To Breathe Again Read Online Free

you…too.” The confused look on Kelsey’s face told Shaun she had no idea who the guy was.
    Their mother sighed, perhaps with relief, at the disturbance. “Dustin.” She reached for a dishcloth and dried her hands. “You finally came to eat. What took you so long? Repairs can wait, you know.”
    Shaun laughed and went to sit back down. “Kelsey, this is my brother Dustin. As you may have already figured out, he loves broken things.”
    Surprise crossed Kelsey’s face, but she laughed. Shaun knew what she was thinking. When people met Dustin for the first time, they sometimes mistook him for a visiting repairman.
    Kelsey reached for a strip of bacon. “At least he likes to fix them. I think that’s a good thing.”
    “I think you and I will get along very well.” Dustin stood at the table and filled his plate with eggs, sausages, and bacon. Instead of sitting down to eat, he reached for a fork from the dish rack and ate standing up, his plate balanced on the palm of his hand. “So.” He smirked, chewing. “Kelsey, how do you put up with my brother? He can be quite an ass at times.”
    Kelsey placed a hand on Shaun’s thigh under the table and grinned. “It’s hard, but I do my best.”
    “Look who’s talking,” Shaun scoffed. “How many girls have you managed to keep around?”
    Dustin shoved the last of his eggs into his mouth and chewed thoroughly, giving Shaun a tilted smile. “If I find the one, I’ll do everything to keep her around. Trust me. So far”—he shrugged—“I’m enjoying window shopping.” He went to pat Shaun on the back. “Seriously, Shaun, I’m happy you found Kelsey. I’m glad she brought you back to life. And she’s gorgeous. Don’t mess it up.”
    Kelsey blushed as Dustin placed his plate in the sink. He went to kiss Rachel, who had moved to a chair and was sitting with her hands clasped. “Mom, I have to go to a meeting. The guest toilet is working great now. If you need anything else fixed, I’ll take care of it when I drop by in a few days. You’re staying for a while, aren’t you, Shaun?”
    “Another few weeks and then I’m off to California to meet with the screenwriters.”
    “Good. Let’s get together at my place before you leave. How about a party to celebrate your return home?”
    “Sounds awesome. I’ll give you a call in a few days.”
     

Chapter Nine
     
    Once Dustin had left, Shaun got up and headed for the door himself.
    Rachel sprang up too, as if there were hot coals on her chair. “Darling, where are you going?” Her face had drained of all color.
    Shaun turned, his brows furrowed. “Just going to get the paper.” He walked over to where his mother was standing. “Are you sure you’re okay, Mom? You seem different today. I know that look. You’re worried about something.”
    Rachel sighed and slumped back into her chair. “There’s something I need to tell you. Please sit down.”
    Shaun did as he was told. Kelsey’s stomach twisted. This was the news Rachel had mentioned. She put down her fork and got to her feet. “I’ll give you a minute alone.”
    Neither of them responded, so Kelsey walked out. She didn’t go far. It would be inappropriate to eavesdrop on their conversation, but she just had to know what was bothering Rachel so much. Whatever it was could hurt Shaun.
    Kelsey leaned against the wall on one side of the door and shut her eyes, holding her breath.
    “What’s going on, Mom?” Shaun asked.
    “Shaun,” Rachel said, her voice shaking. “Nora died…yesterday.”
    Silence fell over the kitchen as the knot in Kelsey’s stomach tightened even further. Carmen’s mother was dead? He’d just been to see her a few days ago. How was that possible?
    “What… What happened?” Shaun’s voice was barely audible. “She was all right when I saw her. Was she sick?”
    A long pause.
    “Sweetheart,” Rachel said, “she committed suicide. The maid found her floating in the pool. The papers say she took a bunch of