CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN
Audrey
Since Eli professed his feelings towards me, I haven’t stopped smiling. The only problem with that is each time I do smile, I feel guilty for becoming the woman I hate. I appreciate that Eli will divorce Kendra, and the one thing I asked of him after our heart-to-heart yesterday was to make sure he settles his affairs before he comes for me. The separation will be hard for both of us, but Eli explained that this was his plan after all. We both know it wouldn’t be right any other way. Still, I can’t help but glance his way since and have this overwhelming inconceivable notion that Eli wants me. The lowly coffee girl from a small town in Sheridan. A part of me wonders if I’m still in a coma and I will wake up one day to find out that all this since the accident has just been a simple dream.
I really hope that’s not true.
The next day we are up and true to Eli’s word, he makes arrangements to visit his parents’ house, so that he can have it out with his father. On the journey there, Eli’s silent, either due to nerves or quiet contemplation. Maybe a bit of both.
It’s not a dinner this time as Eli feels it’s best to speak with his father one on one but values my company along the way. Reaching out, I grab his hand, giving him a little supportive squeeze to let him know I’m here for him. Eli reacts by softly smiling, the light of his beautiful green eyes glistening back at me.
“We’re here,” Craig announces as we pull up to the familiar stone staircase that leads up to the opulent mansion.
“Thanks, Craig,” Eli replies, letting himself out before holding out a hand to help me to my feet.
We both smile at each other before our gazes follow up to the house in front of us.
“Can you hang around here for a while?” Eli asks Craig. “We’re not planning on staying long.”
“Of course,” Craig replies, with a tip of his hat.
This time as we reach to the top, there’s no one to immediately open the door and greet us, so Eli knocks and we wait patiently, the silence almost deafening.
“Eli,” Sophie sings as she opens the door, a huge smile only reserved for him. “So nice of you to visit.”
“Hi, Mom,” Eli responds, taking her into his arms and placing a kiss on each cheek. “Is Dad here?”
“Yes,” she replies. “He’s in the library. Go say hi.”
“Thanks,” he chips back and when he glances round to make sure I’m okay, I simply nod my head for him to go.
“Kendra,” Sophie drawls out with as much enthusiasm as a someone waiting to get a tooth extraction.
I’m about to open my mouth to be polite and simply say hello back when she beats me to it.
“I think we both know that I don’t like you very much. You’re not a good fit for my son. However, I did appreciate you being there for Eli the last time you were both here.”
“You mean sticking up for him?” I snap back. “Something which his own mother should be doing?”
Her face reddening with rage, she shouts, “How dare you—”
“And another thing,” I add, completely ignoring her. “Yes, I know you don’t like me, and you have every reason to. And I also realize I am no good for your son either. He deserves to have a good, loyal wife by his side.”
Sophie is immediately stunned into silence. She certainly wasn’t expecting that. What can I say, though? I’m completely right. Kendra is as rotten a wife as they come. I can’t exactly defend my honor as I will be defending her and not me. Strange world I live in.
“Do you mind if I use your restroom?” I ask, not wanting to stick around any longer.
She points down the hallway. “Of course.”
“Thanks,” I reply, walking off. I then stop a moment and turn around, noting Sophie is about to walk away. “Oh, and Sophie.” I wait until she looks at me. “I appreciate the gratitude. I know it must have been hard for you to relay that to someone like me.”
I don’t wait for her response. I simply scurry towards the restroom as my bladder is the size of a pea since finding out that I’m pregnant. Well… Kendra’s pregnant. I’m simply keeping the bun nice and toasty for her, dealing with the morning sickness, tiredness, and currently, bladder issues.
I quickly relieve myself and as I’m wandering outside, generally being nosy, I stumble across said library which Eli’s dad is supposed to be in. I hear mumbled voices and, not able to help myself, I put my ear towards the crack of the door.
“Can’t you just let me be there for you in your time of need?” Eli’s gentle voice pleads with Gregory.
“I don’t need anyone,” his dad snaps back. “I’m dying and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. I have already come to terms with that.”