the yucks running away. “Let’s try this,” she said, before tickling his sides. “Beat it, yucks!”
    Simon giggled and squirmed. It was the best sound she’d heard in a week. “Stop, Mom. They’re gone. Stop!”
    Kendall obliged and stood up. She held out a hand. “Let’s get out of here before they come back, huh?”
    With only a moment’s hesitation, Simon took his mom’s hand.
    * * *
    K ENDALL REALLY DID feel the yucks coming on as she got out of the cab in front of Sato’s. The restaurant was located in a great spot not far from the Mag Mile and just a couple of blocks from Ontario. She couldn’t remember what used to occupy this space, but she was going to make sure no one forgot Sato’s.
    Owen was waiting outside for her. With coffee, because he was the best partner anyone could ask for. “He made it to school?” he asked, handing her the Starbucks cup.
    “He made it. Let’s hope he makes it all day.” She sipped the warm, caffeinated goodness and thanked him.
    “Let’s get to work.” Owen held the door open for her. “Oh, K...” He gestured with his head for her to come back outside. Her brow furrowed, and Owen glanced around nervously. “I meant to mention this to you earlier but with all the stuff with Simon, I didn’t want to freak you out.”
    The yucks danced in her gut. “What?”
    “Don’t panic,” he said, giving her arm a squeeze. “I forgot to tell you something about Mr. Jordan, the restaurant manager.”
    Kendall relaxed immediately. She was sure Owen was going to confess being in love or lust or whatever he felt. She hoped this wasn’t about wanting to set her up again because she had no time for men.
    “When he finally showed up for the meeting last week...this is going to sound