“I know and I know she has feelings for me. I have feelings for her. Jay…I don’t want to hurt her but April…” Franklin’s voice trailed off. “I’ve got to be honest with myself too.”
Their conversation stopped when Vicky knocked on the door.
“Hey, is it safe to come in?”
“Always for you.”
Jason watched her as she walked into the room. Although she looked tired, she was glowing with his child growing inside of her. She was round and getting fuller every day. “Hey beautiful.”
Vicky gave him a dazzling smile before remembering Franklin was in the room.
“Hey Franklin, Sandy finally made it. She’s in the courtyard.”
Franklin kissed her on the cheek, “Then I better get to the courtyard. Jay we’ll talk later.”
“Keep me posted.”
“Will do.” Franklin walked out and closed the door behind him.
Vicky walked over to Jason and sat on his lap. Then, she put her arms around his neck. She noticed the drink on his desk and smelled it on him. She didn’t like it but didn’t say anything. She’ll save it for another time.
“I’m sure you and Franklin haven’t eaten yet so I asked Willa to make us a lunch. I’m hoping I can pull you away for just a little while to have a late lunch with us.”
“Hmm…lunch with my beautiful wife or work? I think I’ll choose you.”
*****
Franklin and Sandy decided not to stay for lunch. So for the first time since Vicky and Jason returned from their honeymoon, they didn’t have a house full of people. Willa had prepared them a picnic lunch. Jason spread the blanket out on the grassy area of the courtyard. He laid out resting his head on Vicky’s lap while she fed him fruit.
Jason was loving the quiet, the sunshine, and being with his wife. “I wish I could freeze this moment in time.”
Vicky ran her fingers through his hair, “This is nice but reality has a way of rearing its head. I’m okay with that too as long as we are together.”
For just this moment, Jason didn’t want reality to intrude on them but thought maybe it was a good time to tell her about the hearing.
Jason exhaled, “Speaking of reality, Mr. Lucas called. Ryan’s attorneys have scheduled an emergency hearing for this Friday.”
Vicky didn’t bat an eye, “I know. He needs me to stop by his office tomorrow so he can continue to prep me for it.”
“How did you know?”
“I called his office.”
Jason sat up angrily, “Why did you do that instead of just asking me? Do you think I can’t handle this situation?”
Vicky put her hand on his shoulder to try and calm him down.
“No. That is not it at all. It’s just this whole situation is about Angel and me. Yet, you will talk to everyone else about it but me. In order for me to get any answers I’ve got to call his office. When I try to talk to you the only response you give me is ‘I’m taking care of it’ unless you’re giving me orders about what I have to do that day. I’m not a child, Jason. I’m your wife.”
“You don’t think I know that? I’m doing the best I can to protect our family.”
“Jason, I know that. All I’m saying is you don’t have to do it by yourself. You don’t have to shoulder the entire burden. I want to share it with you. Don’t be angry.”
Vicky touched his cheek and then kissed him on the lips. He was angry and tense and didn’t want to kiss her. She would be patient because he was the love of her life. So, Vicky held his head in place until he began to return her kisses.
Chapter 13
The drive over to Franklin’s condo felt much longer than the forty-five minutes it actually took to get there. She sat quietly in the car debating how to approach him regarding her place in his life. Before she could broach the subject, Franklin interrupted her thoughts.
“You’re awfully quiet. If you’re worried about Jason and Vicky…this storm too shall pass.”
“I have no doubt about it. I actually admire how much they love and care for each other. Vicky never has to worry about where she stands with him.”
“Hmm. That’s true.”
Franklin could feel her piercing gaze on him. Her voice trembled, “That’s all you’re going to say?”
He sounded tired “What else do you want me to say Sandy?”
“You are a very smart man. You know what I meant by that?”
“I’m not a mind reader. If you have something you want to say to me then say it. I’m too tired for games.”
“Fine, I’ll spell it out then. We’ve been ‘seeing where this goes’ for months now. Where are we going?”
The car stopped at a red light. Franklin rubbed his hands over his eyes “Sandy, don’t do this. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now.”
“Franklin, I haven’t pushed or tried to put pressure on you in any way. I’m not asking for the moon and the stars although I think I’m worth it. I just want to know how you feel about me.”
His eyes finally connected with hers “I think you’re an amazing woman. You’re smart, funny, and I enjoy hanging out with you.”
The light turned green and the car started to move again.
Sandy’s heart was breaking because ‘he liked hanging out with her’ wasn’t the same as ‘I’m in love with you’ especially since she’d fallen head over heels in love with him. She broke eye contact first and did her best to focus on the car driving ahead of them. It took everything not
