Nick handed the magazine to the cashier and a few minutes later they were outside on the sidewalk again. He flipped to the article and read it quickly.
“Whatever’s in there isn’t worth getting worked up about, Nick. Lies are what tabloids are known for.” Raina watched him with a sad smile. “I’m just sorry that you have to deal with it now, too. Was it something about me or you?”
He looked up at her. “No, it’s about my mom.”
Raina choked. “What?”
He ran his hands over his hair. “Apparently one of my mom’s friends sold a story to the press. They printed an email my mom wrote. I’m really sorry.”
“Well, it’s not her fault that one of her friends is a sellout.”
“It’s not that. The email was about you. Here.” He handed her the paper. She skimmed the article quickly.
- - - Family Trouble for Leggy? - - -
Sources close to the Alexander family share their worries about the marriage of Raina “Leggy” Winters to finance whiz kid, Nicholas Alexander. Nick’s mother, Julia, is quoted in an email to our source as saying:
“We didn’t hear anything from Nick, just some story on the Internet that he’s married some woman we barely know. I don’t know what to think! How do I know she didn’t kidnap my son?”
Sources also confirm that Raina is not only persona non grata with her new in-laws, but she’s not even on speaking terms with her own father! Leggy’s dad was reportedly distraught when she refused to meet with him earlier this month. The honeymoon seems to be over for Leggy already.
Raina handed the paper back. “It’s okay, Nick. I’m not upset.”
“You aren’t?” He peered at her closely. “I can understand if you are. I’m sure she didn’t mean it.”
She sighed. “Nick, the tabloids are a necessary evil in my life. But I chose this life. Your mom didn’t. She should be able to vent to a friend about her daughter-in-law. She didn’t even say anything that bad, just that she wasn’t sure what to think. Although the fact that she was worried about me kidnapping you is pretty ironic.”
Nick chuckled. “I’m glad you’re taking this so well. Because the text I got was from Bennett. Mom is pretty upset about this. I think we should go smooth things over.”
She slipped her hand in his. “Of course. When family needs you, you’re there. Let’s go.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
RAINA TRIED TO ignore the feeling of dread that settled in her stomach as they drove down the dirt road leading to the farm. He’d said his mother was upset, but was she mad at Raina for bringing the tabloids into their lives?
Would his family even be happy to see them?
“Nick, maybe you should go talk to everyone first.”
He looked at her in surprise. “Why would I do that?”
She looked at him in annoyance. “I’m sure they don’t want to see me right now, Nick. Their lives were peaceful before I brought all this tabloid garbage into the mix. I’m probably the last person they want to see right now. Especially your mom.”
He grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “I can guarantee you that no one is mad at you. My family adores you.”
“That was before. Now they have people stealing their emails and publishing their private thoughts. I know how invasive it is when it happens to you.”
“I know you do, sweetheart. That’s why you’re the best person to talk to them right now. You know what it’s like better than anyone else here. You can help the rest of us get through it. You’re an Alexander now and we stick together. So if it’s a problem for you, it’s a problem for us. None of us would have it any differently.”
He opened his door and climbed out. Raina followed reluctantly. The front door was open, so they walked through to the backyard. Bennett, Laura, and Nick’s parents stood at the railing, looking out onto the lawn.
“Hey, Dad. Mom. We came as soon as we heard,” Nick said.
His mother turned to face them and Raina sucked in a shoc
ked breath. Julia’s eyes were puffy and red. She was filled with anger and shame all over again. Someone like Julia only wanted to help people, to show kindness to her neighbors and her family. She had no defense against mean-spirited journalism. She shouldn’t have to guard herself against it, either.
“Mom, are you okay?” Nick asked.