Chapter 29ForgiveForget
Chapter Twenty-Nine
FORGIVE OR FORGET
It surprised Ivy to learn she’d fallen asleep on the way home. However, upon hearing her husband and mother-in-law speaking, she didn’t immediately make it known she was up. Especially when she overheard what they were discussing. Although part of her agreed with Grace, she also recognised that, unwittingly, her mother-in-law may have an ulterior motive in wanting Manny and Leonardo to unite and forge a bond. Their closeness may absolve the guilt Grace felt in what she perceived was her part in the men being separated at birth.
Tonight was the last night Grace was spending in the house. The guest house was ready for her. Ivy could sense she was eager for her space. After they wished her good night, the couple headed to their suite.
“If you wash my back, I’ll wash yours,” Manny offered.
How could she turn down that offer? It seemed like it was days, not hours, since they met Manny’s grandmother. They hadn’t had a moment alone to unpack their visit. Not to mention Grace and her son’s tête-à-tête.
Ivy joined him in the shower after she protected her hair. She had no intention of doing hair care tonight. Besides, she has a few days off. Running around unearthing decades-long secrets wasn’t the way her husband and she had intended to take their time off, but here they were.
The moment she entered the shower; Manny spun her around and wrapped her in his arms. Neither said anything for a while as the water cascaded over them. For a moment, nothing penetrated the bubble they created. They shared so much without words.
Ivy wasn’t sure how much time passed before he pressed a kiss to her temple.
“Let’s get cleaned,” Manny said as he released her from his arms. Soon the space was filled with a mixture of the scent of musk from his body wash and the floral fragrant shower gel.
They spoke about the meeting with Manny’s grandmother. Especially about her revelations about his mother. “I don’t think we will ever really know the complete truth, but it would be nice to get as close as possible.”
“All you can do is to keep putting the pieces together. You seem to have taken to your Nonna.”
“She seems genuine. I’m not sure I understand all her choices where my mother was concerned, but I know times were different fifty years ago. When you factor in culture, there is a lot I don’t understand. I now have an entire heritage to get to know.”
“Well, you have family that can help you with that. Especially if you want to learn the language.”
The couple were now apart, facing each other as they attended to lathering their own bodies.
“Look, I don’t think I will be taking on Leonardo as an Italian teacher anytime soon.”
“Interesting that your mind would go directly to him.” Ivy mused. “Actually, I was thinking of family you’ve known for much longer.”
“Huh?” He seemed genuinely confused.
Ivy was a little surprised she had to spell it out for him. Her cousin Karissa’s husband Nicco and Manny did business together. “Not only is Karissa a linguist who speaks Italian fluently, Nicco is Italian. You’ve known Nicco most of your life.”
“Right. How could I forget?”
“Maybe the next time they invite us to Italy we should go to their Villa in Forte dei Marmi,” she suggested, and hoped he would agree.
Nicco and Karissa’s place was beautiful. She had been there for an all-girls trip, with Amber, Stephanie, and Kimberlin. It was a great time. Ivy had always wanted to bring Emmanuel to that area, but hadn’t suggested it based on his aversion to Italy. Now maybe he’d be willing to go visit. It would be a nice getaway for the two of them when things settled down. She smirked as she followed her own train of thought.
How had she gone from visiting Karissa and Nicco’s Villa with them to having a private getaway with Manny? The Villa sat empty a good deal of the time, and they had an open invitation.
“Mm, that’s a thought.” He seemed a million miles away. Just like someone had flicked a switch, he shook his head and speared her with a curious look. “You can see how my thoughts drifted to Leonardo. I’ve had a lot of conversations concerning people’s opinions of him today.”
“A lot?”
“My Nonna. Who just met him. The boys who are super wary of him, and of course Mom…” she squealed as he suddenly pulled her into his arms, spun around, nipped her neck. “…but you knew about that since you woke up?—”
Ivy couldn’t help but giggle. “How did you know I was up?”
“I’m aware of everything about you, Doc.” Smooch. “Your breathing changed.”
“It seemed like an important conversation, and I didn’t want to interrupt.” It wasn’t entirely untrue. Grace had something to get off her chest, so Ivy left the two of them to talk it out.
“Yeah, you are full of kindness, Doc.”
She turned within his embrace and gave a brief peck. Ivy sensed the moment his jovial mood dissipated, and Manny turned serious.
“Mom wants me to give Leonardo a pass…”
Manny wasn’t wrong in his assessment. It certainly sounded as if she wanted them to make peace.
“…and I think you would like that too?”
He waited for her to respond, and she took a moment to weigh her words.
“No. I don’t want you to give him a pass. I know what his actions cost you, cost us. Leonardo put us through hell. Now, do I think he is sorry for his actions? Yes. But I am the first to say his remorse doesn’t erase his behaviour. Even if we are alright. There are legal documents attesting to his deceit. So, no, I don’t expect you to give him a pass.”
“But?” he prompted because he knew her so well.
“I don’t want him to live rent free in your head. Leonardo’s bad decision has already cost us so much time. We were apart for a while, not to mention we had the worst Christmas ever. I don’t want his actions to take anymore from us.” Ivy patted his pecs as she spoke.
“I get it, but it’s not something I can forgive or forget.” Manny announced as he shut off the water. He stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist, then held one up for Ivy. As she stepped out, he wrapped her in it.
“You don’t have to. My question is, can you move past it?”
“Yes, that I can do. For all our sakes. He is my brother, and I would like to get to know him. I just know I will never fully trust him. It’s only possible for us to have him around if I know I can check him if he chooses to cross the line again. What I do with all his holdings is up to him.” Manny looked at her pointedly. “I have no problem allowing him to continue to run his company and make a living. Likewise, I have no problem with taking it all away.”
It was the most Ivy could hope for. It surprised her he was allowing Leonardo so much latitude. She only hoped that Leonardo did not blow the generous chance Manny was giving him. She knew her husband well. A crossed Manny could be ruthless. It was a trait he inherited from Larson. Who knew if that was something Leonardo also inherited?
The two of them going to war wouldn’t be good for anyone. So, Ivy wished for peace. For herself, her husband, her children, and hell, Leonardo’s child as well.
As Ivy slipped into her warm, comfortable bed, she realised she hadn't checked her cellphone since morning. She retrieved her cell from her purse, jumped onto her bed, and checked her messages.
“Huh?” she mused.
“What is it?” Manny asked.
“I have an interesting text from Jasmine.”
Manny, who was lounging against his pillow, sat up. Leaning towards her, he asked. “What does she want?”
Jasmine’s text was lengthy. She apologised for bothering Ivy. Although there was no need to. Ivy had initiated the exchange of numbers. “She is in town and would like to see both of us.”
“Does she say what for?” Manny asked.
“No, but she’s staying at the Lancaster, and will be in town for a few days. She says she has a couple of important matters to discuss with us, and one is time sensitive.”
Both Ivy’s and Manny’s interests were piqued. What caused Jasmine to reach out? The next couple of days promised to be hectic.
Tomorrow, they were flying to a small northern Quebec town to meet the nurse who was present at the twin’s birth. They weren’t flying out until later in the morning; it was late notice, but maybe they could squeeze in a visit with Jasmine.
After a quick word to Manny, she sent Jasmine a text. It surprised Ivy that Jasmine answered right away, despite the late hour. So much for sleeping in. They were going to have an early breakfast with Jasmine.
Ivy suppressed her laugh. Her big, strong husband was pouting like a teenager. It wasn’t her fault he hit the snooze button a few times, leaving them with no time for ‘adult activities’. Once he figured out that Ivy meant it when she said they couldn’t be late, he immediately reverted to calling poor Jasmine the ‘Journee woman’.
“Whatever the Journee woman wants, better be good,” he grumbled as they drove into the city.
Jasmine was waiting outside the door of the restaurant on the ground floor of the Lancaster. Standing ramrod straight, she looked like a century on guard. She scanned the surroundings of the entrance with her eyes. In navy slacks and matching lighter blue sweater set, she looked every bit the educator she was. Her hair was in a bun slicked back off her face. Matching freshwater pearl earrings and a necklace completed the look. There was a unique blend of innocence and strength which emanated from her. Once she caught sight of Manny and Ivy approaching her, she waved awkwardly and gave them a cautious smile.
“Good morning,” Jasmine greeted. “They have a table for us,” she let them know.
Her pitch was a tad high, as if her nerves were getting the best of her. Ivy’s curiosity was piqued despite Jasmine’s behaviour not setting off alarm bells.
“Thank you for arranging that. Lead the way.”
Ahh, Manny found his manners. He did, however, share a ‘what the hell’ look with Ivy as Jasmine led them to the table.
The restaurant was virtually empty, probably because of the early hour. Their coffees were delivered before Jasmine looked back and forth between the couple and brooched the topic for their meeting.
“You’re both probably wondering why I wanted to reach out to you.”
“Yes, we are curious.” Ivy answered, giving her an encouraging smile.
“I’m not sure where to start, but I guess I will begin with the bigger topic. When I found out I was having Tommy, I applied for a few education administrative positions. I wanted to be able to spend more time with him.” She paused, taking a sip of her coffee. “One of those positions was at the Eminent Scholars Guild.”
“Oh Sage, our youngest attends one of their schools,” Ivy informed her.
“Oh.” Jasmine’s shoulder sagged briefly, before she righted them. “They offered me a position, and it would require that I move to Toronto.”
“Congratulations,” Ivy offered.
“Really? I know Toronto is a big city, but I wasn’t sure if you two would be okay with Tommy and I relocating here.”
Ivy looked at Manny, allowing him to take the lead. Secretly praying he wouldn’t say anything that would hurt her feelings. He shared a look with his wife.
“Jasmine, we wish you nothing but the best with your position.”
“Goodness. Thank you, that means a lot to me. I wasn’t sure how you both would feel about this. I certainly didn’t want to move ahead with my plans without letting you know I would practically be in your backyard.”
“We appreciate the heads up, but you don’t need our permission to do what you feel is best for your son,” Manny informed her.
The warm smile that was gracing her face disappeared. In fact, Ivy was sure she saw a flash of rage contort Jasmine’s features until it finally settled on the look one had when they digested something distasteful.
“Well, that brings me to the other reason I wanted to see you. The time sensitive matter. My parents’ anniversary is in a couple of months, and my Dad always promised my Mom he would take her on a Caribbean cruise. My Mom would like all of us to accompany them.”
Again, Jasmine paused. Looking at her cup, she worried her bottom lip.
“I would very much like to go on this trip with my family, but of course, I’d never leave Tommy for ten days.” She looked so emotional. Ivy was lost. What was she talking about?
“What are you asking?” Manny inquired, although Ivy was sure that Jasmine hadn’t yet posed a question. Ivy could tell he suspected Jasmine must be up to something. His tone was frosty, bordering on hostile.
“Sorry, this is embarrassing for me under the circumstances.” She looked from Ivy to Manny. She shook her head and sighed. “I want to take Tommy on the trip with my family and I, but I can’t apply for his passport without your signature.” Her gaze landed on Manny.
“Mine?” he asked.
“Yes, legally I can’t apply for a passport for my son without you, because as far as the law is concerned, you’re his father. Actually, even with the passport, I can’t take him out of the country without your express written permission.” By the time she finished, Jasmine was fighting back tears .
Oh Leonardo! You idiot. The ramifications of what he did would affect them all for a very long time. In ways that they hadn’t considered. Poor Jasmine had to come to Manny to take her son on vacation. Ivy looked at Manny. His jaw ticked. This was going to set back any goodwill he would be willing to extend to his brother.
Jasmine sniffled as she continued. Ivy’s heart broke for her. The betrayal was fresh, and a situation like this only made it worse. The poor woman had to go to a man who wasn’t her son’s father for decisions concerning the boy. Hell, even Ivy, who was team give Leonardo a chance, felt the sting of her own anger at the memory of what her new brother-in-law did.
Good luck trying to get this woman to forgive you!
“I just want to take Tommy on vacation and now I have to come to you. I’m so sorr?—”
“This isn’t on you,” Manny cut her off. “You let me know what you need, and I will make sure you have it. You’re his mother. I’ll back whatever decision you feel is best.”
“Thank you, I appreciate—” Jasmine trailed off as she looked at the notification on her phone.
“I’m so sorry. Do you mind if I cut this short? That was my sister. Tommy is having a tough morning. We didn’t pack any blue socks. The last few weeks have been weird. Um, it seems the terrible twos have arrived.”
“Oh, I do not envy you that. Benjamin, our mildest mannered child, went through terrible twos from about eighteen months until he was three and a half.” Ivy shared.
“Oh God, no,” Jasmine said, looking horrified.
“If it’s any consolation. One morning, he woke up and turned the corner. It was easy sailing after that.”
Jasmine stood. “I want to say it is, but not really.” She sighed and gave a half smile. “Thank you both for meeting with me, and for being so helpful. I can have a carrier drop off the paperwork for the passport and the affidavit for permission to travel later this afternoon.”
“No problem. We will email you the location to have it sent,” Manny advised.
“The bill is taken care of; I charged it to my room. Hopefully, you can meet Tommy when he is in better spirits.” Jasmine rushed off, leaving the couple at the table.
Manny still looked pissed. She didn’t blame him. Ivy waited for him to collect his thoughts.
“Are you hungry, Doc?” he asked.
“No, I’m good.”
“Let’s get the hell out of here. I need some fresh air.”
Instead of taking the elevator to the car, he lead them out the front door. He intertwined their hands. They turned left and walked. The weather was unseasonably warm. Spring was forcing an appearance. It was a block before the silence was broken. They were stopped at a red light when Manny turned to her.
“Doc, I don’t know how I’m supposed to look him in the face in an hour and not beat his ass into next week.”
“I know Babe. The ramifications of what he did is going to be felt for a long fucking time.”
“Maybe it is for the best.”
Hm. Ivy wasn’t expecting Manny’s thoughts to go in that direction. She waited until they had safely crossed the road, before she asked, “what do you mean, maybe it’s for the best?”
“Jasmine won’t need my brother’s permission to parent her child.”
Wait!? Was Manny suggesting what she thought?
“You want her to leave Leonardo out of all decisions concerning Tommy?” Ivy inquired. She wanted to make sure she understood what Manny was suggesting.
“Nope, don’t look at me like that,” he admonished. “I don’t want to be a part of this situation. If it weren’t for Leonardo. I wouldn’t be the legal guardian of his son. He did that, not me. So, excuse me if I don’t trust his decision making.”
Ivy got her husband’s point. The thing was, he wasn’t wrong. It just didn’t feel right. Tommy had two parents. Maybe one day Leonardo would prove himself.
“Listen, I know you probably think I’m doing this because I’m fucking pissed at Leonardo. No doubt I’m pissed at him, but it’s not why I’m making this decision. I’m doing it because she’s been through a lot. This situation is messed up enough. If this was Sage, I would want someone to hold him accountable. That’s all I’m doing.”
“Are you going to tell Leonardo we saw her? That she is moving here?”
“As Sage is fond of saying, ‘no one sent me with any message.’ If she decides to take his call and let Leonardo know, she will. Until then, my lips are sealed. I’ll tell you I won’t lose any sleep over it at all.”
After getting that off his chest. Manny all but glided back. They grabbed more coffee and breakfast sandwiches at the Lancaster restaurant on the way to the car.
True to his word, when Manny saw Leonardo at the airstrip, he didn’t mention their meeting with Jasmine.
Even when they landed, and Leonardo checked his phone, then gave a self-deprecating laugh. “I don’t know why I thought she would magically get in touch with me.”