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“Jessa, perhaps we should talk,” Benedict begins at the same time my phone rings.
I glance over to see Ava’s name flashing on the screen.
“I need to pick this up. It’s Ava,” I tell him before answering, “Hey, Ava.”
“Okay, so, you know how Bentley turns one in exactly twenty-nine days?” She doesn’t catch a breath, waiting for my response.
“Um, yes, but also that quick?” I swallow the lump inside my throat. “This has gone too fast.”
“Tell me about it,” she mumbles, then releases a sigh. “So, your dad mentioned you may be visiting soon?”
“I mentioned it briefly, but nothing’s planned.”
Beside me, Benedict remains quiet.
“So, Millie and I were thinking about throwing a small birthday party here for Bentley. Just us family, and, of course, Eric because everyone knows he loves to gift Gucci loafers to one- year-olds which they hate to wear.”
I laugh softly, remembering how Ashton kicked them off his feet and walked away when Millie tried to put them on.
“You would do that for Bentley?”
“Of course! He’s our nephew, silly,” she affirms. “So, will you get back to me with when?”
I clear my throat. “Of course, I’ll speak to Benedict and get back to you.”
We hang up the phone. Then I place it on the nightstand.
“Millie and Ava want to throw Bentley a birthday party back home. She said the family only,” I inform him, knowing this won’t go down well. Benedict has been very vocal about his distaste for California.
“You were already planning a trip?” he questions, his voice cold.
“No, I was talking to my dad and said I’d like to visit soon to see everyone. There was no planning, no dates.”
“Bentley should be celebrating his birthday here. Mother has already found the perfect venue.”
“Is there a bouncy castle?”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Jessa. Mother’s friends will be spoiling him with gifts.”
“Money, you mean?”
“Yes, and what’s wrong with that?”
I purse my lips, too tired to get into an argument. “Look, I want Bentley to spend time with his cousins. Plus, I want to see my family. Do you think you can get some time off work?”
Benedict refuses to travel with Bentley unless Eliza is with us. I wait for his answer, his expression deep in thought.
“Will Andy be there with you?”
It’s so left field, or maybe not if you’re suspicious something is going on. I think of something to say, to steer him off track for the sake of my sanity right now.
“Andy went to Spain with Anastasia. I believe they’re an item.”
“He told you that?”
I bite down, force a smile, ignoring the tightening inside my chest. “Yes, he did. They’ve been sleeping around. She’s Andy’s type, so I think it’s a good thing.”
Benedict remains still until he sighs dejectedly.
