They stayed up late into the night discussing Alex's past, as she explained who she'd become after the loss of her family. She talked about learning to play softball, how it kept her out of trouble, and eventually changed her life.
"So, this is what you meant by semi-famous?" Nikki asked, and watched as Alex simply nodded. "I had no idea. I'm impressed, but am not really sure I understand why you hid this from us."
Alex looked into the flickering candle flames, and began to explain. She spoke softly, causing Nikki to lean closer. She told stories of the endorsement deals and the money that came with them. She talked about the sudden influx of friends, and how a very naïve Alex had been hurt and taken advantage of repeatedly. "All of that really made it difficult to trust my own judgment, much less trust other people. I pushed all of those people out of my life, and began investing my money. I knew the income was limited, and that I needed to be smart. Fortunately I received some good advice, and made some good decisions over the years."
"Good enough to give my niece a large enough trust fund to provide four digit monthly interest checks?" Nikki asked. "Dani and Rachel are afraid there was an error on the deposit, and refuse to touch the money. It wasn't a mistake, was it?" She watched Alex shake her head. "Why did you have the amount of the fund sealed?"
"Because the money belongs to Madison, not her parents. They don't need to know how much it is. The partial interest deposit into their account will allow them to take care of her, and to have choices." She watched as Nikki thought about it for a moment, still perplexed. "It would allow them to have another child if they wanted." She smiled at Nikki's obvious surprise. "I know they want more, but feel like they can't afford it. Now they can."
Nikki looked at her, amazed at the thoughtfulness and felt her heart swell with love. "Wow, they didn't look at it that way. They were too afraid it was a mistake, they never expected a partial interest payment to be so high." She leaned back against the cushions and thought about how much she had done for them all.
"I will call and explain it. Maybe when they understand the intention they will accept it."
Nikki swallowed hard, and felt an ache in her chest. "Does that mean you aren't coming home with me?" she asked, dreading the answer.
Alex looked away from the pain in her eyes. "Whether I do or not will not change the deposits. The trust is in place and no longer in my control." She sighed as she thought about Nikki's question. Her heart wanted to scream yes she would go with her, but deep down she knew they still had things to figure out. "I don't know, Nikki. We still have many things to discuss, and issues to work through." She gave her a tender smile and said, "I'm glad you came, and have some time to spend here with me."
Nikki returned her smile. "I'm on vacation for two weeks. If it takes longer than that, I'll take a leave of absence."
"You'd do that for me?"
"Of course I would, Alex. I know I screwed up by walking away from you once, and I won't make that mistake again." She reached out and took one of her hands. "I love you, Alex, and I would do anything for you." She placed a kiss on her palm. "I'm glad you are finally opening up to me, and telling me all of these things about yourself, but none of them change the way I feel about you. They explain things about your personality, and tell me why you are who you are, but I've learned that in most cases that doesn't really matter anymore. All that matters is having you by my side."
Alex pulled her hand away and stood. She walked over to the fireplace and extinguished the candles. "It matters, Nikki." She pointed towards the hall to her left and said, "Your room is down that hall, the second door on the right. Goodnight." Before Nikki could react, Alex headed through a door in the opposite direction, and was gone. She closed her bedroom door, and sagged against it. She ached knowing Nikki was so close, and yet still so far away. Controlling herself all evening had been difficult. There were many times she'd wanted to reach out and pull her into her arms. 'What am I doing?' she thought. She pushed off the door and began to change her clothes. She analyzed bits and pieces of their conversations as they ran through her mind, until she couldn't take anymore. She looked at the clock, quickly calculated the time difference, and was relieved to see it wasn't too late to call. She picked up the phone and dialed a number she knew by heart.
"Hello?"
"I'm sorry to call so late."
There was a brief pause on the line before her voice was recognized. "That's okay, Alex. It's not too late. What time is it there?"
"Almost two in the morning."
"Is everything all right?"
"Yes. Mostly." She took a deep breath and said, "I need help, and I didn't know who else to turn to."
"I'm afraid I don't know any psychiatrists in your area, Alex."
"You're the only shrink I want to see, Rachel. What do you say to a trip to Italy?" She held her breath and waited for her to respond. Her silence prompted Alex to try and persuade her. "Nikki and I need you if we're going to have any chance. Besides, there is more you all need to know."
"More than what was in the book?" Rachel asked.
"Yes."
Rachel called Dani into the room, and the three of them spoke for several minutes. "How about you let us discuss this and call you back?"
"How about I call
