“Yes, my son? Is it Rebecca?”
It was but it wasn’t. “She’s still recovering, but I think she’ll be fine to go on the trip, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
His father squeezed his shoulder. “I was actually trying to figure out whatyouwere worried about.”
Alex sighed and sat down, his father remaining standing but leaning against the conference table facing him. “It’s not her, not exactly. I mean I am worried about her, but I wanted to ask your thoughts if I went on the trip alone. You mentioned it wouldn’t be a good idea, but I think we can weather the storm if we needed to.”
His father’s mouth dropped slightly open. “You just said she’d be fine to go.”
“Physically, yes. Mentally…I’m not sure if she’ll be ready. She’s been struggling since the surgery. Since before the surgery really. She thinks I don’t know, that I don’t see it, but I do, and I’m not sure what to do.”
“I think this trip might be a good thing, for both of you. You’ve each had a lot to process over the last year, between losing the baby and everything else and, if you feel things are so serious that you’d rather go alone…well, we should just plan to reschedule the state visit entirely. You could still go to the All Nations meeting, but it won’t look good if you’re there and Rebecca’s not. It will be implied that you’re ready to rule, but she isn’t. Worse still would be both of you going but not appearing to feel as…connected to each other.”
Alex nodded. “I only want to make things easier for her.”
“That’s admirable, my son, but it’s not realistic. If it were easy, it wouldn’t be called life. The best thing you can do is support her, be there for her, but don’t smother her.”
Alex frowned. Had he been smothering her? She’d as good as said that this morning when she rushed him out the door. If that were true, going on a trip like this wouldn’t help. Even though most of their meetings and events were separate, they’d still be in close quarters and contact. “I suppose I have been overprotective.”
“I’ve done the same with your mother throughout the years, and this probably won’t be the last time for you either. The trip can help you reconnect, just as much as it can push you further apart if you let it.”
Alex’s voice came out slightly strangled. “Does it seem like we’re further apart?”
His father’s voice was a little sad. “It does, but only to your family because we know you both so well.”
“Fuck.” He ran his hands through his hair a few times. “What should I do, Papa? I feel so lost.”
“Rebecca likely does too, remember that. Perhaps ask her parents to come over. I’m sure Francine or Ettore could help.”
Alex’s brows furrowed. “Do you know, I don’t think I’ve seen them at all since she came home from surgery. That is unusual.”Maybe she was pushing them away too. Hmmm. “I’ll ask them to stop by. Thanks for the suggestion.”
“Just take it one step at a time, and I have no doubt you’ll find each other again. As for the trip, we can move it. Not easily, but it’s not impossible either. Do what’s right for you and Rebecca.”
“Thanks, Papa.”
“Anytime, my son.”
After a hug and kiss on each cheek, they parted ways, Alex heading towards his offices, while his father headed towards a formal dining room for lunch with a few Royal Council Ministers. Alex texted Francine along the way and she said she’d drop by that afternoon. He hoped Rebecca would see her and that Francine would be able to help.
REBECCA
It wasearly afternoon the next time Rebecca woke up, yet she still lay in bed, staring at nothing and thinking too much about everything.
“Ma’am?” one of her security agents called from outside her door. “Your mother is here.”
Damn. She thought she’d avoided her for another day. Should she feign sleep?
“It’s all right, I’ll just go in and check on her.”
“Mrs. Campo, I don’t think that’s?—”
“Nonsense, it will be fine.” A few moments later, the door clicked open and her mother came in.
Rebecca acted as if she’d just woken up. “Mama? What are you doing here?”
Her mother gave her a smile, then shut the door. “I’ve come to see you, of course. Have you eaten today?”
Had she? She couldn’t remember, so she went with the easiest answer. “This morning, with Alex.”
