“You will be fine, honey. She’s probably changed if she stepped in to help her son. The woman you told me about seemed so bitter. I don’t think she would have come to his rescue.”
“Yeah, maybe she has when it comes to Alex, but not when it comes to me. She made that very clear the moment we saw each other again.” I groan. “Anyway, I don’t want to dwell on it. The mere thought of her exhausts me.”
“Don’t let her get to you. How’s the baby been? You’ve been through a lot of stress.”
“The baby is fine. I got a checkup done today and everything is normal. I’m really grateful for that.”
“Looks like you have one little fighter. Just like his or her mama. Viola, you’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
Lavinia always knows the right thing to say and the right time to say it.
Now, silence falls between us. There’s something I want to ask her, but I’m worried what her reaction will be.
“How does Jeffrey feel about Alex being out of jail?” I ask cautiously.
Lavinia takes a little too long to respond, which tells me everything I need to know.He still believes Alex is guilty.
“You don’t have to worry about Jeffrey. Please focus on yourself and your family. You deserve to be happy now. Ignore what everybody else is saying. As long as you believe in Alex’s innocence, that’s enough. Make sure you enjoy your time at the LaChris. Not many people have the privilege of staying there.”
“How do you know where I am?” I glance at the floor-to-ceiling windows as though I expect to see Lavinia standing on the other side of the glass, like that reporter who had been hiding in our backyard bushes.
“I saw Alex being interviewed in front of the hotel, then he walked inside like someone who’s staying there, not visiting. And if his family is as filthy rich as you once told me, I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s where you’re all staying. So, am I right?”
“Aren’t you a little detective!” I laugh. “Well, you’re right. It’s so beautiful here, Lavinia.”
One thing I’ve always found interesting is that no matter how beautiful your surroundings are, if your insides are messed up, it’s hard to see the beauty outside. Right now, I’m surrounded by luxury, but I still feel empty.
“I’m so jealous,” Lavinia squeals. “It’s always been my dream to stay in that hotel. Since we got married in Nashville, I had begged Jeffrey for us to stay there on our wedding night, but we couldn’t afford it. One night would’ve broken our bank account beyond repair.”
“I wish you could visit me, but I think we’re leaving tomorrow.” I tap my lips with a finger. “But you know what, let’s stay here for a girls’ night one day when money is not an issue for both of us.”
I silently swear to myself that one day I’ll bring her to stay with me at the LaChris to repay her for everything she’s done for me.
“It’s a deal,” she says. “Honey, I have to go. Jenna needs her mommy. Take care of yourself, okay? If you decide not to return to Aston, let me know where you go. I really hope life gets better for you from here on out. You’ve gone through enough crap to last a lifetime.”
“Thanks. When things settle down, we should meet up again.”
I hope that eventually Jeffrey will come around, and we’ll be able to hang out as a couple again.
After hanging up the phone with Lavinia, I lie on the bed and fall asleep.
I dream that I’m the one behind bars, not Alex.
Chapter 14
Iopen my eyes and smile. I’m ready for a fresh start. Last night, I made a decision that Marcy’s presence will not stop me from enjoying the second chance I’ve been given with Alex. I can’t let her come between us.
I reach for a plump pillow and hug it. “This bed is so comfy. I don’t know if I’m ready to get out of it.”
“Take your time to get ready,” Alex says. “I’ll meet you downstairs. I have something to talk to my mom about anyway.”
I never thought I’d hear him say those words again.
For the longest time, it was only the two of us. Now there’s a third person and soon to be a fourth.
“Okay. I’ll be down soon.”
