Page 52 of Stand By You
“You can’t change that now,” Nick said. “Don’t worry over it. You were thinking of Travis when you made that decision. He didn’t need to meet his mother and then have her ripped away. That would have confused the kid when he’d just been rescued.”
“But will Nathan see it that way?” Jillian said.
“If he doesn’t, I’ll have a word with him and explain the situation,” Nick said. “I’ve got your back.”
She nodded and he pulled her into a hug.
“Can I get you something to drink or eat?” he asked.
“Maybe a soda,” she said.
He kissed the top of her head. “I’ll be right back.”
She sat down and watched him walk over to the bank of vending machines and put in cash to get out two drinks, bending to collect his change.
The double doors opened, and Geneva came out, her eyes and nose red as if she’d been crying. She scanned the area and spotted Jillian –waving to her as she came over.
“How’s Travis?” Jillian asked, standing up again.
“He’s fine. They’ve taken him to run tests but asked me to wait out here for a while,” she said.
Nick came over with the two bottled drinks. “Would you like one?”
Geneva shook her head, and they all sat down together. “When they get done with the testing, I think you should go back, Jillian. Travis keeps talking about you and wanting to know when you’ll be with him.”
“If you’re sure?” Jillian said.
“I am. It’s obvious that he loves you very much and why wouldn’t he, you’re his mom in his eyes.”
“I’m sorry,” Jillian said.
“Don’t be. I’m glad he’s got this relationship with you,” Geneva said. “You were always good to me before the divorce. I could bear not having Travis in my life while I struggled to get sober because I knew you were with him.”
Jillian covered her hand with her own and gave a little squeeze. “You can still have a relationship with him one day. It isn’t too late.”
“That’s up to Nathan and whether he will allow me to see him,” Geneva said.
“You can ask him,” Jillian said. “He’s on his way here from the airport. They went to Aukland for their honeymoon and bad weather kept them from getting back, before now.”
“I know, I got a call from him. He didn’t sound happy.” Geneva smiled weakly at her. “He’d learned from that Detective Simons that my parents were behind this, and he said a few harsh words, blaming me for it.”
“But you didn’t have anything to do with what they did, right?” Jillian said.
“Right. However, I don’t think Nathan believes that,” Geneva said.
“Then we’ll have to correct him,” Nick said.
“Absolutely,” Jillian agreed.
The sliding doors opened allowing Nathan and Abby to walk into the waiting room. Jillian saw them before they saw her and she stood, waving to get their attention. The couple hurried over as soon as they spotted her.
“Jillian. Geneva,” Nathan said, then he looked at Nick. “I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure?”
“I’m Nick Bardou with the Brotherhood Protectors, and the Lone Wolf Agency,” Nick stood and extended his hand.
“One of Kenneally’s boys?” Nathan said.
“That’s right.”
