Every Way

“I know,” I said. “It’s another link to John that you want.”

“My baby,” my mother said breathlessly. “My baby died cold and alone.”

“No, he didn’t,” I said. “He died with his head in Hailey’s lap.”

I allowed my mother her moment as I tried to swallow down my anger. She was finally opening up, but I still had a family to protect. Just because she could finally admit what was going on didn’t mean she could keep her guilt at bay when it came to Hailey. If Hailey’s mere presence pulled this out of her, then they still couldn’t be around one another.

“Please forgive me, Bryan. Please. I’m struggling so badly, and I’m so sorry,” my mother said.

“I’m not the one you need to apologize to. I’ve been telling you that for two weeks now. The person you need to apologize to is Hailey.”

I dug my phone out of my pocket and scrolled through my contacts. I highlighted her name as my mother turned toward me, then I handed the phone to her. She looked at it warily before her eyes panned up to me, begging me not to make her do this.

“You want a relationship with your grandchild? Then, this is the first step down that road,” I said.

Then reluctantly, she took my phone.

Chapter 24

Hailey

I slept in late that morning and woke up to an empty bed. I wasn’t sure where Bryan had gone, but part of me was relieved he wasn’t here. I was still processing everything that had traversed between the two of us. Going to the police. Setting up the sting. Him divulging the fact that his mother sent Laura to the gallery. I still wasn't sure about that one, but Bryan was dead set on it. In fact, he seemed so sure of it that I figured he was probably going to confront her about it.

Maybe that was where he was.

But now that things were in order with the sting, I had to call Ramon. I had been putting it off in case the police couldn’t help us, but they were convinced they could. So, it was my turn to do the one thing I was ready to do. Even though I was scared about angering Ramon.

“Please tell me you’re calling to schedule another tour,” Ramon said.

“Not even a hello? My, my, we’ve gotten greedy,” I said.

“It is wonderful to hear from you, Mrs. Hailey. How is that baby doing?” he asked.

“Scarring my body for life.”

“How much longer until the arrival of the little bundle?” he asked.

“Less than five weeks.”

“Are you excited?”

“I’m nervous and ready to have my body back.”

“What your body is going through is a beautiful transformation. In the ancient worlds, you would have been worshipped for how your body has changed.”

“Uh-huh. Well, listen. There’s something I need to talk with you about,” I said.

“You don’t want to sell John’s paintings.”

“Wait, how did you know?” I asked.

“I know what those two paintings mean to you. When you called me wanting to sell them, I was very shocked. Very, very shocked.”

“You didn’t seem shocked,” I said.

“It’s why I lowballed the offer. And when you didn’t even bat an eye, I figured something was wrong. I take it you’ve gotten everything sorted out now?” he asked.

“We’re getting there,” I said. “Wait, you intentionally lowballed the paintings?”

“My dear, you need to have someone come in and price out your paintings. Then, you need to document it. John’s duo paintings? With the exposure and the beauty and the pain they bring to this world? You could easily get half a million for them. I only offered three hundred thousand to get you to back down from whatever ledge you were teetering on,” he said.

“I can’t believe you,” I said, giggling.

“Don’t worry. I’m very disappointed. I was about to get a fabulous deal on a wonderful piece of artistry that will never be duplicated. And if you ever are serious in selling them, I want to be the first person you call.”

“It’s why I called you in the first place,” I said.

“I will be willing to buy one or both of them. On the spot, if you’re ever ready.”

“I hear you, Ramon. I hear you. And thank you. You know, for being understanding.”

“Might I ask what happened?”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“What prompted you to sell the paintings in the first place?” he asked. “Your quick acceptance of my offer was enough to tell me you weren’t in the right frame of mind. Has something happened with Bryan?”

“No, no. Nothing like that,” I said. “Just some things with the artist’s past popped up. That’s really all I’m comfortable saying.”

“And that’s fine. So long as Bryan is treating you well. I won’t have anyone mistreating my hottest artist.”

“And by hottest, you mean most popular. Right?” I asked.

“If you say so.”

“You’re bad, Ramon. You know that? It’s why Bryan didn’t like you in the beginning. It’s why he originally came on the tour.”

“And it was a smart move. I’m irresistible to women,” he said.

“I can hear your grin.”

“You know I should make you trade me those paintings for another art tour,” he said.

“Bryan said you might suggest something like that.”

“He’s a smart man. I like him. It’s why I didn’t steal you right from underneath his nose.”

“No offense, Ramon, but it wouldn’t have been possible,” I said.

“That is why I like you, Mrs. Hailey. You are a feisty one. But, I’m not going to force you into another tour. I know that when you’re ready, I’ll get that phone call.”

“Yes, you most certainly will. Thank you, Ramon. For being so understanding about all of this,” I said.

“Take care of yourself. And when you have that precious child, I want a picture of the happy family.”

“I’ll make sure one gets to you.”

“Have a good day, Mrs. Hailey.”

“You too, Ramon.”

I hung up the phone as I sat on the edge of the bed. This past month had been an absolute whirlwind with everything with Ben and Bryan’s mother changing so rapidly. This bullshit with Laura and having to hire someone at the gallery. But there was a lot of good that unfolded as well. Drew and Anna were back together and happier than ever, and the woman I hired for the gallery was perfect and latching on quickly. Bryan’s and my relationship was stronger than ever, and soon we would start talks on planning our wedding.

I smiled at the thought of Bryan in a tuxedo as I waddled myself to the bathroom.

I splashed some water on my face and cleaned myself up. Sundays were always my day off, and I was feeling particularly inspired to paint. I brushed my teeth, took a quick shower, and then I wrapped a towel around my body while I tried to locate my painting clothes.

But my phone ringing pulled my attention away from my closet, and I smiled when I saw it was Bryan calling.

“Good morning, handsome. Where did you get off to so quickly?” I asked.

“Hello, Hailey.”

I froze when I heard Bryan’s mother on the other end of the line.

“Um, h-hi, Mrs. McBride. Dorothy. Hi. Hello,” I said. “Is Bryan with you this morning?”

“He is.”

“Okay,” I said.

What in the world was this woman doing calling me from Bryan’s phone?

“I wanted to speak with you,” Dorothy said.

“Okay,” I said. “What about?”

“I have a few things to admit.”

I sat down on the edge of the bed and braced myself.

“I was the one who sent Laura to your gallery. I filled her in on some aspects of Bryan’s life, and I let her loose. I didn’t explicitly tell her to pretend she was having an affair with Bryan, but I did want to try and pull the two of you apart because of some issues I’m dealing with.”

I heard Dorothy sniffle before a shuddering breath came through the phone.

“I’m so sorry I’ve allowed my emotional disposition to lead me down this path,” she said. “When I look at you, I see all of the things I should’ve done for John. I see the woman who helped save him, and I see myself as someone who helped kill him. Every time I look at you, every time you’re around, it reminds me of all the things I didn’t do to help my son. And the guilt is just ... too much.”

I felt tears welling in my eyes as Dorothy cried to me over the phone. I knew I needed to be angry. I knew I needed to let her have it, but this woman was aching and hurting in ways I hoped I would never have to endure. My hand migrated to my stomach as my child flopped around, and I closed my eyes and took it all in. I felt my child kicking down against my hips and pushing its head against my uterus. I felt my child wiggling around with vibrant life. A life I hoped I would never have to see extinguished.

The mere thought of it brought tears to my own eyes as Dorothy continued on.

“What I did was wrong. I sat down with Laura at lunch and was venting to her, and things spiraled. She asked me if she could help in any way, and I told her she could, hoping it would drive the two of you apart. Getting you out was the only way I felt I could assuage my own guilt and the hand I played in-in ...”