Several people have mentioned about Joey's mum not reacting to Lauren being a Branning... there's nothing sinister to this... she just doesn't have all the information that Joey does yet.
Chapter 21.
"I'm sure Branning is a common name, Joey." His mum said. Joey had seen her lack of shock at his previous statement and was confused by it but her words explained it as he can see she doesn't understand what he's telling her.
"She's a Branning, mum." He repeated as he stared at her, "It wasn't just that."
"Tell me."
"I saw Derek." Joey watched as his mum's eyes widened. This time the shock was evident on her face.
"Oh."
"Yeah, oh."
"How serious was it with this Lauren, Joey?" She asked, quietly, almost dreading the answer, "You've never really talked about her. I've known you were seeing someone because you've seemed happier but I didn't want to pry."
"I was sleeping with her, mum." He whispered, sitting with his head bowed, staring at his hands. "I've been sleeping with someone who's related to my own father."
"Joey..." she said softly, her hand reaching over and squeezing his.
"It's wrong." He said. He couldn't hide the intense pain he felt at admitting that.
"Come here, love." His mum said, pulling him into her arms and holding him tightly while he released the emotions he was feeling once more.
TBC
A/N: So sad... I wish I could give Joey a hug at this point... One more chapter tonight.