by Lexy Timms
But for the first time, I was watching those glistening tears fall onto her cheeks.
Part of me thought this was a ploy, but the rest of me knew it couldn’t be. Her eyes were red, and her hands were shaking. Her cheeks were turning red and flushing with emotion. Her breathing was growing shallow, and her shoulders were starting to shake.
All involuntary signs of the fact that someone was genuinely crying.
“Dorothy,” my father said as he sat down beside her. “Talk to us.”
“Every time I look at her, I’m reminded of what I should’ve done,” my mother said. “Every time she turns toward me, it reminds me that John would still be here if I had done better.”
My father pulled her into his arms as I stood there, rooted to my spot. I listened as my mother sobbed into my father’s chest, her body quivering and her hands gripping his shirt. I’d never seen my mother so vulnerable before. So weak and open for the rest of us to see.
“Every time I’m around her, she reminds me of him, and I can’t handle it. I can’t take it. I’m sorry, but I can’t.”
“You need help, Mom, help none of us can give you,” I said.
“Please don’t take that grandbaby from me. It’s—”
“I know,” I said. “It’s another link to John that you want.”
“My baby,” my mother said breathlessly. “My baby died cold and alone.”
“No, he didn’t,” I said. “He died with his head in Hailey’s lap.”
I allowed my mother her moment as I tried to swallow down my anger. She was finally opening up, but I still had a family to protect. Just because she could finally admit what was going on didn’t mean she could keep her guilt at bay when it came to Hailey. If Hailey’s mere presence pulled this out of her, then they still couldn’t be around one another.
“Please forgive me, Bryan. Please. I’m struggling so badly, and I’m so sorry,” my mother said.
“I’m not the one you need to apologize to. I’ve been telling you that for two weeks now. The person you need to apologize to is Hailey.”
I dug my phone out of my pocket and scrolled through my contacts. I highlighted her name as my mother turned toward me, then I handed the phone to her. She looked at it warily before her eyes panned up to me, begging me not to make her do this.
“You want a relationship with your grandchild? Then, this is the first step down that road,” I said.
Then reluctantly, she took my phone.
Chapter 24
Hailey
I slept in late that morning and woke up to an empty bed. I wasn’t sure where Bryan had gone, but part of me was relieved he wasn’t here. I was still processing everything that had traversed between the two of us. Going to the police. Setting up the sting. Him divulging the fact that his mother sent Laura to the gallery. I still wasn't sure about that one, but Bryan was dead set on it. In fact, he seemed so sure of it that I figured he was probably going to confront her about it.
Maybe that was where he was.
But now that things were in order with the sting, I had to call Ramon. I had been putting it off in case the police couldn’t help us, but they were convinced they could. So, it was my turn to do the one thing I was ready to do. Even though I was scared about angering Ramon.
“Please tell me you’re calling to schedule another tour,” Ramon said.
“Not even a hello? My, my, we’ve gotten greedy,” I said.
“It is wonderful to hear from you, Mrs. Hailey. How is that baby doing?” he asked.
“Scarring my body for life.”
“How much longer until the arrival of the little bundle?” he asked.
“Less than five weeks.”
“Are you excited?”
“I’m nervous and ready to have my body back.”
“What your body is going through is a beautiful transformation. In the ancient worlds, you would have been worshipped for how your body has changed.”
“Uh-huh. Well, listen. There’s something I need to talk with you about,” I said.
“You don’t want to sell John’s paintings.”
“Wait, how did you know?” I asked.
“I know what those two paintings mean to you. When you called me wanting to sell them, I was very shocked. Very, very shocked.”
“You didn’t seem shocked,” I said.
“It’s why I lowballed the offer. And when you didn’t even bat an eye, I figured something was wrong. I take it you’ve gotten everything sorted out now?” he asked.
“We’re getting there,” I said. “Wait, you intentionally lowballed the paintings?”
“My dear, you need to have someone come in and price out your paintings. Then, you need to document it. John’s duo paintings? With the exposure and the beauty and the pain they bring to this world? You could easily get half a million for them. I only offered three hundred thousand to get you to back down from whatever ledge you were teetering on,” he said.
“I can’t believe you,” I said, giggling.
“Don’t worry. I’m very disappointed. I was about to get a fabulous deal on a wonderful piece of artistry that will never be duplicated. And if you ever are serious in selling them, I want to be the first person you call.”
“It’s why I called you in the first place,” I said.
“I will be willing to buy one or both of them. On the spot, if you’re ever ready.”
“I hear you, Ramon. I hear you. And thank you. You know, for being understanding.”
“Might I ask what happened?”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“What prompted you to sell the paintings in the first place?” he asked. “Your quick acceptance of my offer was enough to tell me you weren’t in the right frame of mind. Has something happened with Bryan?”
“No, no. Nothing like that,” I said. “Just some things with the artist’s past popped up. That’s really all I’m comfortable saying.”
“And that’s fine. So long as Bryan is treating you well. I won’t have anyone mistreating my hottest artist.”
“And by hottest, you mean most popular. Right?” I asked.
“If you say so.”
“You’re bad, Ramon. You know that? It’s why Bryan didn’t like you in the beginning. It’s why he originally came on the tour.”
“And it was a smart move. I’m irresistible to women,” he said.
“I can hear your grin.”
“You know I should make you trade me those paintings for another art tour,” he said.
“Bryan said you might suggest something like that.”
“He’s a smart man. I like him. It’s why I didn’t steal you right from underneath his nose.”
“No offense, Ramon, but it wouldn’t have been possible,” I said.
“That is why I like you, Mrs. Hailey. You are a feisty one. But, I’m not going to force you into another tour. I know that when you’re ready, I’ll get that phone call.”
“Yes, you most certainly will. Thank you, Ramon. For being so understanding about all of this,” I said.
“Take care of yourself. And when you have that precious child, I want a picture of the happy family.”
“I’ll make sure one gets to you.”
“Have a good day, Mrs. Hailey.”
“You too, Ramon.”
I hung up the phone as I sat on the edge of the bed. This past month had been an absolute whirlwind with everything with Ben and Bryan’s mother changing so rapidly. This bullshit with Laura and having to hire someone at the gallery. But there was a lot of good that unfolded as well. Drew and Anna were back together and happier than ever, and the woman I hired for the gallery was perfect and latching on quickly. Bryan’s and my relationship was stronger than ever, and soon we would start talks on planning our wedding.
I smiled at the thought of Bryan in a tuxedo as I waddled myself to the bathroom.
I splashed some water on my face and cleaned myself up. Sundays were always my day off, and I was feeling
particularly inspired to paint. I brushed my teeth, took a quick shower, and then I wrapped a towel around my body while I tried to locate my painting clothes.
But my phone ringing pulled my attention away from my closet, and I smiled when I saw it was Bryan calling.
“Good morning, handsome. Where did you get off to so quickly?” I asked.
“Hello, Hailey.”
I froze when I heard Bryan’s mother on the other end of the line.
“Um, h-hi, Mrs. McBride. Dorothy. Hi. Hello,” I said. “Is Bryan with you this morning?”
“He is.”
“Okay,” I said.
What in the world was this woman doing calling me from Bryan’s phone?
“I wanted to speak with you,” Dorothy said.
“Okay,” I said. “What about?”
“I have a few things to admit.”
I sat down on the edge of the bed and braced myself.
“I was the one who sent Laura to your gallery. I filled her in on some aspects of Bryan’s life, and I let her loose. I didn’t explicitly tell her to pretend she was having an affair with Bryan, but I did want to try and pull the two of you apart because of some issues I’m dealing with.”
I heard Dorothy sniffle before a shuddering breath came through the phone.
“I’m so sorry I’ve allowed my emotional disposition to lead me down this path,” she said. “When I look at you, I see all of the things I should’ve done for John. I see the woman who helped save him, and I see myself as someone who helped kill him. Every time I look at you, every time you’re around, it reminds me of all the things I didn’t do to help my son. And the guilt is just ... too much.”
I felt tears welling in my eyes as Dorothy cried to me over the phone. I knew I needed to be angry. I knew I needed to let her have it, but this woman was aching and hurting in ways I hoped I would never have to endure. My hand migrated to my stomach as my child flopped around, and I closed my eyes and took it all in. I felt my child kicking down against my hips and pushing its head against my uterus. I felt my child wiggling around with vibrant life. A life I hoped I would never have to see extinguished.
The mere thought of it brought tears to my own eyes as Dorothy continued on.
“What I did was wrong. I sat down with Laura at lunch and was venting to her, and things spiraled. She asked me if she could help in any way, and I told her she could, hoping it would drive the two of you apart. Getting you out was the only way I felt I could assuage my own guilt and the hand I played in-in ...”
“It’s okay, Dorothy. I get it,” I said.
“What?” she asked.
“I hope I never have to understand it personally, but I get it,” I said.
“I am so sorry, Hailey,” she said.
“It’s forgiven, but it’s not forgotten. Your words have hurt me over the duration of Bryan’s and my relationship. And I don’t trust you, especially with the rift that’s growing between me and my parents. But I hope you’ve learned your lesson. I hope you now realize that I’m not going anywhere and that you do have some things you have to sort through and come to terms with.”
There was silence on the other end of the line as she sniffled again. The phone shuffled around as murmured voices fluttered in the background. I sighed as I lay down on the bed, rubbing my stomach and thanking my stars that my growing child was happy, healthy, and energetic.
“Everything’s taken care of now, sweetheart,” Bryan said.
“Oh, it’s good to hear your voice,” I said.
“How did you sleep?” he asked.
“Very well. I called Ramon, and he relinquished the deal on the paintings,” I said.
“Did he try to bargain with another tour?”
“No, but he did admit it was an idea he had. But he said to call him whenever I was ready for another one. And I think I might be, after being a mom for a little while,” I said.
“I’m about to head on home. Would you like anything?” he asked.
“Well, I was going to go paint, but now that you mention it, a really nice burger and a lot of fries sound great.”
“Yes,” he said, chuckling. “It does. Any particular kind?”
“A double bacon cheeseburger with all the vegetables and sauces with a large fry and a big ass soda,” I said.
“Sounds good. I think I’ll have the same,” he said.
“See you soon?” I asked.
“See you very soon,” he said.
We hung up the phone and hope spread throughout my limbs. Weights were being pulled off my body as a smile crossed my cheeks. Despite the frightening showdown that was about to occur in a couple of days, I was ready. I was filled with a renewed sense of strength and vigor, and I knew as long as I had Bryan at my side, I could conquer anything.
Even the likes of Ben.
I got up and put some clothes on, readying myself for Bryan to get home. I slid a dress over my body and hiked my breasts up, settling them in their proper place. I walked downstairs and started setting the table with plates and napkins, ready for us to eat together. If there was one thing I hated, it was waking up alone. But if there was one thing I loved, it was listening to the front door open before Bryan crossed through it.
And I grinned broadly as I heard the doorknob turn.
Chapter 25
Bryan
Today was the day we worked with the police to catch the bastard threatening my pregnant wife. I could feel the energy coursing through my veins. I was ready to tear his fucking head off. We’d buried the hatchet with my mother, we’d gotten to the root of why she was trying to sabotage my relationship with Hailey, and I’d finally gotten her to apologize. We had halted the sale of John’s precious paintings, and a doctor’s appointment I’d scheduled showed that both Hailey and the baby were doing magnificently. Now, all we needed was to catch this asshole named Ben.
I’d called the police and told them I was heading over to the gallery. I wanted all of us to be there from the time Hailey opened until the time that asshole arrived. Hailey kept trying to tell me that he didn’t come in until the afternoons, but I wasn’t taking any chances. Men like this were unpredictable, no matter how predictable they seemed. And if he was coming in high like Hailey thought he was, then things could escalate quickly.
And nothing was happening to either of them. Not on my watch.
The police met me there and began setting up their equipment. Surveillance cameras were perched on top of paintings, and one was concealed right at the cash register. They planted one on top of the doorway of the shop to catch the bastard coming in, and I was confined to the back room. I was going to be sitting in the little shop Hailey had in the back, only the door was going to be closed, and I was going to be watching everything. Two police officers would be in there with me, along with two who would be stationed out back and listening through devices planted in the windows.
This bastard wasn’t getting away today.
We were all set up just as Hailey came in for the day. She walked into the gallery, and I watched her demeanor change. She went from relaxed and laid back to tense and stressed. I walked over to her and wrapped her in my arms, trying my best to quell her fears.
“I’m nervous,” she said.
“I know you are, sweetheart,” I said.
“What if he tries something on me? I’ve got my taser, but I don’t have anything else.”
“You’ve got me and two armed police officers in your shop.”
“What?” she asked.
“I know the police told us to call when he arrived, but I wasn’t going to take any chances. We’re going to close the door to your shop, and you’ll put up a ‘caution’ sign. You can tell people whatever you want. Remodeling. Restocking. Whatever works for you. Is that okay?”
“I don’t know, honestly,” she said. “I don’t know how I feel about any of this.”
“It’s almost over. I promise. This man isn’t getting away. There are cameras to catch his face and microp
hones to catch his voice. They’ll capture him, and he’ll never be able to get out on bail,” I said.
“I, um, I called Kelly off work today. For all this. It’s not necessary for her to be here.”
“That the person you hired?” I asked.
“Shit, I haven’t told you about that? Yeah. That’s ... that’s the person I chose. How did I not tell you that?”
“Because life’s been a bit of a whirlwind for us lately,” I said.
I pulled her back into my arms and kissed the top of her head. I could feel her relax into me like my presence was comforting to her. And I was thankful for that. I was hoping that having me in the back room would make this easier on her today. No matter what we did and no matter how we set things up, the truth of the matter was Hailey was in the direct line of fire. She was the one having to come face-to-face with this asshole again, and I didn’t like it.
But it had to be done if we were going to catch him.
We parked the unmarked police cars at random points in the lot. That was the only thing I was nervous about, the only thing that could blow this through the roof. If this Ben guy didn’t come in high and he was scouting the area, he would know in a flash those were cop cars. He’d run before we ever got a chance to get him in this place, so I’d tried bargaining with the police.
“Why can’t we park them across the street? Or down the road?” I asked.
“Because our cars have cameras in them as well. We have to have them trained on the area around here somewhere,” the police officer said.
“But if he recognizes your cop cars, even if they’re unmarked, this task is tanked,” I said.
“There’s nothing we can do about that. They’re unmarked, and most of the evidence of them being cop cars have been removed. All of the flashers and the alarms and the extra mirrors have been temporarily taken down and put on the floorboards.”
