Against the Odds (Fighting to Survive #2)(47)

“I’m sure we have more than we need. Thank you.”

“Very well, Sir.” He walks around and opens all the blinds. I look around the room and take notice of the dozens of pink roses that are strategically placed around the large open area.

Before he leaves, I remove two one hundred dollar bills from the stack and hand it to him. “Thank you. We won’t be needing anything else during our stay.” I say it to him, but I say it loud enough for my team to hear me. I don’t want them taking advantage. We aren’t here on a vacation. This is work. I’m one step closer to getting my revenge on Kennedy.

Gus is pulling cold cuts and cheese out of the refrigerator while Dad turns the television on the sports channel. Tim is standing at the large picture window watching the water show. “This is a great view, Robert.”


I walk over to where he stands and I also admire the view. “It is. Leah would like it here.”

“During any other circumstances, she would.”

“Who wants a sandwich?” Gus calls from the kitchen.

“Are you going to eat?” Tim asks.

“I am. I want to call Leah first.”

After lunch and after I call home and talk to Leah, we hit the casino. The casino is busy. You would never know it’s in the middle of the day. It looks like a very busy nightclub on a Saturday night. People are already drinking and some are even drunk. Stale cigarette smoke fills the air.

Tim and Dad leave to play some slots while Gus and I walk around. We stop and watch a few of the Black Jack tables. I see some card sharks right away and a few newbies. I decide on my table and Gus joins me. I think I have everyone figured out but the guy wearing the sunglasses. He is dressed in all black and looks out of place. I think he is trying to look intimidating, but he failed miserably. After losing a few hands intentionally, I decide to up the stakes. Gus and I win back and forth a few times. The mystery man laughs, collects his few chips, stands and says, “Bobby, you’re much better than I gave you credit for.” Surprised that he knew my name, I just watch him. He removes his dark sunglasses and it’s Drake Sinclair standing there.

Leah

Mom and Margie come over, and I leave to run to the shop for a few hours. It’s the first time I’ve been away from Gracie. I need a few things, but I also just need some time away. So much has happened and I just need to get out and breathe some fresh air.

I pull up at the shop and admire my cute sign with Jamie’s name written on it: Jamie’s Cozy Corner: Books, Coffee, & Sweets. It’s Your One-Stop Shop. I wonder if I’ll need to change that to say; Jamie, Madison, and Grace’s Cozy Corner: Books, Coffee, & Sweets. It’s Your One-Stop Shop. I smile. I may change it anyway.

I walk into the shop passing by patrons who are sitting outside at the bistro tables. Although it’s hot, people still enjoy sitting outside. The shop is extremely busy on this Friday afternoon. I say my hellos to Bethany and Dove before I start cleaning up and helping out. I answer a few questions about the baby from the regulars who ask and I also fill Dove and Bethany in on Grace. I smile and I can feel the grin all the way to my eyes.

After I gather what I need, I begin towards the door. I look over and in the seating area is Madison and Chelsea. I look back to Dove and Bethany and they are attending other customers. I can’t move but stare at Madison. She is so beautiful. I swear I think I can see Gracie in her small features. She looks up at me and smiles. I smile back and give her a small wave. Chelsea sees me and stands to leave.

I quickly gather my thoughts and walk over to them. “Please don’t go,” I plead.

“We shouldn’t be here. I thought…”

I interrupt. “I would be out on maternity leave?”

“Yes.” She looks down at Madison and not at me. “Please, stay. I just want to talk to you.” I look from Chelsea to Madison and say, “How are you, Madison?”

Madison looks to Chelsea before answering me. “I’m fine.”

“Mommy, can we get this book?” I look behind me and a little boy is standing there. I have to hold on to the back of the couch to keep from falling.

“Are you all right?” Chelsea asks concerned.

“I need to sit down,” I whisper. I don’t want to draw attention to myself. She helps me and I take a few deep breaths. The little boy looks just like Jamie. I run my hands up and down my arms to warm the cold chills. I feel like I just saw a ghost.

“Momma, is she all right?” Madison loudly whispers to her Mom, I mean Chelsea. I’m her Mom. Will that ever sink in? Will I ever get to call her my daughter? I want to get to know her and to see her.

“I’m fine,” I finally say. I look to Madison and Chelsea, and then to the little boy.

“Leah, this is my son, Caden,” Chelsea says. “And you already met Madison.”

I try to not stare, but I can’t help it. “Hi, Caden,” I say with a small smile. It takes everything I have to not touch him, or kiss him, or hug him. He reminds me so much of Jamie and it breaks my heart. I miss her so much. And I look at Madison and she looks so much like Robert and me.

He doesn’t say anything but hides behind his mother instead. Chelsea finally sits down beside me. “Madison, would you please get Miss Leah some water? Caden, can you help your sister, please?”

“Yes Momma,” they say in tandem before they dart off.