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Balina interrupts, saying, "You don't know what's best for her yet. And maybe she doesn't, either. People like figuring things out independently, especially when they're involved with someone perceived as successful and powerful like you, Shane. You might not realize it, but you can be intimidating. Your image is that of success, wealth, and fame. Even if it's not entirely true, that's how people see you. Trust me, being with someone always in the spotlight makes people worry about not fitting in or belonging with us. They feel like they have to be someone they're not just to keep up, when the truth is it's usually us who are the ones that need to adjust."
I sigh, letting her words sink in. Balina's right. Nicole's been through a lot, and she probably feels she has to handle it alone.
Balina pauses, her voice softening. "Look at me, going on a rant."
"Yeah, save some for your legion of followers, will you?" I joke, trying to lighten the mood.
Balina laughs heartily. "Twelve million strong," she says proudly. "How's your three doing?"
"It's 3.3 million now, Balina," I reply with mock pride.
Balina claps her hands on the other end of the line, and I can't help but chuckle.
"So, do we have anything special planned? Any surprises?" Balina asks.
"Well, Antonio Conti's coming over tonight and making dinner for all of us," I reply.
"Antonio Conti, he's busy," she says. "How did you manage to set that up?"
"He's just an old family friend. I guess it's one of the perks of being a rich and famous person," I say jokingly.
A buzz on my phone interrupts my thoughts. "Hold on a second, Balina," I say, checking the message. It's Kristen.
"Shane, there's a Dr. Wilks on the phone. From East Bay Dental."
I quickly switch the line back to Balina. "Hey, I've got to run. Talk soon?"
"Of course, Shane. Take care," she replies.
I click over to Kristen. "Put him through, Kristen," I say, bracing myself for the conversation.
"Mr. Matthews," an older man's voice greets me. "This is Dr. Wilks. I was calling because your nephew Jaime missed his appointment today."
I groan inwardly, remembering something about Jaime's dental appointment but forgetting the exact day. "I apologize, Doctor. The nanny usually handles these things. I'll give her a call and see about rescheduling. Will that work?"
"Yes, Mr. Matthews. We look forward to hearing from you soon."
After hanging up, I dial Nicole.
"Hey, Shane," she answers, her voice calm but tinged with something I can't quite place.
"Hey, I got a call from Jaime's dentist. He had an appointment today, and they want to reschedule."
Nicole sighs heavily. "I completely forgot, Shane. I'm so sorry. I've just... I've had a lot going on."
"It's fine, Nicole. We can reschedule. Is everything alright? I just want to make sure you're okay."
"Yeah, I'm just figuring some things out. I promise this won't happen again."
Her voice carries a weight of distress that I can't ignore. "Look, I was thinking we could go camping with Jaime this weekend. I know a place—"
"Sorry, Shane. I'm not really up to it. I just want to ground myself around here before I go off getting lost in the woods."
I can tell she's struggling with the excuse, her voice betraying her uncertainty. "Umm... sure, Nicole. You do that. If you want a day off or some alone time, just me and you, just say the word."
"I know, Shane, and I do. I just need a bit of space right now. I haven't been well. And I need you to know it's nothing to do with you. You guys are everything to me," she emphasizes, her sincerity piercing through the phone.
"Just don't hesitate to reach out if things get hard. I'll see you later?"