Chapter 25 Nova
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.
Smiling at her, I murmur, “I’d like that.”
She lets out a contented sigh when the beautician begins to massage her feet. “If I fall asleep and drool, just pretend you don’t see anything.”
I let out a chuckle. “You’ve got it.”
We talk about random things, and when there’s a nice shiny coat of pink on my nails and I feel completely relaxed, I say, “This can become a bad habit.”
“Not a bad habit but a must,” Charlotte corrects me. “We can make it a set date every two to three weeks.”
“That would be nice,” I agree, deciding to give my appearance more attention. I’m no longer just a girl from a small town in the Sugar River Valley but Lainey’s guardian and connected to Easton. I’m going to have to adapt to how things are done here in Beverly Hills.
After we’ve paid and we’re walking toward the cars, Charlotte says, “The girls are having so much fun. Maybe Lainey could spend the night at my house for a sleepover with Porsha, seeing as she’ll be back at school on Monday. That’s if you don’t have plans?”
“Lainey,” I call out to get her attention. When she stops walking, I ask, “Do you want to have a sleepover at Porsha’s house?”
“Oh my gosh! Yes.”
“Let me just check with your uncle,” I say while digging my phone out of my handbag.
“Don’t worry about calling him. I can follow you home because you’ll have to pack a bag for her anyway.”
“Right.” I give her a quick wave as I head to the SUV where Izak and Tyler are waiting. “See you at home.”
When Lainey and I climb into the back seat, she says, “I’m actually enjoying today.”
“I’m happy to hear that, my sweet girl.”
“Do you like Charlotte?” she asks.
“I do. She seems really nice.”
A smile curves Lainey’s lips, and I take today as a win.
Izak hardly has time to stop the SUV completely when Lainey jumps out and runs into the house. I follow her inside and hear her asking, “Can I sleep over at Porsha’s house? Nova already said yes.”
“Sure,” Easton answers from where he’s sitting on the couch and reading through a script.
“Do you need help packing an overnight bag?” I ask.
Lainey shakes her head. “I’ll be right down.”
I hear movement behind me and turn to smile at Charlotte and Porsha. “Lainey’s just grabbing her bag.”
Easton stands up and gives them a friendly smile. “Did you all have fun?”
“Yes, and we’ve decided to make it a standing date every two to three weeks,” Charlotte replies.
Placing my handbag on the island, I ask, “Can I get you anything to drink, Charlotte?”
“No, thanks.”
Lainey comes flying down the stairs. “Bye, Uncle Easton.” She gives him a quick hug, then rushes over to me for a hug. “Bye, Nova.”
“Have fun,” I say while chuckling. “What time should I pick Lainey up tomorrow?”
Charlotte shrugs as she follows the girls out the front door. “Let’s play it by ear.”
“Okay.” I stand on the front steps and wave at Lainey. “Be good.”
“I will,” she calls out. “Love you!”
“Love you too.”
When I head back into the house, Easton’s waiting for me with his arms crossed over his chest. “Lainey seems a little better.”
“Yeah. Spending time with Porsha is good for her.”
He tilts his head. “Did you enjoy the outing?”
I nod. “Charlotte seems nice.” I move away from him and walk to the couch where the script is lying. “Have you been working while we were out?”
“Yes. I’m just going over my lines so I’m ready when filming starts at the studios.”
I pick up the stack of papers. “Can I look?”
“Sure.”
I glance over the page he’s currently on, and I grin when I picture him saying the words. Seeing a part where he has to leap over rooftops, I say, “I’ve read you do your own stunts. Is that true?”
“Yes.”
My head spins to him. “So you jumped out of that moving car in The Elimination Project? They said you broke your leg.”
“Jumped out, yes. Broken leg, no.” He comes closer. “I did sprain my ankle, though.”
With wide eyes I stare at him. “Isn’t it dangerous doing your own stunts?”
He just shrugs. “There’s a whole medical team on standby should something go wrong.”
I hesitate for a moment before asking, “Have you ever thought about acting in a romance?”
Easton moves closer, and taking the script from me, he drops it on the couch. “I’ll never act in a romance. I’ve actually asked Sylvia to include a no-kissing clause for future projects.”
“Oh.” It suddenly sinks in that we’re alone for the first time, and the thought instantly has nerves spinning in my stomach.
Easton tilts his head. “Just so you know, I wasn’t acting with you.”
My gaze flies to his, and unsure how to respond, I can only stare at him.
Luckily, Easton changes the subject by asking, “What are your plans for tonight?”
“I’d like to take a shower,” I say as I start to walk toward the stairs. “My feet feel like slippery eels from all the lotion they put on.”
God, things feel super awkward.
When I reach my bedroom, I let out a sigh, wondering if it’s a good idea for me to stay in the mansion after the kiss.
It feels like I’m fighting a losing battle, and I’m being torn in all kinds of directions. I love Easton, and now that I know he’s attracted to me, it makes it really difficult to ignore the sexual tension between us.
Lainey should be my only priority.
After grabbing clean underwear, a pair of leggings, and a T-shirt, I head into the bathroom. Opening the faucets, I let the water warm while I get undressed.
My reflection in the full-length mirror against the one wall catches my eye, and I stare at my body. This is the longest I’ve been bruise-free in years.
No broken ribs. No busted lips. No black eyes. No angry handprints.
I notice that I’ve even picked up weight.
Only six weeks with Easton, and I look healthy.
I don’t have to worry about scrounging money together for rent.
I don’t have to worry about where my next meal will come from.
I don’t have to worry that I’ll be beaten.
Even though my emotions are a mess and my grief for Rachel is still raw, a sense of safety wraps around me, and it’s all thanks to Easton.
I step into the shower, and the warm water feels soothing. While I wash my body, I replay the kiss and conversation that followed for what feels like the millionth time.
My resolve falters, and I wonder if I’m making the right decisions.
I wish Rachel were here.
I close my eyes against the wave of sorrow hitting me square in the chest. With no one around, I give in to my grief and let my tears mix with the water. Every memory I have of Rachel flits through my mind. It’s still hard to believe she’s gone.
Eventually, my tears dry up, and I shut off the faucets. While I’m drying my body, I try to push all my emotions down.
God, I’m tired of overthinking everything.
My next session with my therapist is in a few days, and I plan to talk to her about my current circumstances. Maybe she’ll be able to give me some guidance.