Vivien felt a spark of pride for Tessa’s handling of the situation, which made no sense, but it was real. She’d grown incredibly fond of Tessa this past month and realized how much they’d pigeon-holed the woman as flighty, fun-loving, and too pretty for her own good.
“She has a good heart,” Vivien said, and meant it. “And I bet she could help Nolie a lot.”
Crista bit her lip, again, clearly conflicted. “I know. But…” She made a face. “Talk about consorting with the enemy.”
“She’snotan enemy,” Vivien insisted. “She’s a kind and spunky and wonderful person who has become a dear friend, and she’s a fantastic mentor to Lacey. Even if it’s true about Artie, there’s no good reason to take it out on Tessa. Oh, I know what Maggie told you, and I know your loyalty lies with her, but…think of what this could do for Nolie.”
Crista’s shoulders slumped. “I am. I have been. It’s all I can think about.” She reached for her phone, tapping the screen. “I was reading this article that says a child with dyslexia can benefit the most from learning from adults who also have it and have conquered it. They understand the different way the brain processes words. Anthony and I certainly don’t. We don’t know how to help.”
“But Tessa does,” Vivien said gently.
Crista looked at her, her internal struggle written all over her face. Finally, she nodded, though reluctantly. “If Mama ever found out…”
“Does she have to?”
“Well…” Crista groaned. “I cannot lie to that woman.”
“She’s gone, Cris. She’s in the Netherlands, then France, and won’t be back until…when?”
“May third at 9:30, which is thirty-three days. And a half. Not that I’m counting.”
Vivien laughed at that.
“Viv, do you think I could…” She groaned. “Lie to Maggie? Is it possible?”
“Maybe you wouldn’t have to, or at least only by omission. Nolie’s your daughter, Crista. Her well-being trumps everything. And, honestly, you can do anything you want, assuming Anthony agrees.”
“He might,” she said. “And if he does, then I could take Nolie out of school for the rest of the year while Maggie’s away. Should I? No, no. It’s crazy. What if the truth comes out?”
Vivien dropped her head back, eyes closed. “Are we really that scared of our mother at this age? Why?”
“Because she’s the only parent we have,” Crista said. “And I don’t know about you, but I’m not willing to lose another one.”
“I get that,” Vivien said. “I’ll cover for you, Cris. If this is going to help Nolie? I will lie to her if I have to. I’d do anything for that little girl, and you know it.”
Crista’s face folded and tears sprang to her eyes. “Oh, Viv. That’s so sweet.”
“I love her.” She put her hand on Crista’s cheek. “And I love you. I promise, if you two stay, we will not let you be the odd man out. I promise this will be different than those summers.”
She blinked and a tear fell. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she said on a trapped sob. “I cry all the time lately.”
“Because you’re under enormous stress,” Vivien said. “This is the perfect solution. You get a break, Nolie gets a new kind of teacher, and we get to make up for all those summers when you didn’t have a friend. There are plenty around here.”
Crista searched her face, thinking hard, clearly having a mental battle.
“You and Nolie can share that upstairs room,” Vivien added, trying to seal the deal. “Will she want to come?”
“Of course. She hates school. The only problem is she’ll miss her little dance recital.”
“A month at the beach should make it up to her,” Vivien said. “I love this idea, Crista!”
“Do you think Tessa is…right for the job?”
Vivien smiled, relief washing over her. “I do. You can’t believe how she’s connected with Lacey. All she does is tease me about stealing my daughter and taking her for her own, so be careful. She’s like the Pied Piper and girls of all ages follow her.”
“And you promise that Mama will never find out?”
Vivien made a big X on her chest with her finger. “Promise.” Then she leaned over and hugged her sister. “Look, I know it’s hard for you to rebel in any way, shape, or form, but you’re doing the right thing, I know it.”
