“You missed the meeting this morning,” I state.
“I had some personal issues to deal with,” she says back.
“Yeah, I figured.” I slide a stack of papers toward her. “Here are the notes. We’re meeting again next week. I’ll have Tyler message you the time.” I put my head down, pretending to study my computer in hopes that she will leave.
“Dawson,” she says.
I look up. “Did you need something else?”
“Yes, I need you to talk to me.”
“About what?”
“Seriously?”
“Vanessa, what am I supposed to say when your ex-husband shows up with roses and jewels, you introduce me as a co-worker, and miss our morning meeting because you were having brunch on the terrace with him?”
She sits down with a loud sigh.
“You know in the movie, how when Whitney sent you that message and told you what you longed to hear?”
“Yes.”
“That’s how I felt last night. Bam told me all the things I wish he would have said after I miscarried.”
“So you’re getting back together?”
“That’s what he wants. His father is dying.”
“I’m sorry. That must be difficult for him.”
“It is. He will soon be at the helm of their family empire. He’s scared, honestly. And he’s grown up a lot in the last few months.”
“Well, good for him,” I say, forcing my lips together. Why is she making excuses for a guy who treated her like shit? But then again, maybe it wasn’t always like that, and who am I to judge.
“Dawson, I love you—”
“You don’t have to say it. I get it. He’s back. It’s what you wanted. You can go back to living in billionaire fairytale land.”
“I don’t want to do this here, Dawson. Can you come over tonight so we can talk?”
“No. Sorry. I understand. I wish you the best.” I look down, trying to fight back my emotions.
“Have it your way,” she says, walking out of my office. I hear the door shut as I place my fingertips on the bridge of my nose and close my eyes.
What am I going to tell the girls? That love doesn’t always work out the way you planned? That sometimes money trumps love? Maybe I was wrong to come out here. Keatyn said that I would be getting some money from the sale of the stock. I’ll take it and use the money to buy a home rather than uprooting my girls’ lives.
Then I can go back to being what I was when I got here.
Broke.
And broken.
Trinity movie set - Studio City
KEATYN
When I get back to my trailer after filming for most of the day, I’m surprised to find Vanessa waiting for me outside.
“I wasn’t expecting you,” I say to her. “What’s up? Please tell me the doctor didn’t confirm my pregnancy or anything.”
“We’d totally sue if he did. I’m here to talk to you about when you want to announce your wedding. Once it actually takes place, we won’t be able to keep a lid on it. I think we should have a press release prepared. Your agent, Cade Crawford, called me asking about this fundraiser. Did you not tell him?”
“I haven’t told anyone, really. That was the point of it being a secret.”
“I know, I’m just surprised you didn’t tell him.”
“Is he coming?”
“Of course.”
“Then I don’t need to. Now, why are you really here?”
She sits down with a sigh.
“I need someone to talk to.”
“What about?”
“Dawson. Bam.”
“Bam? What about him?”
“He showed up at my house last night. Dawson was there. I had just asked him to move in with me.”
“Peyton told me about your redecorating project. I think it’s a great idea. A good compromise. Um, I called Dawson the other day to see how things went with the girls’ school visit. He told me about the playroom.”
She frowns then nods. “I hadn’t shown anyone until I showed him.”
“He also told me something else,” I say gently. “Vanessa, why didn’t you tell me that you can’t have more children?”
Tears fill her eyes. “Because I thought if I didn’t say it, it wouldn’t be true.”
I squeeze her hand. “I’m really sorry.”
“It’s okay. I made a decision. Regardless of what happens with Dawson, I’m going to pursue having a baby. I never discussed it with the doctor. I don’t know if I just can’t get pregnant or if I can’t carry a baby, but I’m going to find out. And if that won’t work, I’ll hire a surrogate or adopt.”
“Really, that’s so amazing, Vanessa. I’ll help in any way I can. Even if it’s just for emotional support, okay? You can always talk to me.”
“Thank you. That means a lot.”
“Now, tell me about Bam and Dawson. You asked him to move in, what did he say?”
“He said yes. We made love. He told me the girls decided to come here for school. We were going out to celebrate. Then Bam showed up with roses and a huge ruby.”