CHAPTER 154

Geneveive Tessa Robert

Vera!

I yelled, rushing towards her. I hadn’t seen her since I arrived in Nashville. She was looking more beautiful than before and healthier. I suspected Murphy had pampered her more than expected. 

She hugged me, emitting the scent of lavendar oil. ‘I’ve missed you so much. Murphy refused to drive me over to your house yesterday. Where are the kids?’

I helped her to sit comfortably on the couch. ‘They are at my parent's place. As soon as they returned home from school, Mom sent James to pick them up. They have stolen my kids from me.’

She chuckled. ‘At least, you have the house to yourself until their birthday party. You’re done with all the preparations?’

'Yes, and Kyle is returning tomorrow’s night. You know it’s his first time attending the children’s birthday, and he doesn’t want to miss it.’

‘I never thought I would see the day Kyle King would become a soft heart. Did you guys talk about your relationship status?’

I nodded, remembering our conversation. ‘Yes, we did. He accepted my friendship truce. I wasn’t expecting his acceptance, though. You know he was keen on us dating.’

She replied, ‘It’s a good step, Tessa. I just want you to be happy and enjoy the moments you create with him again with the children. They deserve to create a nice fatherly bond with him.’

'Yeah, and about the fatherly bonding, I had a nice conversation with Dahila.’ I smiled, telling her everything that happened between Dahila and me.

‘Oh, that was great. I can’t believe I missed that showdown. I have never liked that woman, even though I met her once.’

I agreed. ‘I had to tolerate her throughout my stay in the hospital. I also warned the children to stay away from her. She tried to make peace before I left, but I made it clear she wouldn’t be a grandmother to my children.’

She replied, stretching her legs. ‘Exactly. I heard she’s been trying to mend things between Avaline and Kyle. What did Kyle say about that?’

I shrugged. ‘Nothing is going to happen between them. Avaline is a desperate woman, but she won’t try anything. Besides, Kyle’s investigation is still going on. She won’t be allowed to leave the country until the cops are done. She’s a prime suspect at the moment.’

We talked more about Kyle’s case and moved to the kitchen to eat lunch. Then, we returned to my home-made spa for a massage session. Vera enjoyed every bit of the experience, and she didn’t stop talking about it until Murphy came to pick her up. It was one of my best hangouts.

I glanced at the clock, picking up the glass cups from the table. Kyle was supposed to call me in half an hour, and I was already sleepy. I walked into the kitchen, washed the cups, and used the elevator to get to my room. I could push myself away from sleep by reading the novel Mom had sent me. She wanted me to resume my book club meetings, but with the kids and Hoplas taking up more of my time every day, I wasn’t sure I was ready for the club yet.

My phone vibrated on the table. I glanced at it. It was Murphy. That was odd. I picked it up immediately, pushing down the disturbing feeling growing in my stomach. 

‘Yes, Murphy. Is everything okay?’

He breathed rapidly into the phone.’ Vera just went into labour. We are at the hospital, but the doctors can’t do anything because of her nervousness. Please; I need you, Tessa.’

I scrambled out of bed, putting the phone on speaker and wearing the nearest dress my hand touched in my closet. ‘I will be there in an hour. It’s the same hospital where she did her checkups, right?’

‘Yes, please. They are trying to stabilize her, but nothing is working. You’re the only one that can speak to her at this point, Tessa.’ he replied.

‘I will be there soon. Get yourself together and don’t panic.’ I said, cutting the call. I sent a quick text to my parents to update them, and I jumped into the car. I picked up my car keys, jumped into the elevator, and jumped out as soon as it opened. 

Vera was due anytime from now on, so I wasn’t surprised. The only disappointment was that her baby wasn’t coming on the kid’s birthday, which was on Friday. We had talked about it, but I guessed fate had other plans. 

I jumped into the car and rode out of the estate. I suppressed all negative thoughts on what could happen if Vera’s nervousness triggered her blood pressure. She had worked so hard to stay stable, and I suspected that was the reason Murphy was worried. I turned to the right, escaping the red light by a second, and recited a short prayer for Vera.

She was my best friend, and losing her or the baby wasn’t an option. My phone buzzed. Murphy was calling again. I bit my bottom lip, hoping he wasn’t calling to deliver bad news. I picked it up and refocused on the road.

‘Tessa, she’s in the emergency room. She went into labour. They were able to calm her down. Where are you?’

I smiled. It was good news. ‘I am almost there. Did you call her parents?’

He replied, ‘They’re here with me.’

‘Alright, I will be there soon. Everything would be alright, Murphy.’ I said, comforting him.

He sighed. ‘The doctor said her pressure increased, but they were able to stabilize the situation. They want us to lose the two of them.’

I stopped at the hospital, switching the engine. ‘We aren’t losing anyone. I am here already.’

I jumped out of the car and walked into the hospital. I saw Murphy at the front desk and joined him. He updated me on everything and took me to her parents. Her mother was in a mess. Crying and praying. I hugged her and said nothing.

Sometimes, silence works magic. 

An hour later, the doctor joined us. Vera had survived, as had her baby girl, Genevieve.