(Winona)“Winona! Come in. Take a seat,” Gus says loudly as I inwardly wince.I slowly sit across the desk in Jayden’s office and remove my sunglasses, trying to gather my thoughts. The light feels harsh, stabbing into my already pounding head.“Hard night?” Gus inquires, his tone a mix of curiosity and judgment.“I suppose your watchdogs filled you in. I am entitled to a life, you know,” I retort, a bit sharper than intended.“My staff know better than to speculate on the private lives of anyone they are detailed to. Privacy is of the utmost importance. It’s your eyes giving you away,” he responds, leaning back in his chair, scrutinizing me.I sigh deeply. “My head is mush, but I want to tell you in person that I’m not accepting your offer.”Gus raises an eyebrow, clearly not expecting this. “I appreciate you coming in. But are you sure?”“Mr. Brennan…”“Call me Gus.”“Gus. Abby is really my only priority now. Those hours are ridiculous, not to mention the workload,” I explain, tryin
(Ashlyn)One Week LaterSo, this is the infamous Gus Brennan. Last week he outed Lance and I and the little indiscretion. But he also did me a favor and named Jayden as the biological father of this baby.Judy has been ridiculous about it all, but I don’t care. I eye her defiantly across the office that used to be Jayden’s. She can pretend she hates me, but I know she needs me. She can’t get rid of Winona from Jayden’s life without me. She’s been carrying on about where Jayden is and that he hasn’t answered any messages or calls. It’s not like I’m holding him hostage. He hasn’t been home since all this about Lance went down.Now Judy pretends to be shocked about me sleeping with Lance. She doesn’t fool me. Don’t pretend to be holier than thou when you’ve been hiding Jayden’s real father all this time. She’s looking at Gus and he’s studying whatever is on the desk in front of him. “Ladies, please, take a seat.” He says without looking up.I sit in the plush leather chair. Judy rema
(Jayden)I look at the beach view from my Santa Monica property. I don’t remember purchasing this place but I’m glad I did now. When I was looking over my portfolio before I divorced Winona, this one caught my eye and I wanted to come see it right away.Of course, I got too busy with the business and all this memory crap. Since finding out about Abby, and now her condition, life has been a whirlwind. I take a deep breath. Here it feels like the world has slowed.I think back to the divorce and before it. The night Winona and I made Abby. Then I was so confused when the drugs were found in my blood. Of course I would trust my mother. But I’ve learned since, I can love her but maybe trusting her is a different thing.How did I let myself be convinced so easily that Winona was lying and had tricked me into everything? I guess my mental state was a lot more volatile back then. I know I certainly don’t want to be like Greg in that way again. If that’s what it takes to run this business, I
(Winona)I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this free or relaxed. Not since the accident anyway. But this is nice. No Ashlyn, no Judy. No pressure. The air feels lighter, the weight of the world has lifted off my shoulders, at least temporarily.Jayden is cleaning like a demon out in the kitchen with Abby, although I’m sure there’s some soapy water fights going on. Every few minutes, I hear giggles and splashes, making me smile.I’m setting up Abby’s bedroom. I’ve cleaned dirt and mold off the walls. I’m hoping it’s old stuff. It looks a lot better, and that dank smell is gone. It’s very satisfying transforming this space for her.The overriding smell now is bleach, but I have some scented candles to light. I make her bed and pop her toys on top. She insisted on bringing her doll house, and I’ve placed it in the corner where it looks perfect. The living room is pretty much done and I’m hoping the kitchen/diner is sorted as well. I glance around, making sure everything is in place for Abby a
(Winona)Wanting to believe everything will be okay and actually believing it are two different things. Inside me the doubt and stress over Abby’s health is ever present. If it was only that, I’d probably cope better.But I’d be incredibly stupid to think that all is going to be rosy with Judy and Ashlyn. We may get a six-month respite, though I doubt it will last that long, but they will both just be planning their next step to remove me from their lives.My emotions are fraught with the thought of losing Abby to something I have no control over. I need to make sure every second here is worth it for her. We’ve been here a week and Jayden and I are out tidying my garden while she naps.“I’m considering home-schooling Abby.” I say as he pulls weeds.“Why?”“I have a lot of time on my hands, and it would be easier on her.” I clip half-heartedly at the unruly hedge. Jayden wipes his hands on his denim shorts. “It might be easier, but I think it would also be limiting.”“There’s a lot mo
(Winona)“Bye, Sweety. Your teacher has my number, so if you need Mommy, she can call me anytime,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. My heart is pounding, and my hands are clammy.“Here’s your lunch bag. This is your locker,” Jayden says as he passes the bag to Abby, giving her a tight hug.She stows her bag into her locker. “Puppy!” She points at the photo of her favorite toy, so she knows her locker. “Bye, Mommy. Bye, Daddy.” She waves at us before racing off to join a group of kids who are crafting. Her enthusiasm is infectious, but my nerves are still on edge.Her teacher smiles warmly. “She’ll be just fine.”“You’ve read her file, right? You understand she has some physical limitations because of her health,” I explain, my anxiety swelling with each word.“We have, and I can assure you, every staff member here has advanced first aid training, and we have two qualified nurses on site. Abby will be in safe hands,” the teacher reassures, her tone gentle but firm.“No one can g
(Winona)I just have time to grab a juice at the café closest to the preschool. There’s a lot of people here and I assume it’s the thing to do before school pick up. Abby’s pick up time is after lunch for the first week.I look around the other patrons as I sip my tropical smoothie. My mind is full of what to make for dinner. Shopping went great and as the time progressed, I did feel better about Abby being in school.Now I’m excited to hear all about her morning.A profile catches my eye. I snap my attention back to this man. He’s across the road. No. My blood runs cold, and I squeeze my eyes shut. When I open them again, he’s not there. Is my mind playing tricks on me?It’s a sea of people weaving in and out of each other. I’m sure that it was a mistake. It has to be. It’s simply not possible. My father cannot be here in Santa Monica. Judy knows he’s alive but surely she wouldn’t tell him where we are even if she knew.If she understood how bad that could be for Abby, she sure woul
(Winona)I flick on the television. I know I shouldn’t, but curiosity gets the better of me. I wonder if speculation over Jayden and I has stopped. I go through a few channels and I haven’t seen us yet, so maybe.Abby has had three days at preschool, and she’ll have a break for the last two weekdays. I must say my nervousness is somewhat eased, and she’s chatting easily about the other kids in her class, so she is making friends.Dinner at Jayden’s house was a lot of fun the other night. He’s happy with how negotiations are going with the shareholders. He’ll have enough ready to sell to him by the end of this month.I’ve been back to that café and never seen that man again. It really was my imagination. I switch off the television. Let them say what they want to say. Not like we can stop them. I’d rather know what’s going through Judy and Ashlyn’s minds right now.Abby’s been bright and cheery and not complaining of any pain. Even her face has some color. Today Jayden is picking us up