Page 78 of Love In The Spotlight

“When were you going to tell me you were dating someone?”

Laken flopped down on the couch in her living room. She supposed it took longer than she thought for her mother to get the news.

“I’ve been busy,” she said.

“Not too busy to send me a text at the very least,” her mother said, tsking her tongue.

“You would have never wanted to get that information via a text.”

“No,” her mother said.

“How did you find out?” she asked. “Who ratted me out? I doubt it was West. You talk to Abby more and she’d never say anything.”

“It wasn’t Abby. How is it working with your future sister-in-law?”

“It’s great. I trust her completely. One hundred percent. She and West don’t seem to be having an issue with it.”

“There shouldn’t be one. What she does for you shouldn’t interfere with him, right?”

Not that her mother knew what they all did exactly. “Other than he is everyone’s boss,” she said.

“It won’t be an issue,” her mother said.

“No. It’s not. Abby is in the office one to two days a week. I don’t always see her since I’m not in the office.”

“I’m glad West and Abby are making it work. I know Abby isn’t fond of the city.”

“She’s not, but she said it’s not that bad. She goes into the office with West, so she’s not navigating all that traffic or people. If he has to work late, West’s driver brings her home. But she keeps him from overdoing it too.”

“Which is what you need in your life too,” her mother said. “And now that you’ve got a boyfriend, you should start thinking more along those lines.”

“Trust me when I say it’s been on my mind,” she said. “Having Abby is a huge help. She’s a fast learner and is taking over things I’d have to deal with with this new project. She has a lot of HR experience and she and Nelson are doing great getting staffing set up.”

“So Nelson is working out well?” her mother asked.

“I think he is. He has a lot to learn, but he listens. He’s not West and never will be. He’s not cutthroat even though he tries. I think he should just be who he is and it will work out. There are times his lips are too loose.” It then hit her. “Nelson told you about Jamie, didn’t he?”

“He did,” her mother said, laughing. “Those loose lips.”

“How did it come about? Might as well fill me in so I can make his ears bleed.”

Her mother was still laughing on the other end. “You’ll do no such thing or I’ll make yours bleed for not saying something sooner. Even West and Braylon didn’t keep it this much of a secret with me.”

She knew that and wasn’t surprised it was brought up. “It’s not a secret. They know.”

“But I didn’t,” her mother said. “I thought we were close enough that you’d tell me those things if it was important enough to tell them.”

She hated the shame she felt there, but her mother was right.

“I’m not sure if I’m coming or going anymore, Mom. I’ve always thrived in that type of situation, but now it’s a bigger balancing act.”

“Because not only are you dealing with a work balance and a personal life, but that personal life needs a balancing act too?” her mother asked. “Finding time for Jamie. Jamie trying to introduce his daughter into your life. Then knowing you won’t be first in a guy’s life when maybe you want him first in yours?”

She wasn’t surprised her mother figured this out.

“That about sums it up,” she said. “Oh, let’s add in the fact that I’d rather not have to be dodging cameras and people wanting autographs when I do get to spend a little time with Jamie.”

“West is used to it. Abby is getting there, but West still protects her the best he can. You can’t always be protected and I’m surprised you want to be.”

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