Against the Odds (Fighting to Survive #2)(48)
When they are gone Chelsea says, “This is a mistake, I shouldn’t have come.”
I look at her and try to stay focused on her and not the children. “Don’t say that. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Drake won’t be happy about this.”
I remember Drake’s anger and I shiver. “We need to talk.”
“I don’t think we should be talking without our attorneys.” She looks at me and I can see the fear in her eyes. “We like your shop,” she admits. “As you said, I thought you would still be out on maternity leave.”
I change the subject and say, “I saw that you visited Jamie’s grave. You left things there for her.”
She nods and her lip quivers. “I needed to see her,” she cries softly.
“I can help you.” I take a deep breath and say, “I can help you to know her. We have pictures, and videos, and artwork. Please, let me help you.”
Madison and Caden come back with a small bottle of water. My fingers lightly graze his as I take it from him. “Thank you,” I say before taking a small sip. I feel like at any second, Chelsea is going to leave. This may be my only chance to talk to her and to Madison.
“Are the kids hungry? We usually have food in the back. I could make us some sandwiches.” Please says yes. I can see that Chelsea is thinking. I can’t let her leave. “Please, stay,” I beg.
“Momma, can we stay? I’m hungry,” Caden asks.
I don’t wait for Chelsea to answer. “Just give me a few minutes.” I stand and walk to the counter where Dove and Bethany are. “Would you do me a huge favor, please?”
Bethany says, “If I can.”
“Would you made me five sandwiches with some fruit salad and cookies?”
“Is that who I think it is?” Dove asks. “Is that your daughter?”
“It is. I’m trying to keep them here so we can talk. I’m scared they’ll leave and I may not get another chance to talk with them.”
“Just give me a few minutes to make your lunch,” Bethany says as she walks into the back room.
“Thank you.”
I walk back over and Chelsea is talking quietly to Madison and Caden. “It’ll be just a few minutes.” I cautiously sit down and say. “Madison, if you and your brother want to pick out a book or two to take home with you, you can.”
“I want this one, can I have another one, too?” Caden asks excitedly.
I look at the book he is holding and say, “You sure can.”
“Caden?” Chelsea says sternly.
“Please, let me do this for them.” I look at Chelsea and I hope she can see that I mean no harm. My eyes are pleading with hers in unspoken words. “It’s just a couple of books.”
“One more.”
“Thanks Momma. Thanks Miss Leah.” Caden says walking off with Madison. Madison doesn’t say anything. I watch until they are out of sight.
“He reminds me of Jamie,” I say sadly. “She loved books and he looks so much like her.”
“I looked at the pictures you sent of her. Her pictures reminded me of Caden, too.” She looks through the shop and adds, “That was very sweet of you to send those for us. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I wanted you to know how much we loved her and know how heartbroken we are over losing her.” I look up and Bethany is holding a tray of food. She sets it down on the counter and I nod to her in appreciation. “Jamie was my heart,” I admit.
“This is a mess, isn’t it?”
“It sure is.”
“Drake… I don’t know. I think he’s losing it. He doesn’t know how to cope with all of this. I don’t know how to cope with all of this, either.”
“I think if we can work through this together, it’ll be better for everyone.”
She looks at me with tears streaming down her eyes. “We don’t want to lose her.”
“I’m sorry, Chelsea. I don’t know what to say.”
“Nothing. There’s nothing you can say.” She looks up at me with tears cascading down her cheeks. “Don’t you get it? We’re going to lose Madison. The courts are going to rule in your favor and we’ll be left to mourn Madison and Jamie. We raised her and we love her. I don’t want to lose her.”
I can relate to her completely. Just thinking about the pain of mourning Jamie is excruciating. To mourn two children. I can’t begin to imagine. “I’m sorry. I wish there were a better way to fix this.”
She stands and wipes her tears. “There isn’t. It’s just a matter of time before Madison is removed from my life, forever.” Her lips quiver and a steady stream of tears flow. “I can’t stand the thought of not having her in my life. I don’t know how I can live my life without her.”
Robert
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 glasses and it’s Drake Sinclair standing there.
He begins to walk away, laughing, and I decide to go after him. “Watch my chips,” I say to Gus as I run to catch up with Drake. “Look,” I say as I spin him around. “I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing.”