Page 47 of To Love the Stars too Fondly

This had suddenly turned sideways. Mom was lying. Why was Mom lying?

“I-I’ve definitely heard of your mother,” Mom continued, suddenly very interested in the remaining groceries on the counter. “You, uh, planning to stay for dinner?”

“No,” Alex replied, quickly. Too quickly. “No, I wasn’t planning to impose.”

“That’s just fine.” Mom kept her fake smile. My stomach twisted. “I’ll get started on dinner. Terra, I assume you’ll be walking her out?”

Mom was…panicking? I nodded, confused. “Sure.”

I took Alex’s hand and led her out of the kitchen and to the small living room, where the front door waited. “Do you know my mom?” I whispered.

“No,” she replied, though her gaze remained toward the kitchen. “But she probably knows of me.”

What was this hesitation? This pain? Something had transpired, and I placed my hand on her cheek, coaxing her to meet my gaze. “What is it?”

“It’s nothing.” Her countenance softened—that, or it was defeat. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Call me, though, i-if you need anything.”

“Okay—”

She interrupted my words with a soft kiss.

She left. My stomach felt suddenly ill.

I returned to the kitchen, where Mom stood tense and waiting. “Where in the world did you run into Alexandria Winthrop?”

“She’s a regular at work. Mom, what’s going on?”

Mom shook her head. “You’re an adult. You can see who you want to see.”

The tension surmounted as Mom began busying herself with ingredients, trembling as she forced open a bottle of pasta sauce.

Heat burned behind my cheeks. Whether it was rage or tears was a mystery even to me. “What are you talking about?”

Mom sniffed; I realized she was trying not to cry. “Baby, you can see who you want to see, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t scare me, as your mother. Please tell me you’ve at least Google’d her.”

I held her eye as I pulled out my phone, shaking as I typed the name Alexandria Winthrop, only for it to auto-fill.

Alexandria Winthrop rehab

Alexandria Winthrop DUI

Alexandria Winthrop billionaire

Alexandria Winthrop sexual harassment

Numb, when I completed the search for just her name, I realized the most recent article was from last night.

Blonde Bombshell or Girl Next Door? Who is the mystery woman spotted with Alexandria Winthrop?

God, it was surreal, staring at my own photo, though I faced away from the camera. Alex was clearly visible though, holding the door open for me.

Alexandria Winthrop made a rare public appearance with a mystery suitor, appearing to be laughing and smiling as they entered the establishment. Ms. Winthrop has been reclusive in recent years, but is this the turning of a new leaf? Is this the woman who will tame the infamous socialite, or will she return to her old ways?

Old ways?

I went back to the search bar, this time clicking on one of the auto-fills. Alexandria Winthrop sexual harassment.

The opening headline read: Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Dropped. Alexandria Winthrop Walks Away With a Slap On the Wrist and a Restraining Order