This doesn’t make sense. Alexa is such a strong-willed girl. Growing up, she had no problem speaking up. I started to think of legal cases where bullying or harassment was part of the problem. If I focus on the victims' traits, Alexa somewhat aligns with them. However, she hasn’t shown signs of taking her own life or substance abuse. Nothing of that extreme.
“Alexa, bullied? Have you seen her argue with your father?”
“Yeah. It's one thing to argue with Dad, but bullies are relentless,” Ava reminds me with a frown. “Cole was also hot. Girls wanted him. Alexa had what teenage girls would deem the perfect life.”
All of what Ava says makes complete sense now. As I think back again to Alexa before she left for Europe, River begins to fuss. Ava begins to drive out of the windy road and toward home. When we arrive, Lex’s car is parked near the door as she pulls into the driveway.
We argued last night over Alexa and haven’t spoken since. The argument led to him sleeping in the guest room and me lying in bed crying. I cried until I fell asleep, then forced myself to wake up this morning and log in for work. By the time I even made it down to the kitchen, Lex was gone.
“Listen, it might not be best to come in. Your father is—”
“You’re fighting over, Alexa. I get it, Mom. If Austin was acting like Dad, I’d be reacting just the same as you.”
“Your father is stubborn.”
Ava places her hand on top of mine. “If anyone can make him see he’s being an asshole, it’s you.”
“Maybe,” I say wistfully. “Look, I have tomorrow off, so drop the girls off. I want to spend some time with them. In fact, they can stay over. My workload is much lighter this week.”
Ava leans over in a rush and hugs me tight. “Mom, you’re a lifesaver. These girls have been driving me—”
“Crazy?” I interrupt with a grin. “I know, been there, done that.”
We finally say goodbye, and it feels good to at least be able to help one daughter who I know has been struggling of late trying to juggle it all.
Inside the house, there is nothing but silence. I suspect Lex is in his office, given it’s too early for him to stop working for the day. Rather than go find him, I head to our bedroom for a shower. Given the long day, I can’t be bothered cooking and decide on take-out, which I rarely do. All of a sudden, I’m craving a greasy pizza, New York style.
My phone buzzes inside my hand, with Adriana’s name flashing on the screen.
“I’m ordering pizza if you want to come over,” I quickly tell her.
“Uh, no. Did you anger the beast?”
My lips press tight to avoid rolling my eyes. “More like the beast angered me. You know, the same old argument over Alexa. I saw her today and gave her car back.”
Adriana lets out a long breath. “Good. I know she was trying to make a point, but safety comes first. I feel much better knowing she can get around.”
“Me too,” I breathe with relief. “Sure, you don’t want to come over?”
“I’d love to, but Eric is coming over and wants to prep me for the Botox appointment.”
“Oh, good luck.” I laugh. “Let me know how you go.”
“Will do, and by the way, you’re my in case of emergency,” Adriana informs me. “You know, just in case this goes wrong.”
“Why not Eric?”
“He’s been admiring my house way too much. I’m scared he won’t try to revive me and attempt to move in with Julian.”
“I wouldn’t put it past him.” I chuckle softly this time. “Okay, call me tomorrow. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
I kick off my shoes and drag myself to the shower, hoping the hot water washes away this very long day. When I step out, feeling much more relaxed than before, I throw on some bed shorts and a tank to head to the den so I can order pizza.
Halfway through my dilemma of cheese versus pepperoni, Lex clears his throat at the doorway to catch my attention. My eyes glance toward him, ignoring how sexy he looks in his gray trousers with a matching vest. The sleeves of his white shirt are rolled up to his elbows, showcasing his toned arms and olive skin.
Why does he look extra sexy when I’m mad at him?