Page 102 of Playing For Keeps
“Remember, you have the power, Dori. You always have. You just need to own it.”
“Thank you.” Her tone softens. “I needed to hear that.”
“You’ve got this.”
“I hope so because Aiden knows how to make me back off and cower to him.”
“I know, but you’re stronger now, and he’ll see that.”
We talk more about little things as I drive back home. She’s still unsure of herself when it comes to Aiden, and that bothers me.
Once I pull into the parking garage, I have to disconnectbecause the call will drop. I wish I was there with her. She’s strong enough to handle Aiden, but I’d like to be there for her if it doesn’t go well.
I meander up to our penthouse and debate with myself if I should go there and surprise her or let her see she’s strong enough to take on her family alone. It’s a tough call.
Being alone is uncomfortable for me because of all the people I’ve loved and lost. I can’t project that onto Dori.
She needs to trust herself and her decisions, but I really want to be there in case she needs someone to lean on. I get into our place and decide to run it by Mel, so I call her.
“Hi, Jami. What’s up?”
“I wanted to run something by you. Do you have a minute?” I sit on a stool at the kitchen island.
“Sure. Use my brilliance to your advantage.”
“Dori’s been down about her job and Aiden. I’m not sure if she told you, but she went to see him. She wants to see if they can clear the air.”
“No, she didn’t tell me. I’ve been so busy with work I haven’t had much time for Dori.”
My stomach wrenches. “I’ve been busy too, so she’s been ruminating over how much her life looks like her mother’s. When she gets back, do you think you could make some time for her?”
“Yep. I’ll plan a girls’ day out. I could use one myself.”
“Thanks. She wants me to set up a night out on the town too. Maybe we could plan something and surprise her with it.”
Mel releases a wicked laugh. “On it, big guy. This is the kind of task I live for.”
I push off the stool and walk out to my favorite spot on the balcony. “Great. Talk to Mateo and see if he has any suggestions.”
“Good idea.”
“Another thing. You said you wanted to look at condos, butyou haven’t. I’m still up for investing in one if you’re still looking to rent from us.”
“You bet I do. I’ve just been swamped with work.” She clicks her tongue as she takes a pause. “Why don’t I plan a day out with Dori, and we can start looking then?”
“Whatever you want. I just thought I should circle back and see if that was still an option.”
“It sure is. I’ll put it in my calendar after we hang up.”
“Good.” I glance down at the pool area. “I have one other thing I want to run by you before we hang up.”
“Let me have it.”
“If I’m trying to help Dori see she can trust herself and her decisions, would it be wrong of me to surprise her in Denver? Just in case things don’t go well with Aiden and she needs someone to lean on?”
Melanie hisses. “Maybe you should look in the mirror.”
I wrinkle up my nose. “Why?”
