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But I couldn’t reach out to her because she’d committed the ultimate betrayal.
With her lie, she’d shattered what little trust we had.
Funny how the person I needed the most was the one I couldn’t have.
I rubbed the back of my neck.
She thought so little of me.
And that hurt.
Just as her barbs about my occupation had stung all those years ago, her lack of faith was far worse.
I’d learned not to base my worth on other people’s opinions, but I wasn’t too proud to admit I cared what she thought. If I’d done so sooner, maybe I wouldn’t be in this vulnerable position. I could’ve gotten it out of the way. Maybe I wouldn’t have married Alma. Maybe we could’ve had a different life. A happier one.
But now I couldn’t unknow that, given the chance, she’d lie to me. About important things. Not trivial ones.
She’d stayed away for twenty years to keep a secret. And that secret had caused a rift between us that seemed insurmountable.
Yet she was permanently ingrained in my life. Though I supposed she had been from the minute we met.
My phone vibrated in my pocket.
Whitley.
“Already miss me?” I answered.
“Does Alma know you’re aware of your child?” He didn’t bother with pleasantries, and I appreciated his directness.
“No.”
“Good. Let’s keep it that way. This is our ace. We don’t want to play it too soon.”
“Agreed.” Would JoJo talk to Alma? I hoped not but wasn’t entirely sure.
“I spoke to Judge Robard. She’s agreed to see me tomorrow. I’ll call you when I’m out.”
The line went dead.
For once, it appeared someone was finally defending me. It just wasn’t the person I’d wanted it to be.
Thunder boomed again. The floor shook with its ferocity.
What the hell? I’m calling Penelope.
Except I didn’t have her number.
I could set aside my anger with JoJo to get it.
I whirled around to find the woman in the flesh. She stood in the doorway, arms wrapped around her middle.
She looked at me with terrified eyes, and her voice was deathly quiet when she spoke.
“I’m afraid of storms.”
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
JOJO
