The Lies I Believed

She's Back

I couldn't enjoy the concert. Rylie did so well and Vincent loved every second of it. Asher is definitely angry with me, but no one else has noticed it. Or they're pretending not to notice. Either way, tonight isn't really as great as I had hoped it would be.

"It was great hanging out with you guys," Isabella said. "I have to head back home to Elise and Juan. Motherly duties."

"Goodnight, Bella." Rylie hugged her. "We'll see you tomorrow, right?"

"Of course. I wouldn't miss a free medi-pedi."

No one would. Not even me.

"I'm gonna head home, too. Quentin's working on a case tonight. Or so he said. But, he should be back by now," Jade said. "Night, Lexi."

"Night, Jade." I hugged her and she left with Isabella.

I looked at Natalia to see her staring down at her phone. I'd heard that her husband had chosen to be a truck driver, so he was out of town at the moment. That meant she was home alone. Unless her parents were visiting this week. They used to be around way too much after my divorce with Luca. It was like they thought she was going to end up like me. I hope not.

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

"Yeah. It's just...Ravi probably won't be home until next week. They want him to do more deliveries in Nevada." She sighed.

"But, that's so far!" Rylie complained. "And he hasn't been home in a while, has he?"

Right? I can't help but to think something might go wrong. I get so worried about him. When he is home...he isn't himself. He likes going out all the time."

"We're not getting any younger." I put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure he's going to come home this time wanting to spend time with only you. Trust me on this one. I'm married to a man who thinks work is so great until he doesn't see me for days."

"And I'm away a lot for concerts. You don't know how bad I want to see Nathan when I have breaks."

"Thanks, guys. The house just feels really empty without him. I don't want to go to a hotel, because people talk."

"Let them talk. You need to be comfortable. The worst anyone can do is ruin your career. You're a good cook, so I doubt they could come close to doing that."

"Whatever." Natalia laughed. "I have to pick up a shift for one of my waiters, so I'll see you guys in the afternoon."

"Yay. Can't wait."

We all hugged and went our separate ways. I haven't seen Sha'Kera since I left the balcony. I wonder what she's up to. There's a lot of things we're going to do this week. If Derek is going to be joining us sometimes, she better know when to not bring him along.

🔲 🔲 🔲 🔲 🔲

I rolled over to find Asher gone. I didn't waste my time checking on Vincent. I knew he was gone, too. He didn't have to do this to me. I know I can tell him anything, but this is one thing I won't pull him into. He can think I'm cheating on him for as long as he wants. When the truth finally comes out, I'm not going to be the one apologizing.

Before showering, I called Brad to check up on the kids. He assured me that they were fine. They had school until next Wednesday. I got to speak to Jasmine. She claimed she was ready for me to come back home, but I paid for a lot of things. No way I'm wasting my vacation time. Dominic was a blubbering mess. Only Tasha can deal with him. Hayden's mother called me and asked if she could spend time with my kids. I'm all for it. She barely gets to see them anyway.

After my shower, I went out for breakfast. None of the girls would be free until the afternoon. Since our spa appointments weren't until two, I'd be free to do whatever I pleased for about three hours. Enough time to double check our plans for the week and drop by Luxury Therapy.