CHAPTER 39

Geneveive Tessa Robert

I consoled myself, refocusing on the phone call: `We are leaving at the beginning of next month. Mom wants to take care of some businesses before we leave. You know we will be starting an interior decoration company too. So, she wants to ensure that the plans and funds are ready before we leave.`

`Alright, babe. I wish I could move with you, but my company refused to sign my transfer letter, and I can't resign because of my contract. Please take care of Hope and Nicholas for me. I am going to find a way to visit you guys,` she sniffed.

I couldn't help but get emotional too. I was going to miss Vee, all our shopping adventures, and her expensive eating habits. If not for her, I would have probably not rekindled my relationship with my parents and James. I also would not have healed or accepted the fact that Kyle left me with someone else.

I sniffed too: `Don`t cry, Vee. You can always visit, and who knows? Your company might decide to transfer you over here, or that job at Mercury Ad`s Incorporation might come true. Also, you know, I can tell my dad to speak to your CEO; they`re golf buddies.`

Vera`s boss and my dad were childhood friends and did almost everything together. I knew if I spoke to Dad about her transfer, he would agree immediately to speak to her boss, but Vee didn`t want my dad to come to her rescue. Besides, she didn't want to give her boss the impression that she had him wrapped around her fingers. 

`I told you already about my stance on your dad helping me. I will figure out something. Probably speak to the board before scheduling a meeting with the CEO. I am sure something would work out, but for now, let's enjoy the moment before you leave.`

I agreed and thanked her silently for the change of topic. Vee could be stubborn and determined when she wanted things to work her way. 

`Would you like to go shopping tomorrow afternoon and end the day in the movie theater?` I asked, hoping she would say yes. Mom wanted to take me to visit some of her friends who are into landscaping decoration, but I wasn't interested. She was insistent, and the only way I could escape her was to be out of the house before the scheduled time.

She hummed. `I don't have anything scheduled for tomorrow due to my leave, so I will be available. By the way, what about the school?`

She meant my DAP classes. `It's alright. I will be resuming fully tomorrow. I hope I haven't missed a lot.`

 `I doubt it. DAP never starts classes until they're done with their two weeks of onboarding sessions and tutorial classes,` she laughed.

I smiled, watching Santiago arrange the table. It was time for an early dinner. `I have to go, Vee. Thank you for the long conversations.`

`It's nothing, babe. Please take care of my godchildren and tell them their godmother loves them so much.` she replied, ending the call before I could respond. 

Rude.

                                                          ***

I have no idea how to start the review of the interior design business plan. It's been a week since the court case and my agreement to relocate. Dad had helped with a large percentage to fund the business, but he wanted me to sell the ideas to his clients who were looking for companies to invest in and advised me to work on the business plan again.

When there's a knock on the door, I am tempted to ignore it, but whoever is there is persistent. I drag myself up and open. It`s James.

`You look tired. Have you been resting?Are the babies disturbing you?` he asked, urging me to sit.

I smile, rubbing my stomach. `It's the business plan that's giving me headaches. I don't know what I need to work on, and Dad didn't drop a helpful tip. Can you help out?`

He picked up the documents, scanning through them. `I will help you once we get back. Get dressed, sis. You have been holed in here for days, and mom is worried. She feels like you`re hiding because of the court case.`

I laughed. Trust mom to come up with unnecessary worries. 

`I am not hiding from anyone, and don`t forget I stepped out with Vee yesterday. I am just resting and trying to get used to the cuties growing in me.` 

He raised his hands in defeat. `Alright, sister. Can we go out now? I would like you to meet some friends.`

It wasn't a bad idea, and I needed to actually mix with people. It`s been a while since I did that, except for the outings with Vee. 

I replied. `Okay, I am in, but the chauffeur will be behind the wheels. I don't trust your driving skills yet.`

`That's not a problem. We will be leaving in the next thirty minutes. Let me check this for you, okay?`

He closed the door, leaving me to ponder the outfit that would fit the outing James was dragging me to. I settled on a white dress that hid my bump a bit and did some nice makeup to bring out my full face. I didn't want anyone asking questions about the pregnancy; that's why I chose the white gown. It was fully padded and could deceive curious eyes. I sent a text to Vera to ask if she would like to come, but she didn't respond. Probably asleep. I decided to do my red hair in curls and redo the makeup to fit the innocent girl look I was creating.

A few minutes later, James was helping me down the stairs. `You look gorgeous, sis. You know it`s a small party with friends, right?`

I smiled. `I know, James. I just want to give them something else to talk about. The Court case is stale news already.`