As in she was barely eighteen when he met her.
“You are a fine woman, Vanessa. Although, I didn’t understand your need to work, I still respected it. But I think it’s time that you and Juan settle down. Have a family.”
“That will be kind of difficult since we got divorced,” I reply flatly.
“I hear your tone, Vanessa. I know it well. I am not just an old woman pining for grandchildren. My son has changed his ways, as well. Please get in touch with him.”
“With all due respect, Bam didn’t love me enough not to cheat on me. And you barely tolerated my existence.”
“Yes, well, it is difficult for any woman to compete with the love a mother has for her son. In retrospect, I may have been a little hard on you. For that I apologize.”
“Thank you.”
“Perfect. Now you will get back together and have children. It is time.”
The way she says it is very commanding, like she can just wish it, and it will happen.
“When we lost our child, your son was in the company of another woman and didn’t seem to care much. I can’t be married to someone like that.”
“He’s changed. His father’s illness has made him see the error of his ways. He has grown as a man.”
“So did he break up with the bimbo or did she break up with him?”
There is a short lapse of silence. “She is the one who ended the relationship.”
“So he really hasn’t learned all that much.”
“He regrets losing you.”
“With all due respect, I strongly disagree.”
“Bam must grow up and take over his father’s business. He is ready for the task. He will be giving up his polo career for the good of the family. That should give you an idea of the level of his sincerity and growth.”
“I wish you all the best and will say a prayer for your husband. Thank you for calling, but I must go now.”
I quickly hang up and walk into my house, shocked at the contrast of how it looks now compared to how it looked this morning.
It looks empty. Barren.
Like me.
But as I wander around, I start to see what Peyton saw. A house with stunning architectural details and character and, with all the formal furniture moved out, it already feels more like home than it ever has.
I nod my head, my mind and my heart coming together with one thought. I’m going to have a child—whether through adoption or surrogacy, it’s time for me to pursue my options.
Riley’s Penthouse - L.A.
RILEY
I get a group text from Dallas that includes Keatyn.
Dallas: Front Door wants a face-to-face meeting with the three of us to hammer out the final details. I know you are filming, Keatyn, but could you meet tonight after?
Keatyn: We’re wrapping up now, so maybe 9?
Me: Are you sure you’re up for that? You’ve been going all day.
Keatyn: I need food more than sleep right now. Can we have a late dinner?
Dallas: I’ll get us a private dining room at the usual place. See you soon.
I send Ariela a quick text to let her know I have a late business meeting and that I’ll call her after, and then I head to the restaurant. When I get off the elevator in the lobby, Shelby is just walking in the building.
“What are you doing here?”
“I needed to see you. You haven’t called me since you said you’d find me a place to live.”
“My assistant is working on it.”
She frowns then looks down at the floor, her shoulders shaking.
“Why are you crying?” I ask.
“My roommate kicked me out of the apartment. She said if I can’t pay my rent, I have to go. I have nowhere to go, Riley.”
“I said I’d cover your rent. How much do you need?”
“It doesn’t matter now. She already has someone new moving in. My stuff is all in my car. I don’t know what to do. I’ve been poor before but never homeless. I can sleep in my car, but I need somewhere safe to park. Could I at least park here where it’s safe?”
I close my eyes tightly, knowing I have no option. I put my arm around her and walk her to the elevator. “Come on. I’ll take you upstairs. You can stay with me until Tyler finds you a new place.”
She sobs into my chest. “Thank you. Thank you. I’m sorry I’m bothering you. I’m so embarrassed.”
I hug her. I’d be a dick if I didn’t offer her some comfort. “Why are you embarrassed?”
“For not having enough money to pay my rent. I never should have gone to those red carpet events with you. I was just so excited. Opportunities like that don’t often happen to a girl like me.”
“You’re a sweet girl, Shelby. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve never had to worry about being able to pay my rent, but I imagine it’s not pleasant.”
“It’s not.”