“About what?”
“If you let me speak, I’ll tell you,” I snap.
My teeth gnaw at the inside of my cheek as I try to contain my annoyance. As much as I don’t like what Jasmine has done, I still want to help her. I want to give Nina the chance at a real family.
Or at least a sister.
“Jasmine, we know your boyfriend Lenny has been in contact. If you’re serious about getting your children back, you need to think about the people you allow in your life,” I spew her the watered-down line. She probably wouldn’t like what I really had to say.
“He only wanted to know about Betty.”
“So you didn’t agree to meet with him?” I question with a raised brow.
“What’s it to you?” she asks defensively.
I want to lay into her, tell her some home truths but Vinny is concerned that she’s depressed. She’s been through a lot but it’s all on her. She has to make this shit show betternow, no one else can do it for her. Speaking to Lenny will only go against her when it comes to the children.
“We’re worried, love, we come from a good place,” Vinny tells her in that comforting voice that seems so fucking foreign to me. I only ever saw the man soften when Nina came into the picture. “The children will be with you much sooner if you can leave him behind.”
She nods, gritting her teeth. “I know that.”
Vinny looks at me and nods in encouragement. “We thought you might like to meet Nina.” I clench my teeth so hard I feel my teeth crack. “Get to know her.”
Jasmine frowns, looking between the two of us. “Absolutely not. I get enough judgement around here. Why would she even want to meet me? I’ve heard a lot from George, you know.”
“Nina wouldn’t judge you, and I won’t lie to her about who you are. When she’s ready, I would like to introduce you.”
“When she’s ready? Is this your way of getting her back, presenting me like a prize?” She snickers.
“No. We thought you might like some friends, but I can see you’re happy to continue your social suicide mission. You can leave,” I say to dismiss her.
“Mason.” Vinny tries.
“No, Vin, let her be. Jasmine, the only way your children will come back to you is if you sort yourself out. Change the way you live your life, and start putting the kids first, instead of always thinking about the money.”
Her chest heaves as she stands. “You know what I think? I think I’m an inconvenience and you don’t like it. I don’tknow why you brought me here, but I’m doing this for my kids. Not for you or the long-lost sister you’re trying to push at me.”
“That went well,” I vent as she storms out, slamming my office door behind her.
“What did you expect, really?” Vinny smiles, leaning back in his chair. “I see a lot of Nina in her you know.”
“She’s nothing like Nina.”
“Stubborn, flighty, can get under your skin,” he lists.
My head drops back against the leather of my chair, and I huff out a breath. “I’m using L&M tonight; I brought the Bentley and will drive home.”
“You think it’s a good idea to be using the gym still, now that Nina is working there?” he questions.
“No.” But I’m going to, anyway.
He sniggers, looking towards the windows for a moment before bringing his focus back to me. “I know you’ve always said you wouldn’t take Nina back…” His head dips as he rubs his hand over his mouth, trying to articulate his words. “If you think there could be something between you still and you want to pursue it, I will support you, always. You know I’ve always rooted for the two of you.” He pauses, lifting his head to look at me. His eyes hold a warning and it has me lifting my chin subconsciously. I’ve heard from Scott about Vinny’s past, and the way he can flip the switch and become something lethal. I have a feeling I’m seeing a little bit of that right now. “If you hurt her, mess her around, and play with her feelings?—”
“Vinny—”
“I will personally come for you.”
“Fucking hell.” I rake my hand through my hair in disbelief.
