Page 15 of Degrees of Control
“The paparazzi have been going crazy since news of my illness hit the wires. Did I forget to mention that not only am I engaged, but am home sick due to pregnancy?” I ask, sharing with my mom just one of the many stories that have circulated since the announcement. My attempt to lighten the mood with a little humor draws only the smallest of smiles, but it does not reach her eyes.
“Mom, they are going to be fine. Chase and Dad have done everything they can to prepare. Jay and his teams have plans in place to mitigate anything that may arise,” I say, trying to alleviate her concerns.
“I know they’ve taken precautions, Sweetie. I’m not sure how to broach this with you, but I should probably tell you before you learn about it from Chase,” she says.
“Learn what, Mom?”
“Your father has asked me to move back in with him after tonight is over,” she says.
“Are you having reservations about that?” I ask, trying not to appear surprised.
“No, maybe that’s the part I need to reconcile. I don’t know what’s changed, but what your father has done in the past is no longer of any consequence. I’ve spent years away from him on principle and at the end of the day I still love him, Katie. I’m just concerned with his involvement in the plans for this shipment they’re talking about. I don’t really know any of the details and my mind is running away with me a little bit right now,” she says.
“If it makes you feel any better, Chase told me Carlos is just using his connections to set up a ploy to draw Alfreita out, that’s it, as far as I know,” I say, trying to relieve her anxiety. It has been a long day, and we both have a lot on our minds. We finish our glass of wine and I hug her tight to me before we retire to our respective bedrooms.
I am sitting in the overstuffed chair in our bedroom contemplating whether to sign onto emails or read for a while. The apprehension I’ve felt ever since Chase left for New York is getting worse if anything. I try losing myself in a good book, but am unable to focus. I am restless so I call Jenny.
“Hey,” she says, answering the phone on the first ring.
“What are you up to?” I ask.
“Just watching a movie,” she says.
“I can talk to you tomorrow, then,” I say, not wanting to interrupt.
“Don’t be silly. How are you feeling? According to the newspaper you are home pregnant and sick. Where are you?” she asks.
“I came down with a bug and wasn’t able to attend,” I say, blanching at my lie.
I hate keeping secrets from her, but I can’t tell her anything, just yet. “I also wanted to see how you were doing since I haven’t heard from you all day,” I say.
“I’m okay, I guess. I retained a new lawyer to work through the contract with Chase and his attorneys and when I was at his office one of the paralegals mentioned that Ty lost his job and was offered a corporate position in L.A. It helps toknow he didn’t get off scot-free, but it sounds like he landed on his feet. At least he’ll be on the other side of the country,” she says.
“And I still can’t convince you to press charges?” I ask.
“Kate, we’ve been through this. I’m trying to get it out of my head. The last thing I want to do is tell a bunch of strangers about the incident while he’s staring at me from across a courtroom,” she says.
I make a note to talk to Chase about Ty’s new job. I have still not broached the conversation about his injuries and Chase’s involvement.
“So, how’s life with Mr. Intense?” she says, changing the subject.
“Definitely never a dull moment,” I say, laughing.
“So did you set a date, yet?” she asks.
“Jenny, you’re not going to hound me, too?” I say, not sure how to explain the events of the past few days. “I’d like to get to know Carlos a little bit better, so it actually means something to have him walk me down the aisle. Right now, he’s still a stranger to me,” I say.
“I completely understand, Kate. Tell Chase to get some patience then and we’ll have a wedding when you’re ready,” she says, causing me to laugh.
“That’s what Chase is always trying to teach me, patience and anticipation,” I say, talking for a little while longer before disconnecting for the evening. It’s only nine p.m., and I don’t expect Chase to call for at least another hour or so. I open my book but find it difficult to keep my mind off what may be happening in New York City. The swooshing sound of my phone awakens me a short time later and I reach over for it groggily, surprised I’ve managed to fall asleep.
Message:Just boarded. On my way home.
I am filled with relief, and my heart swells with the love I feel for this man.
Reply:Great news!! This bed is lonely without you.
Message:Try to rest. You’ll need it later.
