Page 11 of Need for Speed

Ace set this whole night up, so it comes as no shock that we are on our way to a burlesque show in downtown L.A. Kynlee loves all things burlesque. Ace threw her a burlesque themed birthday party a couple of years ago. I’m not sure where we’ll go from there, but neither does she. The only people that know are Ace and the driver of the limo. It’s really pretty romantic and sweet when you think about it.

Once we arrive at the burlesque club, we are ushered to a VIP area. It’s upstairs in a balcony that overlooks the entire floor. The red deep purple satin couches look so inviting. Red velvet throw pillows are scattered across the couches as well. A black shag like carpet with flecks of gold line the floors. Drapes hang around in various places being held back with gold ribbon. Gold chandeliers are the only light in the place with the exception of the spotlight on the station. It’s very vintage and pretty.

Hollis and I take our seats and she leans over toward me. “Okay, so what’s going on?” I sigh, and tell her about Seth and Lyndsay and why it worries me.

“I get where you’re coming from. I would have felt the same way if I was in your situation, but at the same time, they are both consenting adults.”

“I know, but I don’t want him to hurt her,” I reply.

She nods her head. “I get where you’re coming from but maybe she will be the one to change him.”

I shake my head. “I don’t think anything or anyone will change Seth.”

“I’m sure a lot of people have made the same comment about our husbands,” she says with a smile. Hollis has a point. Maybe, I’m being too quick to judge the situation. “What else is on your mind?”

I sigh. “My mom was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and just recently found out she only has a couple of months to live at best.”

Hollis squeezes my hand. “I’m sorry to hear about that. Has your relationship with her gotten better?”

“Not a lot but we are slightly better than before. Dale, my stepdad, passed away a few years ago, so someone needs to go out to South Carolina and take care of everything. Seth won’t go which I understand, so it’s up to me, but I haven’t been back there since I graduated college. I’m not a fan of going back there.”

Hollis nods. “I’m sorry that's a tough one. I’m sure that Axell will go with you if you asked him.”

The chandeliers begin to dim as the music becomes louder, ending the conversation between Hollis and me. She’s right, Axell would go with me, but I can’t ask him that, at least not until I come clean with him about everything.

By the time we make it home, it’s the early morning hours. Jovi and Axell are both sound asleep. I shower quickly before slipping into bed next to Axell. My body is exhausted, but my mind won’t shut up. I end up tossing and turning until Axell rolls over and wraps an arm around my waist, pulling my back into his chest. He presses a kiss to my shoulder and hums in appreciation. “You’re home.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It’s okay. What’s bothering you baby?” Axell asks.

Sometimes, I hate that he can read me so well. “How do you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Know that something is wrong with me when you aren’t even looking at me?”

I feel him smile against the back of my head. “Because I know you Sadie. I’ve had a lot of time to get to know you. I know you don’t sleep well when something is on your mind.”

I sigh. “It’s my mom,” I whisper into the darkened room. Axell moves slightly then pushes me onto my back so he can read my reaction.

“What’s wrong with her?”

“Remember when I told you she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure?” Axell nods, waiting for me to say more. “Well, she told me a few weeks ago that she only has a few months to live, at best.”

Axell leans forward and presses a kiss to my forehead. “Baby, I’m sorry.”

“Someone has to go back and take care of everything. I went and talked to Seth today and he won’t go.”

“You can’t blame him considering that she left him and never returned or tried to get in touch with him,” Axell says.

I nod. “I knew it was a long shot to ask him, but I figured it was worth a try.”

“Listen if you need to go then let’s get you out there. I’ll hold down the place until you return. If you want me to come with you, I can do that too. My brothers can take care of the businesses and Jovi.”

His offer warms my heart while breaking it at the same time.Now Sadie! Tell him now!Instead, I’m choosing to be a coward. “No, you stay here for now. If I need you to come once I get there, I’ll let you know. I’m going to try and wait to leave until after the wedding.” I stretch up and kiss his lips. “Thank you.”

“Always, I love you,” Axell replies, before rolling onto his back and pulling me next to him. As he drifts off to sleep, I lie awake and worry about the future of my marriage.

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