Chapter 13

CHARLOTTE

The passenger door closes behind me as I watch Alexa stand beside her car.

She stares absently at her keys before taking a deep breath, then squeezes the keys tight

in her hand to finish walking toward her car.

The engine starts as soon as she’s sitting inside, and soon after, the car slowly pulls away from the curb and toward the wrought iron gate. The property looks very secure, requiring Alexa to punch in a code. When the gates open, she’s quick to drive through without looking back.

A heavy sigh escapes me, prompting Ava to rest her hand on my shoulder with concern.

“Are you okay, Mom?” Ava asks gently.

I nod in silence, but truthfully, I have no idea how to feel anymore.

Over the years, I’ve watched and experienced Millie, Ava, and Addy, all transition into adulthood. It wasn’t always easy, Millie being the most challenging, given her affair with Will at such a young age. Nevertheless, we made it through, and I’m proud to have raised three girls into strong women.

Yet, with Alexa, things are different. I never expected to be in this place, watching my daughter walk away, knowing she carries a pain she chooses to keep to herself. It was easy at first to blame it on hormonal changes and being a typical teenager who rebels against everything their parents say, but the longer this behavior of hers has gone on, the more I think it’s something bigger than I ever imagined.

I knew from experience at a young age, or maybe even the same age as Alexa, how time passes quickly, and you’re forever jumping in and out of your comfort zone. One minute you’re in high school, and the next, you’re falling in love with your bestie's married older brother.

Those first loves are powerful. They stick with you no matter what. Alexa's relationship with Cole was nothing out of the ordinary. Two typical teenagers doing what kids their age did. Nothing appeared out of sorts from the outside, not that I’m comparing what they had to Lex and me. Alexa seemed unphased by their breakup over her decision not to attend college.

Deep in my heart, or perhaps it is mother's instincts, something isn’t right.

“Something with Alexa is not right,” I confess aloud, still staring at the now-closed gates. “Watching your daughter go through something she doesn’t want to talk about makes me feel absolutely helpless.”

Ava nods in agreeance, then releases a breath. “I understand, Mom, but Alexa is a big

girl. She's trying to make it on her own. You know she’s stubborn, much like you and Dad.”

“Somethings not right, I know it.” We both stare out the windscreen in silence. River is sitting in her chair quietly while playing with the dolls in her lap. “Maybe, all we can do is be here for her. I know I've offered, but I guess she’s not ready, or maybe she’ll never be ready.”

“It's hard being young, especially in her generation. Breakups, for example, aren’t like back in your day,” Ava informs me, then continues. “Social media places enormous pressure on young people to paint this perfect life.”

As I think back to when Alexa changed, she became much more reserved and to herself in her senior year. It wasn’t just her personality, but even the way she dressed changed.

“I don't think it's the breakup. Alexa changed in senior year. Almost like something happened. I just don't know what.”

Ava shrugs, pursing her lips. “Probably something at school if we're being honest here.

When you’re in senior year, it’s all about school, right? You know, it's not easy being the daughter of Lex Edwards. There's a lot of people who have opinions about being a billionaire’s daughter.”

“We never wanted any of you girls to be treated differently,” I tell her with a heavy heart. “It’s why we did our best to keep our home life as grounded as possible.”

“I know, Mom,” Ava assures me. “People think it's great to have rich parents, but often it comes with being teased more than anything. Jealousy is a powerful trait.”

I tilt my head in confusion. “What are you trying to say, Ava?”

“I’m saying that when I think back to high school, you got bullied if you were a rich girl with a hot daddy. Not me. I stood my ground.” Ava cringes, then shakes her head in disgust. “I’m not saying Dad is hot either, but other people thought he was, is, you know what I mean.”

This doesn’t make sense. Alexa is such a strong-willed girl. Growing up, she had no problem speaking up. I started to think of legal cases where bullying or harassment was part of the problem. If I focus on the victims' traits, Alexa somewhat aligns with them. However, she hasn’t shown signs of taking her own life or substance abuse. Nothing of that extreme.

“Alexa, bullied? Have you seen her argue with your father?”

“Yeah. It's one thing to argue with Dad, but bullies are relentless,” Ava reminds me with a frown. “Cole was also hot. Girls wanted him. Alexa had what teenage girls would deem the perfect life.”

All of what Ava says makes complete sense now. As I think back again to Alexa before she left for Europe, River begins to fuss. Ava begins to drive out of the windy road and toward home. When we arrive, Lex’s car is parked near the door as she pulls into the driveway.

We argued last night over Alexa and haven’t spoken since. The argument led to him sleeping in the guest room and me lying in bed crying. I cried until I fell asleep, then forced myself to wake up this morning and log in for work. By the time I even made it down to the kitchen, Lex was gone.

“Listen, it might not be best to come in. Your father is—”

“You’re fighting over, Alexa. I get it, Mom. If Austin was acting like Dad, I’d be reacting just the same as you.”

“Your father is stubborn.”

Ava places her hand on top of mine. “If anyone can make him see he’s being an asshole, it’s you.”

“Maybe,” I say wistfully. “Look, I have tomorrow off, so drop the girls off. I want to spend some time with them. In fact, they can stay over. My workload is much lighter this week.”

Ava leans over in a rush and hugs me tight. “Mom, you’re a lifesaver. These girls have been driving me—”

“Crazy?” I interrupt with a grin. “I know, been there, done that.”

We finally say goodbye, and it feels good to at least be able to help one daughter who I know has been struggling of late trying to juggle it all.

Inside the house, there is nothing but silence. I suspect Lex is in his office, given it’s too early for him to stop working for the day. Rather than go find him, I head to our bedroom for a shower. Given the long day, I can’t be bothered cooking and decide on take-out, which I rarely do. All of a sudden, I’m craving a greasy pizza, New York style.

My phone buzzes inside my hand, with Adriana’s name flashing on the screen.

“I’m ordering pizza if you want to come over,” I quickly tell her.

“Uh, no. Did you anger the beast?”

My lips press tight to avoid rolling my eyes. “More like the beast angered me. You know, the same old argument over Alexa. I saw her today and gave her car back.”

Adriana lets out a long breath. “Good. I know she was trying to make a point, but safety comes first. I feel much better knowing she can get around.”

“Me too,” I breathe with relief. “Sure, you don’t want to come over?”

“I’d love to, but Eric is coming over and wants to prep me for the Botox appointment.”

“Oh, good luck.” I laugh. “Let me know how you go.”

“Will do, and by the way, you’re my in case of emergency,” Adriana informs me. “You know, just in case this goes wrong.”

“Why not Eric?”

“He’s been admiring my house way too much. I’m scared he won’t try to revive me and attempt to move in with Julian.”

“I wouldn’t put it past him.” I chuckle softly this time. “Okay, call me tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

I kick off my shoes and drag myself to the shower, hoping the hot water washes away this very long day. When I step out, feeling much more relaxed than before, I throw on some bed shorts and a tank to head to the den so I can order pizza.

Halfway through my dilemma of cheese versus pepperoni, Lex clears his throat at the doorway to catch my attention. My eyes glance toward him, ignoring how sexy he looks in his gray trousers with a matching vest. The sleeves of his white shirt are rolled up to his elbows, showcasing his toned arms and olive skin.

Why does he look extra sexy when I’m mad at him?

“Did you want me to make something for dinner?” he asks, keeping his tone neutral.

“I’m actually ordering pizza right now,” I mumble, turning away. “Do you want some?”

“Sure, I’ll just shower and change.”

He turns around, leaving the room and allowing me time to place the order. I decide on both toppings since I’m being indecisive. The app tells me the pizza should be delivered in thirty minutes.

I turn the TV on and channel surf for a bit to pass the time, settling on a renovation show. I quickly grow bored and answer emails on my phone so I don’t fall too behind when the girls come over tomorrow.

Lex enters the den again, this time showered and changed into gray sweats plus a white tee.

Jesus Christ … turn away, now.

He sits beside me quietly, placing his phone on the coffee table.

“I’m sorry about last night,” he says softly. “I shouldn’t have argued with you over our daughter's safety, no matter how much her actions anger me.”

I let out a sigh. “All we do is fight, Lex.”

“I know.”

“I don’t know how long I can fight with you.”

Lex straightens his shoulders in a panic, cocking his head to stare at me profusely. “What are you suggesting?”

“I’m telling you, I’m exhausted.”

Silence falls between us until he grabs my hand and brings my wedding band to his lips.

“I can’t lose you,” he whispers.

“Lex,” I call softly. “We need to let Alexa live her life and get through whatever she needs to. But you need to promise me something?”

“What?” he questions, his tone defeated just like mine.

“When she needs her daddy, he’s going to be right there holding onto her tight.”

Lex’s chest rises, then falls, followed by a winded breath. “Charlotte, I promise. After all, she is our baby.”

“Always.” I smile.

And for the rest of the night, we enjoy our pizza and each other’s company, something we haven’t done for the longest time.

It reminds me of when I was eighteen, and he was Adriana’s college-aged older brother. How we spent hours laughing and fooling around, thinking we had our whole lives ahead of us and our love would stand the test of time.

Well, it did.

Some things in life are destined to change but being in love with Alexander Edwards will never be one of those things.