431 Setting Things In Motion
431 Setting Thangs in Motion
431 Setting Things In Motion (Winona)
Back at the estate cottage the next day, I hand Lisa the folded note, my fingers lingering on the paper for a second before letting it go. It details all the plans, and I put my finger to my lips as she takes it.
She stares at me, her eyes questioning, but she doesn't speak.
"Come in, Lisa, Let's get coffee. I have so much to tell you."
"Coffee sounds perfect." She unfolds the note and begins to read in silence.
Speaking openly isn't an option right now, not when we're surrounded by the potential for prying ears.
I watch her face closely as she reads, looking for any hint of her reaction. Her expression shifts slightly, but she keeps it controlled, her eyes narrowing as she takes in every word.
When she finishes, Lisa folds the paper back up and tucks it into her pocket. She raises an eyebrow at me. "So, have you heard from Jayden? Are you okay?"
"He's impossible to talk to, as always. I'm over it, to be honest." I go about the kitchen pouring our coffee and adding sugar and cream.
"Over it? As in... leaving him?"
I shrug. "If, after all I've been put through by his mother, he can say she was probably right about me, I can't see how we get back from there."
"Separation?" she says, keeping her voice light, casual. "That's... a lot."
"He never even said he was sorry. He's just hell bent on blaming me for cheating and hating on Lance. I know what I did was stupid, but I can't change it now. If he can't forgive me after all the stuff I've forgiven him for, then we have no future." "You came all the way here and now you're going back?"
I nod, swallowing hard. "Yeah, it's what needs to be done. Jayden and I have had... well, let's just say we've had it out. I have to think about the kids and myself now."
Lisa sighs, leaning back against the counter. "Fucking men! Why do we bother?"
"Beats me. But I'm done bothering, he and Judy can rot away together as far as I'm concerned."
"I really thought he was done with her, you know?"
"Me too. But those photos she sent him have wrecked him. Wrecked us. Jayden's not... accepting of anything I've said. He's shut down on me to the point where he told me to just take the kids and go."
Lisa frowns, concern flashing in her eyes. "Well fuck him. Don't you ever tell me you are giving him another chance. He does not deserve you."
"We were going so well. It's devastating. Judy finally won. I can't fight anymore." I let the tears roll down my face.
Lisa reaches over, squeezing my hand. "I'm so sorry, Winona. This can't be easy on you or the kids."
431 Setting Things In Motion.
"So, what about the kids? How are they handling all of this?"
1 exhale slowly, my shoulders slumping. "They don't know all the details yet, just that we're leaving soon. Abby's been clingy, and Bobby's pretending he doesn't care, but I know it's hitting him hard. Sarah is just so quiet again." Lisa nods thoughtfully. "You'll get through this. They're resilient and they have you. And me. I'll travel back with you. When do we leave?"
"No clue right now. Soon though. Certainly, by two weeks. I don't want to be here when Jayden comes back from London. But I'm not using the private jet either. I don't want any favors from him and Henry will be fine, I think." "Why fly? Why don't we make a little holiday of it and get a cruise back?"
Awesome! She's caught on fast.
"Cruise? You mean a huge ship with heaps of other people and buffet food?"
"Sure! Why not. You can afford a big suite, hell, I can. Let me check out what's available, I'll see if Lance wants to join us or stay here buddying up with Jayden.
"I don't think buddying up is an option. I can't see Jayden ever forgiving him for this."
"Shit. I mean I know it's bad, but I didn't realize..."
"I really messed things up for everyone bigtime."Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
Lisa's phone buzzes and she pulls it out of her pocket. "Speak of the devil, Lance is coming back to the estate, he wants to see me tonight." Her face lights up with a smile. "Guess it's business as usual for him" I shrug.