Chapter 35
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
BAILEY
It’s summer again. So ironic considering most of my recent entries in here were from the summer before.
I’m back home now with Mom and Dad. It’s been an adjustment for all of us.
Especially since Jasper and Damon still have a few months left on their lease for their apartment in the city and Leon hasn’t left London yet.
I figured he’d have tons to do after everything.
Still wrapping my head around who his father is…
was, I mean. It was in the headlines about a week after the leak.
He was found dead in his cell… it was deemed an accident.
I didn’t want to know the details. The relief was good enough.
Anyway, back to Mom and Dad. When Jasper made that phone call before we left London, telling them they found me…
it was surreal. Hearing their voices through the speaker, it’s safe to say I sobbed on the spot.
They flew out right away even though we told them not to spend the money on plane tickets.
Pretty sure Leon paid for them anyway, but no one will admit that to me.
I wasn’t sure if they would look at me differently. I know when I look in the mirror, I don’t see the old me. But I guess my scars are more internal than I thought.
It’s been kind of a mess since we got back. I’m not sure how but the investigators covering the case found me and I’ve had to rehash my story again and again. I’m going to need to go to court soon, which I’m really not looking forward to.
Oh, but one cool thing… Layne reached out. I guess she found out somehow that I’m home and okay and she basically FBI agented her way into finding my mom’s number. It was surreal talking to her again. I missed her chaos.
Anyway, for now I’m going to take it one day at a time and focus on healing. I’ll write again later. I have to get to therapy.
“Bails, can you get the door?” Mom calls from her bedroom. She’s been in there making phone calls all morning. Apparently someone at her job leaked my story to the press, and now there are vultures circling for an exclusive.
The doorbell rings again, so I get up from the couch, adjust my messy ponytail, and open the door a crack.
My lips pull into a wide grin when I see Leon standing there.
He looks tired but still just as good as ever.
His scruff has grown out a bit, and he’s wearing a black T-shirt that hugs his lean muscles just right.
I clear my throat and open the door all the way.
As soon as his eyes land on me, he smiles too. “Hi,” I say, ecstatic to see him but trying to tamp it down to normal levels. “I thought you were still in London!”
I reach for him instinctively, then stop with my hand halfway to his chest and quickly wrap my arms around myself instead. Holy awkwardness.
“Just landed this morning,” he says, his eyes soft as he takes me in. “There wasn’t any more need for me to be there in person. I can handle everything else remotely.”
“Well, that’s good,” I say. “Come on in.”
“Who’s at the door?” Mom yells.
I roll my eyes as I close and lock it. “It’s Leon! He’s back from London!”
I hear Mom’s footsteps pounding down the hallway before I can get another word in.
She pulls him into a bear hug of epic proportions, and I even hear an “oof” sound slip out from the squeeze around his middle.
It’s safe to say Mom and Dad love Leon. I was a little afraid of how they’d feel once they learned who Alfred was, but between Leon’s charm and his mom’s hospitality, they left London singing both their praises.
“It’s so good to see you!” Mom says once she releases him. “Bailey didn’t tell me you were coming.”
He chuckles. “She didn’t know. I wanted to keep it a surprise.”
“Let me get you something to drink,” she says, already bustling toward the kitchen. “I bought some of that tea your mum loves. It was hard to find once we got back but there’s this little international supermarket the next town over—”
“Mom,” I say, resting my hand on her shoulder. “Take a breath.”
She lets out an embarrassed laugh. “Sorry, I’ve been a little high strung lately. It’s been a madhouse around here, I’m sure you’ve heard.”
Leon’s eyes find mine, sparking with amusement at Mom’s energy.
“Yes, there’s been lots of buzz. Actually, did you hear about the most recent development?”
Mom gestures to the kitchen table. “I don’t think we have. Come sit, let’s catch up.”
On one hand, I’m glad Mom’s lessening the awkwardness between Leon and me. But wow, she really knows how to monopolize a conversation.
Once we’re seated, Mom starts making tea, still listening as she moves from cabinet to cabinet.
“When I was in the airport, they had the news going. It seems they’ve finally found Ivan Orlov.”
My jaw drops. “Where was he?”
“Holed up in some house in Florida of all places. A small town called Palm Cove,” Leon says. “Apparently, they’re investigating foul play. It seems someone took him out before he could name names for a deal.”
I’m speechless. I didn’t know much about this man, but once everything settled and they all filled me in, I found out that he was King’s uncle and a major player in their Brotherhood bullshit. I’m happy he’s dead—a thought I’ll have to work through in therapy tomorrow.
“Well, I can’t say I’m surprised or upset,” Mom says, setting two steeping mugs down on the table in front of us. I stare at it and wince.
Leon catches on quickly, and moves the mug to the other side of the table. “Thanks,” I whisper.
I haven’t been able to stomach hot black tea after everything. Some smells just transport me right back to that dining room with Sir.
“So what are your summer plans?” Mom asks when she finally sits across from us.
He’s quiet for a moment, so I jump in. “Mom, you’re kind of being a bit much. He just got off the plane.”
“It’s fine, really,” Leon says, giving me a small smile. “There’s still work to finish remotely on the estate conversion. The designers say it’ll be ready to open its doors in about six months.”
“And what did you settle on for the name?” Mom asks, blowing on the steaming mug in front of her.
“The Firefly Center,” Leon says quietly, his eyes finding mine again.
“If all goes according to plan, it’ll be a comprehensive support center for trafficking survivors and sexual assault victims. We’re planning residential treatment programs, therapy services, job training, legal advocacy—everything someone needs to rebuild their life.
The estate’s location makes it perfect for long-term residential care, and we’re partnering with organizations in London and New York to ensure survivors have continued support when they’re ready to reintegrate. ”
Mom’s eyes fill with tears as she reaches for his hand across the table. “Leon, that’s beautiful. And using his estate for it...”
“Seems fitting,” he finishes. “Turning a place that caused so much harm into somewhere that heals.”
“It’s perfect,” I say, barely able to get the words out through my tight throat.
They sip their tea and I think about how much I wish I could tell Polly the news. She’d probably want nothing to with that estate. I know I don’t, but for others it could be life saving.
“Are you going back to the city then?” Mom asks, glancing at Leon above the rim of her mug. “I’m sure you’re eager to get back to all the stuff you left there.”
He looks at me again, brows slightly lifted. “Actually, I was thinking of sticking around town. I’ve had enough of cities for a while.”
I can’t hide my smile.
“Oh, that’s the truth,” Mom says. “Cities are not for me. I’m glad we live close enough for a planned visit, but far enough away that we have peace and quiet.”
“Exactly,” Leon says. “What about you, Bailey? What are your summer plans?”
I find myself fiddling with my shirt under the table. There’s no reason I should be nervous around him. We’ve literally seen each other naked and said I love you’s. It’s just been… awhile. And so much has changed.
One thing that hasn’t though—my parents still have no idea that we were together. Or are. Kind of. I don’t know. It’s complicated.
“Just therapy… I might go back to Burger Palace for something to do. Trying to stay busy but not overwhelmingly so,” I ramble.
“With the court dates coming up… all those appointments… it’s a lot,” Mom says, reaching for my hand now.
There’s a sweet moment between us before Mom’s phone goes off again. She glances at it, curses under her breath, and hits the side button.
“It looks like you’re both busy,” Leon says. He finishes the last of his tea and wipes his lips on the back of his palm.
Why do I find that so sexy?
“Not really,” I say quickly.
“Well, I should probably head out and check into that inn by the diner—”
“Absolutely not!” Mom interrupts, setting her phone down. “That place is a complete dump. The owner’s daughter is in my book club and she’s always complaining about the plumbing issues and the weird smell in the hallways.”
Leon and I exchange a glance, and I can see amusement flickering in his eyes.
“Mrs. Shea, that’s really kind, but I don’t want to impose—”
“You’ll stay here,” Mom declares, already standing up like it’s settled. “Jasper’s room downstairs is just sitting empty anyway, and it has its own entrance so you won’t feel like you’re cramping our style.”
My face burns. “Mom...”
“What? It’s perfect! Besides, Bailey could use the company. She’s been moping around here like a sad puppy.”
“I have not been moping!”
“Honey, yesterday I found you staring at a bag of chips for ten minutes,” Mom says matter-of-factly. “That’s moping.”
Leon’s trying not to laugh, I can tell.
“Really, I should probably get a hotel room—” he starts.
“Leon,” Mom interrupts, hands on her hips in full mom-means-business mode. “That inn charges sixty dollars a night for rooms that reek of cigarettes and have mysterious stains on the carpet. You’re staying here, and that’s final.”