“I don’t know.” I suppress an annoyed huff. “I haven’t taken a break since I started acting. Lainey and Nova need me.”
“I understand, but at least look at the scripts. Okay? Maybe you’ll change your mind after a month or two. Most producers will wait two months if it means you’ll star in their movie.”
“Fine,” I agree, because she’s right. I might get bored after a while and return to work sooner. Only time will tell.
“Thank you, baby Jesus,” she mutters.
“Sylvia,” I say while I head back into the house, “thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I really appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome.” I’m just about to pull the device away from my ear when she says, “Oh, I almost forgot. I’ve made an appointment with the therapist for the day after tomorrow at ten a.m. Her name is Eden Dungey, and she comes highly recommended.”
“Thank you.” I walk back into the house and head for the fridge, where the list of phone numbers is. “I’m going to give you a number. Can you call the therapist and make an appointment for Nova?”
“Sure.”
“Her name is Regina Davis.” I recite the number quickly.
“Got it. I’ll let you know when the appointment is. See you at four.”
I end the call and sit down beside Lainey again. She sinks her teeth into the cream cheese smeared over her slice of toast.
“What do you want on your toast?” Nova asks.
“Same as Lainey’s, please.” I love the light-yellow dress she’s wearing. “Sylvia will make an appointment with Regina Davis for you.”
A nervous look ghosts over her face. “Thank you.”
I wait for Nova to set the plates down on the island, and when she takes a seat, I say, “A reporter is coming over at four to do an interview. I need to make a statement about Rachel.”
“Oh.” She stares at me, then asks, “Will you be okay doing an interview about her?”
“I hate reporters,” Lainey mutters, her chin quivering.
I rub my hand up and down her back to comfort her. “I do, too, sweetheart, but the sooner I get it done, the better.” Glancing at Nova, I add, “There are also rumors spreading that I have to address.”
“On no,” Nova exclaims, a worried expression tightening her beautiful face. “What kind of rumors?”
I’m not going to lie. As much as the circumstances suck, I love how much she worries about me.
“Everyone thinks you and Uncle Easton are dating,” Lainey mutters. “I’ve read about it online, and kids at my school have been texting me to ask if it’s true.”
“Oh my God!” Nova’s eyes widen, and she looks visibly rattled. “I’m so sorry, Lainey.”
“Turn off your phone for a while,” I tell Lainey. “I don’t want anything else upsetting you right now.”
Lainey nods, and lowering her head, she lets out a shuddering breath before tears spill over her cheeks.
I wrap her up in a tight hug, and only when she seems to feel a little better do I pull back. “The reporter will be here at four. I want you to stay upstairs so they don’t get a photo of either of you.”
“Okay,” Lainey agrees.
“God, I’m so sorry about the mess,” Nova whispers, still trying to recover from everything Lainey said. “Maybe you can tell them I’m your cousin or something?”
“Fuck no,” I mutter before thinking to censor my words.
“Uncle Easton!” Lainey exclaims before letting out a burst of laughter. “Mom would slap you upside the head.”
The moment the words leave her mouth, her expression grows sad, and the next second, a sob bursts from her again. She drops the toast onto her plate, and before she can climb off the stool, I grab hold of her and haul her onto my lap.
