“Yeah, well it depends on who I’m dealing with as to how grumpy I get. And do you know what really annoys me? It’s when you use my mother to do your dirty work.”
“Piss off. Hazel has nothing to do with this. But after being slapped down at every turn, I decided to right a wrong that should’ve been sorted months ago.”
“So you went ahead without considering the consequences?”
“What consequences?”
“We were on track to finalize probate before spring. Now, your spiteful stunt could set us back months.”
Jake had to give it to her—the puzzlement in her expression appeared genuine. “But my lawyer said it was just a formality. That once you settled, I’d get my share, and I need that money for my launch.”
“Really?” Jake failed to keep the disdain from his voice. “Dad’s the executor, and he’s adamant you won’t get a cent. Did your lawyer mention that possibility?”
“Well, yes, but he said... Honestly, I don’t really understand any of this. Isn’t it a simple reassignment of funds?”
Jake shook his head. He wanted to open the front door and tell her to leave. “It doesn’t work that way.”
Alexia reached down and pulled a small pack of tissues from her bag. “But that’s not fair. Why does your father dislike me so much?”
“This has nothing to do with like or dislike. It’s what Jesse wanted. And do you know what’s really not fair?”
She dabbed her eyes and waited.
“You’re trying to claim something that is not, and never was, yours. You weren’t part of Jesse’s world, ever, so why don’t you let him rest in peace?”
“That’s not true. Jesse was like a brother to me, and I can’t sleep at night knowing Molly Parker was more important to him than I was.”
“Yeah, well, I’m sure there’s a pill for that,” Jake muttered.
“You know what, Jake? You used to be a nice guy, and now you’re just a callous bastard.”
Her eyes welled with tears, and for a split second, Jake felt like the bastard she accused him of being.
“When you first came home, I thought we might have a chance together, but you’ve changed. I’m not even sure who you are anymore.”
“Look,” he murmured, “I can’t advise you on how to live your life, but I’d like to see you play fair for once and do the right thing here.”
Alexia just stared at him with vacant eyes.
“As for us—you and me—we didn’t fit at sixteen, and we don’t fit now. No amount of wishing will ever change that.”
“But you don’t know that unless you give us a chance. We could be good together. I can introduce you to the right people. We can pool our resources and make something of our lives as a couple.”
He released a heavy sigh at the very thought of being introduced to Alexia’s version of the “right” people. “We’ll never be a couple. You know that. I don’t have feelings for you.”
“I’ve never understood you, Jake. You think you’re better than everyone else. So answer me this. Now that you’re screwing Jesse’s ex and with Ava still in the picture, how does that sit with your moral high ground?”
Jake sat forward in his chair. “Why are you doing this?”
“Doing what?”
“Trying to come between Molly and me?”
“Because I’m worried about you. I’ve had a funny feeling about Molly Parker since day one.” Chin high, she smoothed her hair with a hand. “Actually, I was talking to your mum the other day, and she’s worried too. So I made some discreet inquires, just to put our minds at rest.”
“You don’t know the meaning of discreet, Lex, and never have, and I can’t believe you confided in Mum about my relationship with Molly.” He rubbed the back of his neck. Every time they were together, the effect on him was always the same. Negative.
“You know how Mum’s been since Jesse died,” he continued, “but you still have to go and stir your vengeful version of shit… and for what? To get back at me because I don’t want to be with you?”
