Page 155 of From Rivals to I Do

foolish mistake.” She hands me a top as well.

The ride to Rayne’s house isn’t long but I stop to pick up flowers. I try to prepare an apology speech in my head, but nothing is coming. Should I knock? What if

she realizes it’s me and she refuses to open it? Should I just enter? I do have a spare key in my car safe.

I finally pull up in front of her place. I rehearse my lines again.

“I’m so sorry. I promise you, it’s not what you think. I was actually planning to drive to your house today with Ria. Please don’t break up with me…”

Lame. I get out of the car with the flowers. I let myself into the apartment. She’s not in the living area. Her car is parked outside so she must be at home. I check

the kitchen and the spare room downstairs before going upstairs. I check every room upstairs but there is no sign of her.

What’s going on? Where are Charlee and Rayne?

I look for my phone to call but I realize I didn’t come with it. I dash back out to my car. The next option is Queens.

“I hope she hasn’t done anything she’ll regret,” I drive as fast as possible.

I arrive at Queen's about forty-five mins later. I don’t even wait for the car to stop before I jump out, banging on her mom’s door.

“Who is it?” Charlee’s voice. A sense of relief washes over me. Thank goodness she is here.

“Hi Charlee, it's Leonard.”

Charlee opens the door with a wide smile.

“Hi, Leonard,” she says rushing to hug me. I pick her up from the ground and into my arms. Hmm, Charlee doesn’t seem to know anything about the break-up.

That’s good.

“Where’s Rayne, Charlee?” I ask.

“She’s not here,” Charlee answers.

Wait, what? She isn’t? Where the heck could she be? I try to hide my confused expression from Charlee.

“Where’s my mommy? She said she was coming to see you today, that’s why she dropped me off with Grandma,” Charlee says, looking worried.

Great. Leonard, what have you done? Now a five-year-old is worried about her mom.

“She’s fine. I guess we just missed each other. I also left my phone at home so I can’t call her. Your mommy is fine. But do you mind fetching me your grandma?”

I lie, trying to keep calm.

“OK,” she says as she disappears back inside the house.

“Hi, good evening, ma’am. I’m Leonard. I suppose we haven’t met?”

“No, we haven’t. How may I help you?” the older woman asks, eyeing me intently.

“I’m here to see Rayne. Charlee tells me she is not here.”

“No, she isn’t. She is at her place. She called asking me to look after Charlee for the night. Is everything okay?”

“Yes, ma’am, everything is fine,” I respond trying to sound as convincing as possible. “I guess I’ll just go over to her place to wait for her.”

“Have you called her?”

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