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“So it’s going forward? You got Paul to commit.” He scratched his chin and smiled. “How on Earth did you get that man to get serious about you and go public?”
I grinned, but I couldn’t explain it all to Xander. I did nothing short of giving Paul everything. He had me inside and out—all my secrets, insecurities, and weaknesses. I gave him my mind, body, and soul. I gifted Paul my whole heart, nothing less.
Laurence stepped up, and Xander shook his hand.
“Should I ask for your autograph now?” he teased.
I hugged Laurence. “It was just a dress.”
“It was atriumph, Nadia. We are so proud of you.”
A woman stepped forward with a wide grin. “Hello, Patricia with Tela NY News. How does it feel to find out you’re Justus Black’s daughter?”
I smiled. “I have no comment.”
Laurence glared at her and stepped between us. “Get back. Let’s go, Nadia.”
Undeterred, she walked next to us. “Justus said you didn’t invite him to the show, and you refuse to meet your new grandmother, who is recovering from breast cancer.”
My eyes widened as cameras flashed.Oh my god.
“She said no comment,” Laurence barked. “Now move back.” He took my hand and rushed forward, speaking to security, who instantly surrounded us out the back. However, the press was growing. Laurence put me in a yellow cab, telling the driver a street before closing the door, and the car sped off. I panted as if I’ve been running for miles.
Justus’s mom has cancer?
I grabbed my phone and searched online. Justus Black’s mom had cancer five years ago, but now she’s in recovery.
My stomach was still twisted in knots. How long had his mom known about me?
It was at that moment that I saw her face and gasped. It’s me. Though older, dyed, tanned, and Botox smoothed. We shared the Black’s violet eyes and defined cheekbones. In the photo, she stood with Justus next to a Christmas tree right out of a Hallmark channel movie with tiers of wrapped gifts in a house big enough to fit many. Seeing her bright white smile tugged me to that space where I wanted so desperately to have my birth parents’ acceptance. That one day, a grandma would show up with hugs and promises.But that’s not her.Mrs. Black probably knew about me and celebrated while we ate scraps from garbage. While I was in a trailer with my mom, who prostituted for money.
I thought about the love and care my mom and dad gave me. How Mom and I had our “girls night” where we’d do our hair and paint each other’s toenails, then watch a romance movie. How Dad taught me to ride a bike and we’d go on rides together all summer. How we all baked together on Christmas and delivered bags to soup kitchens and nursing homes. They taught me to care about others. They were my whole world, and I loved them from the very start.I closed my phone.There will be no reunion.
We pulled up to the street Laurence had given the cab driver and waited. Soon after, a Bentley pulled up in front of the cab.
I took out money to pay, but Laurence appeared by the driver’s window and handed him his card.
“Thank you, Laurence.”
He winked at me and opened the passenger door. “Your chariot awaits. Paul’s inside.”
Butterflies exploded in my stomach. I climbed in, and Paul immediately took me in his arms as we sped off down the road. “Are you okay? Laurence said you were approached by a reporter?” The intense scrutiny of his gaze made my pulse race faster than seeing how gorgeous he was in Armani today. His soft lips brushed mine, then he waited for me to tell him more.
“Tela NY News. The reporter said Justus Black’s mom has cancer and asked me why I refused to meet her—”
“She’s recovered. The media just wants something salacious to write. You have to approach all of it like it’s none of the public’s business, because it’s not their business. Okay, baby?”
I nodded, and he kissed me. “Good thing we’re leaving. I was in the back and saw your show. You were amazing, and your dress was a standout. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you. I saw you and your mom….”
“She told me to tell you congratulations.” The fact that Paul didn’t elaborate told me everything. She still didn’t approve of us together.
Paul sat back and stared at me. “God, I haven’t seen you for so long.”
I grinned. “It’s only been a week.”
“A week too long.” He kissed my lips again. “Have you decided what you want to do for our dates?” His tone was light.
