Page 65 of Sweet Escape at Bayside
“He let me go, but that’s whatever it is. I don’t want to get lost in the past. I really want to try to move forward.”
Desiree bolted upright. “Is that what Lizza told you? That he just let you go?”
“No.”
“Well, good, because he fought for you. He got lawyers and everything, but Lizza wouldn’t relinquish her parental rights. You were the one theybothwanted. He just couldn’t win the legal battle.”
Violet sat up slowly, feeling dizzy. “How do you know that?”
“Because he was a mess after Lizza took you away from us. We both were. How could you think he’d do something like that?” Desiree crossed her arms, glaring at Violet. “Whenever Lizza breezed into town with you, our worlds stopped. He’d stay home from work and buy all sorts of art stuff and toys for you, and then she’d steal you away after a day or two and we’d both be left in tears.”
Tears poured from Violet’s eyes, and she felt herself smiling. “He wanted me?”
“Yes, and I have to admit, when I was little I was kind of mad at you for it.”
“Oh wow, Des. I’m sorry. That was selfish of me to say it like that.”
“No, it wasn’t. Lizza was right when she said I was better off with him. She loves me, in her own way.” Desiree flopped onto her back and said, “Rick and I better rethink the whole having a family thing. It’s too complicated.”
Violet lay beside her, still reeling from what Desiree had said about Ted wanting her. “You and Rick are solid. You didn’t inherit any of Lizza’s craziness.”
Desiree took her hand again and said, “Neither did you. We have our own brand of crazy.”
“I really am sorry, Des. I never meant to hurt you, and I know it’ll take time before you trust me again. But I’m in a better place now, and I won’t let you down again.”
“Thank you. I love you, too.” She wiped her eyes and said, “Andre is good for you.”
“You have no idea how good,” Violet said with a smirk.
“Violet! I didn’t meanthat.”
“Neither did I, but I love your reaction.” She laughed. “He is good for me. He doesn’t let me hide, and I have no idea why he even gave me the time of day when he came here, but I’m so freaking glad he did. I can’t imagine my life without him in it.”
“Is this when you tell me that you’re going away with him?”
“No. I mean, I want to go with him, but I’d never abandon you like that, especially after all this.”
“So you’re just going to let himleave?” Desiree’s brows knitted. “What iswrongwith you?”
“I have roots for the first time, and it feels good. We have friends, the inn. Andre and I will be fine.”
“Oh, really? Like I wasfinewhen Rick went back to DC? Don’t you remember what you said to me? You told me that I could live without you because I’d done it for years, but that I couldn’t live without him. You were right. You’re the reason I chased after him. You promised me that you were my blood and you’d be here for me no matter what.”
“I remember.” Desiree had been a mess without Rick.
“You’re really good at getting everyone else to see what they need to do, and you’re never afraid to tell it like it is. Now it’s your turn, Vi. YouloveAndre, and by the looks of your sappy ass”—Desiree’s cheeks pinked up with the curse—“you won’t be okay without him.” She scooted closer so they were nose to nose and fished the necklace Violet had given her from around her neck. “This is us.Infinite strength, protection, and unity. The rings move freely but are forever connected. No matter where we are, we’ll always have each other.”
“I know, but I’m not sure I can leave.”
“If you don’t go with him, a huge piece of your heart will be thousands of miles away. Just because you put down roots doesn’t mean it’s where you are meant to stay forever. Sisters and friends move away all the time to start their lives, have families, travel. We’ve found each other, and I willalwaysbe here for you,” Desiree assured her. “All of us will. No matter where life takes us, we’ll always have each other.”
“But the inn—”
“I’ll hire someone to help run it, the same way you offered when I went after Rick. I know you’re afraid that if you leave things will never be the same again, but you’re wrong. We’re not little girls anymore being torn apart by our mother.We’re solid.So please get your tattooed, cursing ass out of my room and tell your man you’ll go with him.”
Violet laughed and pushed to her feet, pulling Desiree up with her. “You saidasstwice today.”
“See? You need to leave before you have me cursing like a sailor.”
