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When I slip into Vaughn’s office, I find him at his desk, a scowl front and centre.
I gingerly take a seat. “What’s up?”
“Your new friend, that’s what’s up.”
My forehead creases in confusion. “What does that mean?”
“Kellie recognised you as being the woman with Caden North in all those stupid viral videos.”
A sheen of sweat breaks out across my forehead. “Oh myGod.”
“She’s gone to the media, told them she knows the mystery woman and her whereabouts.”
I feel like my world has just spun on its head. Tears prick my eyes at my naivety in thinking I could ever trustanyone.
“And worst of all, my media contact told me that she said she has photos and video footage of you backstage here, which are ruinous to both you and my business.”
* * *
CADEN
Once the gang has recovered, and little Bash has been changed into a new outfit and a fresh nappy, we gather in the living room. Mila makes short work of passing out enough Italian food to feed a small army.
As we’re finishing, Jesse’s phone begins to ring. His face flushes, and he can’t meet my eyes when he tugs it from his pocket. “I need to take this.”
“You can use the spare room for some privacy, Jesse.” Mila nods kindly, and Jesse slips from his seat beside me. His voice echoes through the hallway before he closes the door. “Hey, Mom!”
I exhale heavily, waiting for the inevitable onslaught, only to glance around the table to find four pairs of sad eyes trained upon me.
“What?”
They glance at one another, exchanging silent questions. Henry is the first one to speak. “You okay, brother?”
“I’m fine.” I pick up my glass of water to soothe my suddenly parched throat.
“Where is she?”
I force my lips downward as I shrug indifferently. “I haven’t asked. Gone back to the States, presumably.”
“He’s a wonderful boy.” That’s Liv.
I meet her kind blue eyes, and she continues.
“He’s very like you. Not just in looks, but in his actions.”
“Yeah!” Henry chimes in. “They have the exact same laugh, the same sense of humour. It’s uncanny.”
“I think he’s like his mother.” The words have left my mouth before I can help myself.
Four faces stare at me askance, so I’m obligated to continue. “He’s kind. Caring. Thoughtful. Selfless…”
I trail off at the last, my forehead crumpling as tears prick my eyes.
“Sounds like his motherandhis father have a lot in common, in that case.”
I raise confused eyes to Mila as she smiles softly.
“It’s okay for the heart to want what it wants, regardless of the apparent rights and wrongs of it, Cade. Life isn’t ever black and white.”
