Chapter 32 #2
“Okay, I won’t, but I wouldn’t blame you.”
“Enough with that nonsense.”
“Mom! Your phone is ringing nonstop!”
“Ugh. I have to take some of those calls.”
“I’ll call Julian to see what’s being done.”
“I’ll take whatever help anyone can offer.”
“No matter what, you’re fine, we’re fine, everything is fine. This too shall pass, okay?”
She nodded. “Thank you so much. Truly.”
He kissed her softly. “I’ve got you, babe.”
“I’ve never been gotten before. It feels pretty good.”
“Just pretty good? I need to do a better job.”
“You’re doing just fine.”
“Stay strong. You don’t need me or anyone else to prop you up.”
“You’re right. I don’t, but it’s very nice to have your support.”
“And it’s very nice to have yours. Let’s go slay this day.”
“Commence slaying.”
As she followed him out of the bathroom, she felt calmer and more prepared to face the storm.
Was this what it was like to have a real partner who was there for you in the good times and the bad?
If so, she could get used to having him around.
Who was she kidding? She was already used to having him around and hoped he was planning to stay forever.
Despite his assurances, she was still concerned that he might wake up one day and wonder what’d become of his well-ordered life since he’d signed on with her and gotten himself stabbed and kidnapped and now engulfed in scandal.
What man wouldn’t run for his life from that kind of drama, especially one who’d never wanted a relationship in the first place?
The thought of him walking away was profoundly depressing, but she had enough to deal with today without worrying about that as she took a call from Teagan.
“Thank goodness you finally picked up, Cresley. I assume you’ve seen the TMZ story?”
“I have.”
“Why do you sound so calm?”
“Because it’s been pointed out to me that this is a much bigger story than how it affects me, and far more powerful people than I’ll ever be will handle it for all of us.”
“Hmm, that’s true, but you need to make a statement about this and the kidnapping.”
“No, I don’t. What else can I say about Marlon and his vindictiveness that I haven’t already said? The charges against him speak for themselves, and I’m not giving his latest volley any oxygen to feed the fire.”
“While I admire your poise and determination to rise above it, it’s already taken on a life of its own.”
“With Flynn, Hayden, Marlowe and Team Quantum involved, I have no doubt it’s blowing up into the story of the year. But I have full faith in their ability to manage it on behalf of everyone involved.”
“Wow, I thought you’d be losing your shit.”
“I was. I’m better now.”
“I’d like some of whatever you’re taking.”
“You can’t have him.”
“Oh, I see how it is,” Teagan said with a chuckle. “I’m glad you’re being well supported, and I have to say… I agree about not giving this one any oxygen. Let’s sit on it for now and see how it plays out. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Only as needed. I’m protecting my peace right now.”
“Understood. We’ve got your back.”
“Thanks, Teagan.”
“You got it.”
“Proud of you, kid,” Carson said when she ended the call.
“Aw, thanks. I’m proud of me, too. Not that long ago, I would’ve been in a full-blown meltdown over my reputation being attacked this way, but you’re right about who I am and what I’ve built and how one little weasel can’t undo the goodwill I’ve collected over the years.”
“That’s right. Isla texted to tell me she’s on the way with your stuff and dinner.”
“She’s a gem.”
“Yes, she is.”
“I’m glad you’ve come to realize that.”
“Honestly, I figured she had to be if Jules was crazy about her.”
“He’s no fool.”
“No, he isn’t. I’ll open the garage door for Isla.”
She arrived a short time later and came in through the door to the kitchen, pulling a suitcase and carrying a cooler bag.
“You’re the best,” Cresley said when she greeted her. “I so appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”
“I wish none of it was necessary, but I’m happy to help, and I’m sorry about the latest crap. I hope you’re hanging in there.”
“I’m keeping my distance and letting the experts earn their keep.”
“That sounds like a good plan. I’ve got two more bags in the car. Be right back.”
Cresley followed her outside to help with the bags and was surprised to see a news vehicle parked on the street in front of the house. She turned right around and went back inside. “Reporters out there.”
“Crap,” Carson said. “Well, they can’t get through the gates without the code, so you’re safe here.”
“Until the drones show up.”
“We’ll sit outside and wave to them so everyone will know we don’t care what’s being said.”
“I hate feeling trapped like this. I can’t go to my house because of them, and now your house will be surrounded, too. It’s insanity.”
Isla brought the other two bags inside. “I assume you saw the news truck. That wasn’t there when I arrived.”
“I did, which is why I came back in. Thank you for bringing our stuff. Ty will be happy to have his toys.”
“How are you feeling today, Carson?” Isla asked.
“Better, thanks.”
“Glad to hear it. Well, I’d better get back to relieve Mrs. Ventura with the kiddos.”
“Do you want to bring them over to swim this afternoon?” Carson asked.
“Oh, they’d love that, but we don’t want to intrude.”
“You’re not,” he said. “I’m sure Ty would love to have some kids to play with. Right, Cres?”
“He would. Please. Bring them over, Isla, and your Mrs. Ventura, too, if she’d like to swim.”
“I’m trying to picture her in a bathing suit,” Isla said with a laugh. “We’ll come by after lunch. Thanks for the invite.”
“Our pleasure,” Carson said. “Thank you for all your help with everything. It’s very much appreciated.”
“I’m glad I could do something. Julian has been so upset, not that he’d want me to tell you that.”
“Believe me, I know. He’s been hovering like a mother hen.”
“I dare you to say that to him,” she said with a laugh. “And if I could be there when you do, that’d be even better.”
Carson laughed. “I’ll save it for when you’re around.”
“I’ll look forward to that. See you in a bit.”