This morning was perfect. But, it didn’t stay that way for long, Nolan made sure of it. My phone started pinging with angry texts from him about my stories on social media. He’s pissed that I’m getting attention and that I got the invite to this resort before him.
But it doesn’t stop me from having fun with my girls. Lily is living it up here. She’s asking to do every single activity and visit every corner of this hotel. I’m pretty sure she’s succeeding.
My phone pings again.
Nolan: I told you to stop, give up. You didn't listen. «Photo of Aubrey and Lily»
Me: Don't you dare drag them into this.
Nolan: Oh, I see I hit a nerve there. Noted. You need to shut it down. NOW! I’m done playing this game.
Pocketing my phone, I'm determined to enjoy the day with my girls before we leave.
"Are you okay?” Aubrey asks.
"Yeah, why?"
"That scowl on your face says otherwise." She points at my frown. Her finger grazes my bottom lip.
"Nothing I can't handle. Just some stuff with the blog." I pull her to me and drop a kiss on the top of her head.
"I'm always here if you need to talk about anything." She hugs me from the side, pulling me close.
"Mommy! I need to potty.” Lily tugs at her free hand.
"Okay, let's go.”
“I’ll take all your stuff.” I hold out my arm for her to load me up with all of Lily's bags.
I'm pissed I let her see my reaction to Nolan. I need to get that under control.
I will have to call Wyatt when I get home and tell him to definitely keep an eye out. I don't trust Nolan. He has done some shady shit in the past to get what he wants.
And right now, he wants me to be shut down.
Lily comes running out of the bathroom and into my legs, almost knocking me over.
“Tandy Stowe!” she yells.
“Where is your mommy?” I look all around for Aubrey, but don’t see her.
Panic rises as I try to see through the crowd. When I finally see her my shoulders drop in relief.
Her wide eyes match the panic in mine, when she sees Lily her shoulders drop too.
She bends down to look Lily in the eyes. “Baby, you can’t do that! I was so scared when I didn’t see you washing your hands.”
“I come see Coopa.” Lily says so matter of fact.
“How about we go back to the room to drop our bags and regroup.” Aubrey looks stressed and ready for a break as she rubs her face before responding. I swear I hear counting to ten.
“I think that’s a really good idea,” she finally answers.
Lily’s hand is still in mine as we walk through the lobby to the elevators. Aubrey walks ahead of us, her shoulders going up and down as she takes in deep breaths. There is something more than just Lily running out of the bathroom.
Opening the door, I drop the bags on the counter.
“Lily May, how about Scooby-Doo in the bedroom so we can take a little rest before we finish our day.”
