Chapter 124
Scott spaced out for just a second, but he pulled himself together fast.
“Garth.” His tone was steady.
“Dad!” Garth was practically bouncing. “Dad, this is Mamie p>
Mamie froze, totally unprepared for the sudden introduction. There was something about the way this father and son looked at her. It made her uneasy, like they were seeing someone else.
“Since you’re here, I’ll get going. I have plans with my boyfriend, so I’ll say goodbye p>
Boyfriend?
Scott was still reeling from the earlier shock, and now this new bit of information landed like a punch. He pressed his lips together and gave a small nod. “Thanks p>
He studied Mamie’s face, searching for any sign she was faking. But she just waved, cool as ever, and walked away. If she was acting, she was too good at it. Was it even possible two people could look so much alike?
“Dad! Did you see her? Doesn’t she look just like Mom p>
Scott brushed Garth’s hand off his sleeve. “Garth, she’s not your mother. I’ve told you, your mom is gone p>
Garth’s eyes filled with tears. “I don’t believe you! If she’s gone, why have you never taken me to visit her p>
“Dad, you’re lying. You’re mean p>
“Garth.” Scott’s patience was fraying. He tugged at his tie, trying to keep his temper in check. “If you ever run off like that again, I won’t come pick you up. You understand p>
“And while you’re staying at Dorothea’s, you need to behave. Don’t make trouble for other people. What you just did was making trouble p>
Garth’s tears spilled over and he started to sob, mumbling, “You’re so mean, Dad p>
He was so loud that people started glancing over. Scott sighed, then picked him up with one arm and carried him to the car.
“Come on, Garth. You need to learn how to handle your feelings p>
Scott was so strict and serious, he seemed to forget that Garth was only six. No kid that age could keep their emotions in check all the time.
Eventually, Garth cried himself out and fell asleep slouched in the back seat.
Scott drove him over to his brother’s house, pulling in just as Dorothea got home.
“Scott p>
He gave her a small nod. “I brought Garth back. He’s… upset with me. Sorry, he might be a handful for a few days p>
Dorothea looked at Garth, still fast asleep in the back seat, his eyes red from crying. She smiled. “Don’t worry, Scott. I’ll stay with him tonight p>
“Kids get upset fast and calm down just as quick. It’ll pass p>
Scott just nodded. “Thanks. I’ll get out of your hair p>
Dorothea called the nanny to help carry Garth inside. She carefully took off his shoes and jacket, then tucked him in, pulling the blanket up around his shoulders.
Looking at Garth’s sleepy little face, she wondered if having her own child would be this tough someday The thought startled her. She didn even have a real husband, so where would a kid come from? She was definitely overthinking.
Mamie got out of the car and spotted her boyfriend finishing a phone call. She
waved.
“Mamie p>
“Addison, did you wait long p>
She and Addison had been together for two years. It wasn’t some epic
love story, but he treated her really well. He’d spent a whole year just trying to win her over.
That was why she’d followed him back to his home country without much hesitation.
“I ran into that kid again today,” she said. “The one I told you about yesterday. The little boy who called. me Mom. He got lost, so realled his dad to come pick him up p>
Addison smiled, gently brushing a stray hair from her cheek. “Really? Poor kid. Glad
he ran into you. Sounds like his parents aren’t doing a great job p>
She hesitated. He hadn’t seemed irresponsible, not really. But letting a kid get lost… adults had to take some blame.
“Do you like kids?” Addison took her hand and leaned in, teasing. “Mamie, when are we getting married? Let’s have a little one of our own p>
Mamie’s smile faded a bit. “Addison, we agreed. No talk about kids until I’m thirty p>
Addison paused, then ruffled her hair. “Yeah, I know. Just messing with you. Forget the serious stuff. Come on, let’s eat p>
But Addison was five years older than her. By the time she was thirty, he’d be thirty- five.
Three days later, Carola was released from the hospital.
After her accident, Layton didn’t dare push her anymore.
Elise knew everything had started because of Dorothea. She couldn’t talk to
Dorothea directly, so she needed help.
So Elise took Carola to the nursing home.
“Pauline, this is Carola. She’s Layton’s daughter p>
Carola was polite, her voice soft. “Hello, Grandma p>
Pauline’s face was unreadable. “Hello p>
She couldn’t bring herself to like Carola. In her eyes, Carola was the reason Dorothea lost the love that should have been hers.
Pauline looked at them and asked quietly, “Did you come here for something p>