Becca.When I arrived at James' company, I was on the verge of having an anxiety attack. Neal had been waiting for me outside the building, and as much as I wanted to find that happy moment, I didn't.Simply because I knew what was coming. "So the guy is willing to buy it from you without issues. He is an investor from Italy and actually knew James personally. He has importing and exporting businesses all over the world," Neal informed me as I stood in the elevator with him, watching the floors tick by."Okay." My shallow reply seemed to cause him to stop in his words as he gently grabbed my shoulders, forcing me to look at him."Hey, if you're not ready for this—""It's okay," I quickly said, cutting him off. "It needs to be done, and I have to get through this. Afterward, I want to talk to you and Allegra about going somewhere.""Oh?" He smiled. "Where might that be?"Rolling my eyes with a soft smile, I shook my head at the same moment the doors of the elevator o
Becca.When I left James's office, millions of thoughts ran through my head about what was going to happen. But one thing was for sure, I needed to take my father's advice and change scenery. For too long, I had struggled and fought with everything that was going on, my emotions completely messed up and everything else in my life going a little haywire.I had to get myself together. I had to put my big girl panties on and take initiative for what was going on in my life. And I had to do it soon because before I knew it, a child would be born, and I would be responsible for that child.The soft knock at the front door let me know that Neal and Allegra had arrived, and as the door opened, I turned, looking over my shoulder to see their smiling faces enter through the doorway. "Hey, guys. I'm glad to see you could make it.""Well, of course, we would make it silly." Allegra laughed as she took off her coat and hung it on a nearby hook. Fluffing her blonde hair out, she stepped
James.The moment that my plane landed in Tokyo, Japan, I found my mind swirling with the differences of how their lives were in Japan compared to that in the states. The only way that I could actually describe them was as if they were ants meandering through a colony. Quick to know exactly where they were going and unable to be distracted.It was fascinating, and I found the city breathtaking.Moving forward from the airport, I headed towards the car pickup lanes and quickly saw a driver holding a sign with my name on it. The driver was to take me to my new location, a home that had been secured for me, along with various other things, my new life for the foreseeable future.My new life as Lester Johnson.Just saying that need made me internally groan. Out of all the names that he could have picked in the world, that was the one he had settled for.That was the name that he thought would benefit me the most.Stepping towards the driver I sighed pushing a smile on my f
Becca.After tons of planning and purchasing tickets, I found myself standing in the bedroom packing my suitcases, going through everything that I was going to need while we were away in New Zealand. Initially, when I told Neal and Allegra about what I wanted to do, I was almost certain that they would disagree. Yet again, they surprised me, as they always did, and agreed that the trip would be a wonderful idea. Of course, considering the fact that the doctor had cleared me for travel, that is.Slowly going through all the clothing I had placed on top of the bed, I packed it into the suitcase with careful precision and then proceeded to grab all of my toiletries that were in their individual bags and place them in as well.It wasn't until I had placed some documents that I needed just in case something were to happen over there that the small letter that Mr. Shavers had given me that had been left by James fell out onto the floor.With how hectic everything had been o
Neal.The moment that the plane finally landed in New Zealand, I couldn't help but give a very large sigh of relief. Never in my life had it felt like I was on a plan for so long, and I had been to Australia before. Even though those flights were just as long, there was something about this flight that was just exhausting.Perhaps it was the fact that sweet Becca decided that we would ride first class like regular people all the way to New Zealand.I could have gotten us on a better plane—a more private plane even. But no, she wanted to have an adventure. Not that I was complaining, but my sister sure as hell was, and her complaining made Becca laugh."Did you see the way that guy looked at me? It was as if I was at a buffet, and he wanted something all you can eat." Allegra's disgusted tone caused both Becca and I to snort with laughter."Oh my God. It wasn't even like that, and you know it."Allegra turned to Becca with a glare on her face as she used the fan in her h
Becca.As soon as I stepped outside with the lovely Miss Rogers, the lady who owned the cabana that I had rented, I noticed how Neal seemed very frustrated with whatever kind of conversation that he was having. I wasn't sure what was going on. Perhaps it was work, perhaps it was something else. As soon as his eyes landed on me, he quickly finished his conversation. I found it curious how he was acting, but as he slowly made his way towards me, this frown that was upon his face once before disappeared and was replaced with a smile."So, how do you like everything?" he asked me as he approached."It's beautiful. Miss Rogers has been absolutely wonderful. She showed me everything that the house has to offer, and she's hoping that we have a wonderful two weeks' vacation," I replied as my eyes drifted from Neal to the woman again.Her soft, pale blue eyes crinkled at the corners as she turned her small smile into one that was larger, her hands clasped in front of her as she
James.The moment that I got off the phone with Neal, I knew he was going to be a complication. He didn't seem eager to help me, and I didn't blame him. After everything that I had put her through, why would he?What annoyed me the most, though, was he thought that he could actually dictate to me what I was going and not going to do. If I wanted to get to Becca, I could. I knew it was best for me to keep away, to be able to watch from a distance, and hope that she was okay, but the other part of me longed to be next to her again.I wanted to hold her in my arms, I wanted to get on my knees and beg her forgiveness, and I wanted to be part of my child's life. I had already lost one child because of my selfishness, and the last thing I needed to do was allow myself to lose another.Even my grandson wasn't going to be able to have me as part of his life because of the shit that I pulled. Perhaps it had happened back in the day, back when I was younger, when I made these terrible
Becca.I wasn't entirely sure what was going on. Or better yet, what Neal and Allegra were up to. Their whispered conversations behind closed doors over the past few days while we were on vacation were confusing. It wasn't like them to hide things from me.It wasn't like them to act this way in general."Sorry about that. I had to take a phone call." Allegra laughed as she walked over with her very alcoholic mixed drink and a strawberry virgin daiquiri for me."No problem, you and Neal seem to have a lot going on the last few days."She gave me a quizzical look with a small confused smile as she took her seat on the lounge chair next to me on the back deck. "What are you talking about? I haven't been any different than I always am.""Is that so? Then what's up with all the secretive conversations with your brother behind closed doors?" As if she had been found out. Her lips parted, and she looked around, slightly worried."I don't know what you're talking about.""F