“What matters is what you think. Actually, that’s not right. What matters is how you feel. How he makes you feel. Aiden and I seem perfect because we have this amazing connection. We appreciate each other and thank God for every day we have together. But it started with a spark. An instant deep-in-my-soul feeling. A feeling that I was exactly where I belonged when he held my hand.”
“I felt like that once.”
“You did?”
“Yeah,” she says softly. “Can I ask you another question?”
“Of course.”
“When Dawson came for your eighteenth birthday party, was he dating Whitney?”
“No.”
“To your knowledge, has he ever cheated on anyone?”
“No. He’s not like that. The Johnson boys are wild, but even Camden, the wildest brother of them all, isn’t a cheater. Their parents are happily married and they value family and friendships. They understand what a good relationship should be.”
“At your party, Dawson and I went back in Tommy’s office to drink scotch. He was a gentleman, touched my back as he led me through the doorway. I felt like a school girl. We talked, and he kissed me. Best kiss of my life. Hands down. I always wondered.”
“This conversation makes me think of B. Maybe fate is giving you a second chance. Maybe you and Dawson were supposed to get together then, but you chose different paths.”
“And you think fate brought our paths back together?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve kissed a lot of boys, but that kiss was memorable.”
“Vanessa, one of the things I’ve always admired about you is your confidence and knowing what you desire and going for it.”
“Having Bam cheat on me and losing the baby, made me lose my confidence.”
“You didn’t lose it. It’s still in you. What you went through has just made you more compassionate. And compassion is not a weakness. When I came back from Europe and was confused about Brooklyn, you gave it to me straight. You told me he just wasn’t into me. I’m going to return the favor. Vanessa, Dawson is into you. Don’t let Bam or anything that may have happened in the past get in the way of what matters.”
“What matters? I’m not sure I even know anymore.”
“It’s all that ever matters. Love. Why are you even hesitating? You love him. You asked him to move in with you. You adore his daughters.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“And while you’re at it, tell Bam to pound some sand up his ass, for me, when you send him back to his yacht.”
She kisses my cheeks, laughing, as she leaves.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16th
Captive Films - Santa Monica
DAWSON
I’m in a bad mood. I haven’t spoken to Vanessa since yesterday morning. I know I was a dick to her, but whatever. She wants to be with Moneybags, I hope she’s happy.
Actually, that’s not true. I hope she’s miserable with him.
“You have a really bitchy and demanding woman calling for you,” Tyler says over the speaker in my office. “I’ve already told her you were busy twice, but I think she’s going to keep calling until you talk to her.”
“Who is it?”
“She says she’s your mother-in-law. Do you have a moment to find out what’s so important?”
“Sure, put her through.” I take a deep breath, pick up the handset, and greet her. “Mrs. Clarke, how are you?”
“Not very well, actually. I just heard that you’re thinking of moving my grandchildren to that wretched place.”
“You mean Los Angeles?”
“Yes, the Land of Make Believe. I won’t allow it.”
“I’m afraid you don’t really have a say in it, Mrs. Clarke. My job is here, and the girls are excited to go to their new school.”
“And just what kind of school is it?”
“It’s a private school very worthy of your grandchildren. You would approve.”
“Were you going to consult me on this?”
“Um, no. I wasn’t.”
“When were you going to tell me?”
“As soon as it’s official. They visited the school this week, and we’ve had our interview, but we’ve yet to get a final response as to their acceptance.”
“Ava told me she’s moving. That she’s going to be allowed to wear makeup. What are you thinking? Do you want your daughter to end up on a pole?”
I try really hard not to sigh audibly. It will just get her going more. “No, I’m not. And it’s just clear mascara and some lip gloss. Not a big deal.”
“I’m going to fight the move.”
“And how are you going to do that?”
“I’m going to sue for custody. I have rights as a grandparent.”
“You threatened to do that after Whitney killed herself. You didn’t do it then, and you aren’t going to do it now. You don’t want to have to deal with the girls on a daily basis, and you know it.”
“That’s not true. I only want what’s best for them. There’s no reason you can’t get a job here.”
“I like my job in L.A. and, honestly, I think the change will be good for the girls. A fresh start for all of us.”
“So they can forget about their mother?”
“They are never going to forget about their mother.”
“I don’t know why you can’t just stay here.”
“Because my job is here, and I need to support them. You know, since your son-in-law stole all of my money.”