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Jesse simply nodded once, though I could tell he had so much more to say. What I wouldn’t give to hug him. But Theo and his family were watching, and I didn’t want to have this big emotional farewell with them here. It didn’t feel right when I turned on my heel to head inside.
Maybe that’s why I was so thankful when he reached out and took my hand, calling my name.
“Vivian, wait.”
I held my breath. “Yes?”
“If you need anything,” he said slowly. “Let me know.”
I was tempted to say that I neededhim, but I didn’t want this to be any more awful than it already was. “I will,” I replied softly, giving his fingers one last squeeze before allowing Ava to show me inside.
The men spoke in hushed whispers at the front door while Ava guided me up the stairs and down the hall toward the guest bedroom. It was significantly cozier compared to my room in the penthouse. The walls were covered in various art pieces and the shelves were filled with all sorts of children’s books.
“I hope you’ll be comfy here,” Ava said, gesturing to the space. “The bathroom’s just across the hall, and Theo and I are right next door if you need anything.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I really appreciate it. I hope I’m not being too much of an inconvenience.”
Ava waved a hand dismissively. “Nonsense. We’re happy to have you.”
“I’m just worried about your kids. Jesse said I’d be safe here, but if—”
“Trust me, Theo made sure to turn this place into a fortress before Cassie was born. There’s no way anybody will find you here. You can rest easy.”
I nodded slowly. “A fortress, huh?”
Ava beamed with pride. “Yes. All the windows are tinted so no one can see in. They’re also bullet resistant. The doors are reinforced with steel locks, there are motion sensors around the perimeter of the property, and we’ve got an entire network of security cameras to alert us of an unexpected approach.”
“Oh, wow. No offense, but that feels a little…”
“Overboard? Yeah. I told him as much, but there’s no stopping my husband once he’s put his mind to something.” She winked at me. “Let’s just say we learned from experience.”
I was curious and wanted to ask her what she meant by that, but Cory tugged on his stepmother’s sleeve. “Can I show Vivian my art room?” he asked.
“She might be a little tired. We should let her get settled.”
I smiled as wide as I could. “I wouldn’t mind seeing your art room.”
Cory turned with a spring in his step. “Right this way!”
He led me to another room, this one far more spacious and filled to the brim with art supplies. Several easels with canvases on them sat around the room, a number of the projects mid-completion. There were also several award plaques, ribbons, and trophies against one wall, all with Cory’s name on them.
“Are these yours?” I asked, fascinated.
The boy nodded, chest puffed out with pride. “It helps that Ava’s an art teacher. She knows all sorts of contests that I can enter.”
Ava smiled sweetly, patting her baby girl gingerly on the back as she stirred. “Yes, but you’re only allowed to enter them as long as you don’t let your other grades slip. That’s the agreement we came up with with Dad.”
Cory shrugged, leaning toward me to whisper, “I’m not doing so great in math.”
“I can help you with that,” I offered. “I’m actually really good at math.”
“Really? Maybe after supper? I’ve got two whole pages to finish. It’s due tomorrow.”
I laughed. “Sure. I’ll see what I can do.”
Ava held a hand out to her stepson. “Speaking of supper, why don’t you wash up. We’re having tuna casserole. I hope you like it.”
“Love it, actually. It’s one of my favorites.”
