Anna laughed. “That’s the understatement of the century. After that, he really didn’t date anyone for a long time. He’d take different women to events and things like that, but Jade is the first one he’s put up with long-term.”
“Jade,” Lexi winced just at saying her name. “I want to strangle her. And for the record, she’s shady.”
“Oh, I know.”
The two women sat quietly, each in their own thoughts as the waitress poured them coffee. Lexi blew gently across the top of her mug and took a sip.
“So, back to my question,” Anna prodded again, seeing if Lexi was ready to answer her yet. “Do you love Vincent?”
“What do you think?” Lexi turned it around so she could avoid answering.
“I think you love him so much it scares you to death. I think you love him more than anyone outside his family ever has and that you’re the one person he can count on in this world to have his best interest at heart. Even above your own.”
Lexi sighed. “Let’s just say, hypothetically, that you’re right. What good would it do? Am I supposed to wait, day after day, and watch him and Jade frolic together through life and hope someday he will snap out of it and kick her to the curb? Can you imagine how hard it is to see them together and wish it was me?” Lexi’s eyes welled with tears. “When she’s gone, he’s so wonderful to me, and I think maybe, just maybe, he feels something for me. And then Jade flies back into town on her broomstick, and I go back to being invisible.”
“Lexi, you’re most definitely not invisible.” Anna pulled out her phone again and waved it at her across the table. “Even if he doesn’t show it, you’re always on his mind.”
“On his mind and in his heart are two totally different things,” Lexi said sadly.
“He said you have the most beautiful smile,” Anna offered. “And he loves arguing with you.”
Lexi rolled her eyes. “He’d say the same about you.”
“True, but he didn’t kiss me like he kissed you at my house either.”
Lexi went white as sheet. “You know about that?”
“Yep.”
“Who else knows?”
“Everyone in my family. Vincent told us about it that night.”
“Oh God, this is all just too much. I feel like I’m on this emotional rollercoaster every day. I wonder if happy Vincent or angry Vincent will show up. i wonder if Jade’s going to be there and treat me like gum stuck to the bottom of her shoe, or is today a good day—one where Vincent will be playful and relaxed. Will his hand somehow find a way to brush against mine every chance he gets? Will he sweep the hair over my shoulder and brush the pad of his thumb over my cheek? Will he look at me and smile, making my stomach flutter and my blood race through my veins? I love him so much it hurts, Anna.”
Anna’s eyes lit up at Lexi’s pained admission, but she contained her jubilance. “Why don’t you come to my house for a picnic this weekend, and we’ll eat some food, relax, and talk about this more.” Lexi opened her mouth to protest, but Anna cut her off. “Vincent and Jade won’t be there. She has a something in Denver over the weekend and Vincent’s going with her, so it’ll just be the family. Madison would love to see you. She’s been asking about you.”
Lexi scowled at Anna, trying to hide her smile. “Not fair using Maddie to get me to come.”
“I never said I was a fair woman.” Anna reached for the check and slipped the waitress her credit card before Lexi could make a move. “My treat.
It’s the least I can do for the woman who is going to save my brother.”
“Anna.”
All playfulness gone, Anna grabbed her hand. “Tell me what you want. Don’t tell me what think you deserve, or what’s impossible, none of those excuses. What do you want, Lexi White?”
Lexi knew what she wanted; there was never any question. But thinking it in her head and saying it out loud were two totally different things. In her head it was a fantasy, a dream that wasn’t based in real life. But once she said the words, it would be out there. It would be real. She thought carefully about it, then took a deep breath and whispered, “V-Vincent.” When she said it, she felt like a weight was finally lifted off her shoulders. It felt good. A little louder she said, “I want Vincent.” Then she corrected herself slightly. “I want Vincent to want me too.”
“Excellent.” Anna grabbed her purse, and together she and Lexi walked out the door of the restaurant. As they waited for the valet, Anna turned to her and grinned. “Now that you’ve admitted it, tell me, what the hell are you going to do about it?”
“I’m going to find out if dreams really do come true.”
∙ 26 ∙
h oney, you’ve been running around all morning. It’s a cookout. We do this at least twice a month, why are you vibrating around the house like this?
You’re making me nervous.” Erik cornered Anna as she wiped down the table on the deck for the second time.
“I just want everything to be perfect.” Anna adjusted the centerpiece, pulling off the dead leaves and tossing them onto the grass behind her.
Erik eyed his wife suspiciously. “What did you do now?”
“I’m offended at the accusation. I didn’t do anything.”
“Really? Because you’ve been acting weird for a few days now.” He watched her straighten the place settings and napkins—again. “Like the cat that’s swallowed the canary.”
She took a deep breath and answered. “Listen, Lexi’s been having a rough time of it lately. Don’t ask me why because I’m not telling.” She held up her hands at Erik for emphasis. “And, in case you forgot, the last time she came over, Vincent nearly sucked her face off, then acted like a boob, and she left in tears. I just want her to see we are nice, normal people. I want her to cheer up a little and feel at home when she’s with us. Is that so wrong?”
Erik still wasn’t convinced, but he tried shutting his mouth and went back to cleaning the grill. “No, not if you’re telling the truth. But I get the feeling—”
“Mommmmy!” Madison screamed from inside. “Telephone. It’s Uncle Vince.”
Anna’s eyebrows shot up, knowing Vincent and Jade had left town that morning. “I wonder what he wants.” She looked down the driveway. “Oh, honey, Mom and Dad just got here. Go help them. Dad’s going to try and drag that cooler over here all by himself.”