Jonathon chuckles. “Renata is an acquired taste. A bit like beer.” He shudders, and now it’s my turn to laugh.
“I like beer.”
“I guess there’s no accounting for taste.” He is smiling as he stands aside. “Come in, Dillon.”
I step into Vivien’s childhood home, feeling like a trespasser. She is going to be so pissed when she finds out I did this. But it’s a small price to pay if it means she changes her mind and lets East stay in school.
“When the gate security called and said you were here to see us, I’ll admit I was intrigued,” he says, jerking his head and urging me to follow him.
I was half expecting to be turned away. I think if Lauren Mills was home alone that’s exactly what would’ve happened. “I wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t a serious matter.”
A frown mars his tanned forehead, and he looks deep in thought as we walk. “How are things going with Easton?” he asks after a few silent beats.
“Great. He’s a fantastic kid, and I’m mad about him.”
“That’s good, Dillon.” He squeezes my shoulder. “I’m glad to hear it.” I can tell he means that. He comes to a halt at the end of the hallway, opening double doors which lead to a large sunroom, where Lauren awaits.
She stands as I enter the room, offering me a tight smile. “Hello, Dillon.”
“Mrs. Mills.” I nod respectfully.
She rolls her eyes. “Please. You know better than to call me that. Sit down, and let’s hear what this is about.”
She doesn’t beat around the bush, and I like that about her.
I sit across from her and her husband. “I’m here about Vivien. I’m a little worried.”
“In what way?” Lauren asks.
I clear my throat. “She is talking about pulling Easton from school and hiring a tutor for him.”
Lauren knots her hands in her lap. “I was afraid of that. She called me yesterday, and she had worked herself into a tizzy over the incident at school.”
“I’m going to deal with that,” I say. “It will be a non-issue in a few days.” I have already spoken with the school and reached out to the parents of the other little boy. I’m just waiting for them to return my call, but I’m confident I can make it go away.
“There will likely be more incidents,” Jonathon says.
“I know, but I believe Easton can handle them once we provide the right support. I don’t think taking him out of school sends the right message, but it’s more than just this. Are you aware Vivien hasn’t taken him anywhere besides camp all summer long?”
Lauren frowns. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, he goes nowhere. She drives him to and from school because she doesn’t trust anyone else to drive him. Nash comes over for playdates, and occasionally some other kids, but that’s it.” I feel so disloyal telling Viv’s parents this behind her back, but they need to know how bad the situation has gotten. “She is terrified of something happening to him. She can hardly bear to let him out of her sight.”
“Oh, princess.” Jonathon shares a concerned look with Lauren.
“Why didn’t Audrey tell us this?”
“I’m not sure how much Audrey is aware of. She’s been gone for weeks.”
“Does Vivien know you’re here?” Lauren asks.
“No, and she’s going to kick my ass for it, but I just tried talking to her, and she won’t listen to me. I thought she might be more inclined to talk to you about it.” I wet my dry lips. “I love her and Easton so much, but she’s still keeping me at arm’s length, which I understand. I’ve given her space, but this is something I believe she’ll end up regretting. I’m going to work on getting both of them out of the house more, if you could talk to her about the tutor thing.”
“We’ll talk to her.” Lauren bobs her head. “I understand why she wants to do this, but you are right; it’s not a good idea for Easton. He’s an extrovert, and he loves being around others.”
“Thank you for bringing this to our attention,” Jonathon says.
“I hate going behind her back, but I didn’t feel like there was any other option. She’s moving full steam ahead already, so there was no time to waste.”