Chapter 43
Serenity
Five days have passed since I last saw Victor. Not that I’ve been counting. And I definitely didn’t shed tears every night after tucking Summer into bed. Just like how, right now, I’m not biting my lip to hold back the tears that have sprung to my eyes.
Summer and I are at Sully’s house. I’m not ready to return to the condo. That place brings back memories of Paul and … I can’t stop remembering his unseeing eyes.
I move through my days almost like a robot, trying to give Summer the stability she needs. And every time she asks where “Bubba” is, my heart grows heavy. I knew getting her involved in everything would backfire, and now, I haven’t told her we’re not going back to his house.
I still wake up in the middle of the night feeling Victor’s lips on mine. Then there are the days where no matter how many times I blink, I see Paul lying on the ground lifeless. But there’s no time to fall apart when I have a small child relying on me.
A week has to be enough time.
Even as I tell myself that, I miss Victor so much it’s almost as if I’m missing a part of myself.
Luckily, Sully took Summer to the park, giving me a few extra minutes this morning to get my butt kicked into gear. Moping around stops now. I’m not teaching my daughter anything other than how to not move on.
The front door swings open, and Harmony walks inside. “Get changed.”
I look around. “No hello or anything? Just a command?”
“Sully said you haven’t left the house since, well, everything.” Harmony’s voice softens. “I’m not trying to be mean.”
A second form enters behind her. “Come on. For once, just listen,” Lana says.
Before I can answer either of them, Abigail floats inside. “I’m here for the fun part.” She winks at me.
“Now you’re scaring me.”
Harmony shoots her best friend a glare. “It’s nothing bad. I promise.”
I shake my head. “Sully and Summer will be back any moment. I need to spend some time with her.”
My sister comes to me and reaches out a hand. I reluctantly grab her and let her pull me to my feet. “I’ve already called him. He’ll take care of Summer for the few hours we steal you away. Now go get changed.”
Before I can argue, she gently shoves me in the direction of the stairs. Once inside my temporary room, I find comfortable jeans and a flowy top. I’m not showing yet, but it feels right to have loose fitting clothes on.
I reach for my phone and swipe open my conversation with Victor. I read through his last texts again.
Victor
I’m really sorry about everything.
Victor
How are you feeling?
Victor
Don’t hesitate to reach out to me for whatever you might need.
His last text came through this morning—the reason for Sully taking Summer out for a little while.
Victor
This house without you and Summer isn’t a home. It feels so empty, and I miss tripping over Summer’s toys. I miss seeing your beautiful face every morning. I miss Summer’s giggle.
A tear breaks free and trails down my cheek. His words are loud and clear, “I love you.”
I … I love you, too, but I’m afraid it’s too late.
How can two people have a relationship when the trust is shattered? Paul made sure to show me that people don’t change. They only get worse.
“Is everything okay?” Lana asks at the same time as she knocks.
I nod. “You don’t have to worry. I’m a big girl.”
She sits on the bed beside me, and I place my head on her shoulder. “Just because you’ve held the world on your shoulders by yourself all this time, doesn’t mean you can’t lean on us. You aren’t alone.”
More tears escape, and I gasp. Now that the flood gates have opened, I’m not sure how to close them again. Lana wraps her arms around me, and I lean into her. When my body starts to tremble, she holds me tighter.
She runs her hands over my head in a soothing motion. “Shhh, everything is okay.”
I’m not sure how long we sit here like this, but I let all of my tears flow until there’s no more to cry. Lana says nothing the entire time.
I pick up my head and look over at my best friend. “I’m sorry. I just—” Shit. How do I say I fell in love with my temporary husband? No, he wasn’t temporary. Not anymore. I never would’ve allowed him in my heart or to have sex with me if it was all still just a contract. “I love him.”
“You don’t have to tell me that. The positive pregnancy test proved it already.” Lana pushes a strand of my hair behind my ear. “You aren’t the type to hook up. If you have sex with someone, you love them. End of story.”
Had I already fallen for him back then and was just too afraid to admit it to myself?
“What am I supposed to do? Summer loves him, too. And in eight months, the baby will be here. He or she will eventually wonder what happened.”
Lana shoves to her feet and waves for me to follow. “Come on. Let’s go. If I know you, you’ve probably been here torturing yourself with those questions this whole time.”
I don’t have enough energy to put up a fight, so I comply. As they trail behind Lana and me, Harmony and Abigail say nothing about my red, puffy eyes. We head back downstairs and go outside. I’m still not sure where we’re going, but Lana knows me best.
***
I’m rushed inside the only hair salon in town, Becky’s Salon. Yes, the same Becky who snubbed Victor at Frank’s Restaurant. She fills in as a server when they’re short staffed. And we were lucky enough to get her that day.
“Hey, ladies,” Becky says as she strides toward us. The bags under her eyes are gone, and she has a fresh hairstyle. “I’m glad you could make it in today.”
“Thank you for working us into your schedule,” Lana says.
My lip trembles. I don’t think I can pretend to be okay. Maybe I can call it early and go back home. Cuddle time with Summer sounds perfect.
“It’s no problem. I’ve been wanting to apologize for how I acted that day at my parents’ restaurant. It was out of line.”
“We understand,” I force out, and it’s the truth. “I’ll never hold it against you.”
Becky sighs in relief. “Thank you so much. Now, please, come sit in my chair, and we will give you a full makeover.”
I swivel my head around, and the girls flash me a smile. “Full makeover?”
“Makeup and everything,” Lana says, handing me brand new makeup, as the three of them take seats.
“Why?” I doubt I can make it through this whole process. “I’m going back home. Who am I trying to impress?”
Abigail remains silent, which is strange for her, and Lana avoids my gaze.
When I turn to Harmony, she says, “You have a date later.”
My jaw drops. “You’ve got to be kidding me. You know I’m not ready for something like that.”
All three of them bristle. Abigail looks down at her painted nails while Harmony’s eyes dart to Lana. It’s almost as if they’re all scared of what my reaction will be. And considering none of them usually cares if they make me angry, something bad is up.
My best friend finally looks up at me and holds my glare. “You’re meeting with Victor.”
I burst out of my chair, and Becky startles, gasping as I almost bump into her. “I’m sorry, Becky. I think I’m going to go. I’ll still pay you for this appointment.”
Harmony is on her feet before I can move. “No. Sit back down. You deserve a day of pampering.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Then cancel my date, and this can be just for me.”
Becky disappears into another room, probably to give us privacy.
Harmony takes a deep breath, pulling my attention back to her. “The both of you made mistakes. Please, listen to me. Are you going to throw away everything you had with Victor because of your one bad experience?”
I glance toward where Becky disappeared before lowering my voice and saying, “You act as if Victor didn’t accuse me of telling his biggest secret. Or as if Paul wasn’t a monster.”
My sister takes a hesitant step forward as if I’m a baby animal she’s trying not to spook.
“I agree that what Paul put you through was horrible, and I think you should see a therapist.” She puts a finger up when I open my mouth.
“When I was so lost over mom, my therapist saved me. But, please, stop taking it out on Victor. Think about where he’s coming from. ”
I grind my molars. He didn’t trust me enough to know I wouldn’t spread his secret.
Of course, I’ll admit Victor proved he isn’t some rich man who uses his money and power to get what he wants—despite the fact that he used his money to get me to marry him. But he wasn’t doing it because he wanted a power trip. He wanted to keep his spot as CEO … To give his father his last wish.
So, when I found out about his dad not being his true father, and then it came out to the public, I can see how—
Harmony pulls me in for a hug. “You don’t have to move back in with him, but at least hear him out.
I nod, tears filling my eyes, and sit back in the chair. It’s not like I agreed to take him back, but we can at least talk. We both need it. For closure purposes.
“Are you ready?” Becky asks as she walks back out. Her timing is too suspicious. She must’ve been listening. “Don’t worry. Your billionaire will swoop back in with some grand gesture, and you’ll live happily ever after.”
I quirk a brow. “Are you reading romance books?”
She shrugs. “I needed hope after what my husband did. Now, are you ready for your makeover?”
Nodding, I motion for her to continue. “Let’s see you work your magic.”
Maybe I should pick up a new book soon. It might help me heal.
Even though I don’t think I can trust Victor again, I’m thankful to have been able to love him.