Page 99 of Changing Lanes

Three in the morning, I’m still awake. The details from yesterday continue to run through my mind. Andi could have been abducted. My mistakes came so close to costing Brannon everything. I’m ill-equipped to be a mother, I’ve proven it twice now.

No, I don’t blame Ava. Andi’s her daughter. Shouldn’t you be able to trust the person you leave them with to protect them? She had every right to take Andi, to prove I’m not fit. People look down their noses at Ava for how she was raised, who it’s made her become.

She’s holding on to all she knows with everything she’s got. Is it her fault this was the only way she knew to do it? I don’t know. I think she should have the opportunity to be a good mother. The only way to see if she can do it is to give her the tools for the job.

I mean, look at me. I hold two degrees, I’m COO of a Fortune 500 company, and I let a child left in my charge to be taken, right under my nose. If the opportunities I was afforded in life had been given to Ava, she may have thrived.

I also know I can’t stay. Do I want Brannon? With every fiber of my being, but I’m not good for Andi. Looking at this from a business perspective, I’m not qualified. She should have the best there is, but I’m not prepared to be her mother. I also am not her mother.

Making my mind up, I get to work. Firing up my laptop, I put my business degree to work. By ten in the morning, I’m at the courthouse. Dressed in my black pencil skirt and white button-up, I march into the building and bail Ava out.

It cost me a pretty penny, but within an hour she comes out the side door. She looks around, spotting me leaning against my SUV. “Need a ride?” I ask.

Walking up to me, she isn’t too pleased. “What in the hell are you up to?”

“Get in, I’ll explain.” Jerking my head to the passenger side, she stares at me until I move to the driver’s door. “What do you have to lose?” I ask as I get in.

She shakes her head then jumps in. “What? What is it you need to say to me?”

“Let’s take a ride. I have a proposal for you.” I put my car into reverse.

“Just say what you came to say.” She leans against the window, looking dejected.

Driving through town, I turn into an apartment complex. Coming to a stop in front of a townhouse, I reach for the manila envelope and get out. I wait for her to follow my lead, but she glares at me until I wave her out.

“What do you want?” She gets out, attitude and all. Why am I even trying with her? Andi.

Throwing the package on the hood of my SUV, I point to it. “This is your chance. This envelope contains keys to the apartment behind us, it’s yours for two years. I paid your tuition at Brunswick Community College for courses in Practical Nursing, a two-year degree. It’s tough, but I believe you can do it. Your car should be here around noon. It’s nothing special, but it’s safer than what you were driving. So here it is, Ava, your opportunity to get your shit together.”

Her eyes switch between me and the package. “I don’t want your charity,” she spits at me.

“That’s your decision, but I’m only trying to do what’s right here.” I grab the envelope and start walking to my door.

“Wait. Why? So you can have Brannon if I have my own life?” she accuses.

“No. It’s for you.” I shake my head. “And Andi. She deserves the best, you need to be that.” I shrug.

Her eyes grow wide. “Why? After what I’ve done, why would you help me?”

“Andi is the most important thing here, Ava. Yesterday proved I’ll not make a good mother.” Shrugging, my eyes fill with tears. “I couldn’t keep mine alive long enough to learn how to be one. I have no right trying to be one to your daughter.”

“I was being a bitch, Torrie. That’s all I know how to be,” she snarls.

“Cut the shit, I’m not in the mood. If you don’t want to give yourself a break, give it to Andi. After all, she’s all that matters.” Tossing her the envelope, I get in my car and turn toward the office.

As I park, I scan the lot for Brannon’s truck, but he’s not here. He’s called a hundred times this morning, texted two hundred. I hurry in to talk to One. I need to get the hell out of here. “One? Hardy?” I call out until I see or hear someone.

“Torrie? I’m in the conference room,” One yells.

Walking around the corner, I see he’s working on a project. “You expecting someone?”

“Not you, in an hour. How can I help you?” he asks.

“The hotel is on track. It looks as though we’ll have a ribbon cutting in three weeks or so. Correct?” I know I’m right, I’m procrastinating.

He sits down, folding his hands. “Yes, it looks it.” He cocks his brow.

“My father will be here for it, so just keep me updated. Here’s the main line at my office, if anything comes up, call me directly please.” I push the card across the table. He doesn’t take his eyes off me as he reaches for it.