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CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

About Forty Days Later

"You're still doing okay, sweetie? I mean, in your relationship with Lazarus?"

"Yes. Why do you always sound skeptical when you ask that?"

"Because you both have strong personalities. But you can be sure I thank God every day that you’re happy."

"Mom, LJ is trying to make this work between us—and so am I."

"Because you love him."

"Yes. With all my heart."

"And speaking of hearts, I wish I could’ve gone to your appointment today. Such bad luck that Badger came down with pneumonia this week of all weeks. But tell me—does that mean you’re fully cleared for physical activity now?"

My cheeks burn, because the "physical activity" I’m dying to do has nothing to do with the gym—and everything to do with our bedroom.

Since the night he gave me that bath, LJ has been devoted to my pleasure every single night.

Forty nights.

Yes, I’m counting—because it’s getting harder and harder to hold back the need to have him inside me.

I want to touch him too, taste him, give back everything he gives me—but he hasn’t let me.

We even argued about it once, and his response was that the moment he let me touch him, he wouldn’t trust himself to stop.

But today, the wait is over. With my medical clearance, I’m now allowed to resume light to moderate physical activity. Light , I’m not so sure about, but I intend to take full advantage of the moderate .

I can also pick up Sedric now—though I suspect soon I’ll only be able to do it while sitting. He’s getting huge.

"Yes, I’m cleared for physical activity," I say, forcing myself back to reality. "Unfortunately, today is also the day I'm meeting his parents. I really wish you were going with me."

"I wish that too, sweetie. But in some way, I think God writes straight with crooked lines. I don’t trust myself not to wring your sister-in-law’s neck."

"Don’t even say that. I’m not looking forward to meeting her either—but I promised myself that as long as she doesn’t provoke me, I’ll keep my cool."

"Has she come back from Europe? You told me she’s been traveling for months."

"She’s back. Right after LJ told the family about Sedric—since up until then, only Seth knew—she came back and said she insists on being there when he meets his grandparents. Wish me luck, Mom. I’ll need every ounce of emotional strength not to slap her."

Half an hour after hanging up with my mom, the doorman calls to say my guests have arrived.

I smile but feel a little nervous, even though I’ve spoken to both women on the phone a few times already.

In fact, this meeting was supposed to happen with both families gathered—but Brooklyn and Taylor, the wives of Athanasios and William, wanted to come first and meet me in person, saying it would be easier to talk privately.

I open the door and can’t help but glance down at my dress to make sure I look presentable.

LJ insisted we go shopping once we officially became a couple—and I agreed, even though we bickered over who would pay. In the end, he won.

I’ve had enough in my account for a long time to dress better—but why bother?

I wasn’t going anywhere. Now, though, I understand that as his .

. . companion ? Girlfriend ? I’m still not sure what I am—but the point is, I realize we’ll be seen in public, and since I hate drawing attention, the best way to avoid it is to blend in—dress like the women of high society.

I laugh to myself, remembering the look on the saleswomen’s faces.

I’ll blend in relatively. The only black and white pieces I allowed into my new wardrobe are lingerie. Aside from that, I’m embracing color—finally letting my love for it shine through.

Nothing quite like the swordfish I used to adore back at The Ugly Shrimp , multicolored and fluorescent, but still, clothes that make me feel alive and vibrant.

The dress I’m wearing tonight, for instance, is bright pink. Underneath, though, I chose a gorgeous black lingerie set—because I have plans for tonight.

"So you do exist," the pretty redhead says as the elevator doors open, and I instantly know it’s Taylor, William’s wife—since Brooklyn, like me, is blonde.

"Yes, I exist," I joke back, feeling relieved because they’re just as kind in person as they were on the phone.

Right behind them appears a small army of nannies—led by a beautiful little boy, one of Brooklyn’s twins, Silas.

He and his sister, Soraya, are the oldest of this ever-growing crew.

Hearing the noise at the door, Sedric launches into his own little protest—and a moment later, he appears with the nanny.

He’s nearly walking now, and I’m starting to worry about how long it’s taking. He’s come close several times, but he always gives up and crawls instead.

I’m more anxious about it than LJ. When I voiced my concern, he just shrugged and said arrogantly, "He’s a Seymour. He only does what he wants, when he wants."

God help me.

An hour and a half later, I feel completely at ease with them. Knowing neither comes from old money brings huge relief. They’re straightforward and down-to-earth women, totally different from each other, but each one lovable in her own way.

"I’m nervous about this dinner," I admit, and Taylor says:

"Your mother-in-law’s not a bad person. She’s just a product of her environment, you know?"

"Not really. What do you mean by that?"

"I don’t know how to explain without sounding like a judgmental jerk."

"Go ahead."

"She’s kind of . . . empty. I can’t hold a conversation with Renee for very long—she runs out of things to say fast. Brooklyn’s better at that than I am. Patience really isn’t my strong suit."

Brooklyn laughs. "Well, from what little I know of her, I agree with Taylor. She’s not a bad person—but the one who’s truly friends with her is my stepmom, Eleanor."

"Eleanor doesn’t count," Taylor says. "Your mom loves the whole world."

"That’s true." She turns to me. "If there’s one thing I’ve learned since stepping into this world of the rich and famous, Alexis, it’s that they’re just people like us—as long as you don’t lower your head.

Stay calm. Be yourself. And remember: LJ is the one who needs to love you.

The rest? They’re just background characters in your story. "