“Lunch is ready in the dining room,” Frances informs us from the open sliding doors.
Climbing to my feet, I mutter, “Let’s eat.” As we head into the house, I glance down at the nervous expression on Nova’s face and say, “Don’t worry.”
“Easier said than done,” she mumbles.
It’s going to take some time for Nova to adjust to the limelight, but I’ll be there to help her every step of the way.
Chapter 25
Nova
Watching as Charlotte and Porsha walk toward us, I feel a little nervous as I stand beside Lainey at the entrance to the spa.
Charlotte is wearing a stunning long silk dress and high heels, and her blond hair is styled in a short pixie cut.
I should’ve put more effort into my appearance.
“Morning,” Charlotte greets us with a warm smile. “I’m so glad we’re doing this.”
“Hi.” A smile curves my lips. “I thought it would be nice for the girls, and Lainey mentioned my nails are in desperate need of attention.”
She lets out a chuckle. “You’re going to love the manis and pedis here. It’s so relaxing. Sometimes I fall asleep.”
We head into the building, where peaceful music is playing in the background.
Stopping at the counter, I say, “I made a booking for four under Allen.”
The lady smiles widely. “Let me take you to the back. We’ve seated you all together.”
“Thank you.”
Black leather chairs line both sides of the room, and while Charlotte and I take our seats on the left, Lainey and Porsha sit across from us.
After the beauticians greet us and get to work, Charlotte looks at me and asks, “What are you going to do once Lainey returns to school?”
“Honestly, I haven’t thought about it,” I admit.
She seems to hesitate for a moment before she says, “Rachel used to help with fundraisers and organizing food drives for orphanages.” She reaches across and places her hand on my arm. “No pressure, though, but you’re always welcome to join us. See if it’s something you’ll enjoy doing. Right now, there are four of us. Myself, Jamie Bridges, Jane Carlson, and Tori Douglas. Just a bunch of moms trying to do some good.”
Moms.
I turn my attention to where Lainey is talking with Porsha, and I realize I’m the closest thing she now has to a mother.
Without having to think about it, I answer, “I’d love to help. Just let me know when and where, and I’ll be there.”
“Great!” She pays attention to what the beautician is doing, then glances at the girls. Leaning closer again, she says, “Lainey seems to be doing okay under the circumstances.”
Not wanting to talk about our grief, I only nod.
Charlotte reaches for my arm again. “How are you holding up? Your whole life must’ve changed. I can’t imagine how difficult it has to be.”
My heart clenches painfully, and I’m hit with an intense wave of sorrow.
Avoiding talking about myself, I say, “I love being here with Lainey and Easton. I’d move heaven and earth for them.”
Charlotte’s expression softens. “I can see why Rachel made you Lainey’s godmother. I have a feeling we’re going to become good friends.”
No one will ever be able to replace Rachel, but for Lainey’s sake, I’ll try my best to become friends with Charlotte.
