SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 252
252 Old And Alone (Judy)
It feels like an eternity since I had Abby alone, and even though I cherish every moment with Abby, the supervision is a little suffocating. But I know this is my own fault.
I pushed Jayden too far. I did the same at the gala.
Gus was livid about that later. I told him to butt out of my life and run back to Greg's slut, Maria. That made him even more angry. I don't care. I have Brennan Industries, and I intend to own it completely. I don't have Jayden and that hurts.
However, I am beginning to see that setting off his anger is not the way I get him back. It's not working. The only way to get time with him again is to change how I do things. I'm going to do that.
Abby runs up to me and I hug her madly. Winona always stays within sight and earshot, her presence a constant reminder that I'm not trusted. I will play by the rules
For Abby's sake. I must be getting old, but not being able to have Abby in my life at all puts me in a very dark place
Abby sits on a small plastic chair, coloring a princess in one of those glittery activity books. She chatters on about the wedding, the dresses, and how she feels like a princess too.
I smile and nod, doing my best to keep the conversation light and fun.
She asks about my castle in Europe and I get out my phone.
"1
"I see Winona tense a little and I wave her over to show I'm not doing anything I shouldn't be with my phone and Abby. She walks over.
"Abby was just telling me about her wedding dress and asked about the castle in Europe. I'm showing her some photos."
"I see. That sounds like fun, doesn't it Abby. A real castle."
"I can tell you, while historic and magnificent, they are a lot of work. Maybe one day you can bring Abby to see it. You're always welcome if you need a place to stay in Europe." "Are you going back there?"
"I'm not sure. Now I have the business, it takes up a lot of my time. But if you wanted to stay there, I would give you your privacy."
Winona nods and wanders back to her seat when I put my cell back in my purse.
She's more withdrawn than usual, her eyes fixed on Abby, but with this heaviness to them, like she's a million miles away.
The two-hour session flies by. I'm trying to soak up every minute with Abby. Winona comes over.
"How's the wedding plans going?" I ask, keeping my tone casual as I gather up Abby's scattered crayons. And Henry? He must be getting stronger by now."
252 Old And Alone
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Winona looks at me, her eyes narrowing slightly. "This time is for Abby," she says, her voice cold. "I'm not. here to discuss our personal lives."
The dismissal stings, but it's nothing new. She's been like this since the beginning of these visits. Always guarded. Always keeping me at arm's length. I don't blame her. I've been a bitch. But if I want Abby in my life as she gets older, I need to be less of a bitch.
Abby won't always be five and she will begin to understand a lot more.
Abby interrupts, excitedly waving her drawing. "Look, Grandma Judy! It's me as a princess in my wedding dress and you are next to me in yours."
"It's beautiful, sweetheart. I'm going to put this on my wall."
I give Abby a quick hug on my lap.
"I'll put Abby in the car." I say as I carry Abby out. "My word, young lady, you are getting so tall. You'll have to carry me soon."
you next week. I
Abby giggles and I kiss her cheek. I strap her into the car seat. "Grandma Judy will see your love you. Be good for mommy and daddy," I say and shut the door.
"Winona. Thank you for bringing her today. I know you are busy. She is such a delight."
"That's okay. She loves her visits with you. I do it for her. As long as things don't change, I'm happy to continue."
"I won't be doing anything to make you take this chance away."
"Really? Like at the gala night?"
"Oh. Yes. I'm sorry about that. I really didn't mean for it to happen. I just did that to Gabriel from habit, and
I wasn't thinking how it would make Jayden feel if he saw." I lie. It might work.
"Whatever. You knew exactly what you were doing. You always do."
"I don't want to make things any worse between Jayden and I.
"You couldn't. It's impossible. All you did was make him want to leave this city and live elsewhere to get further away from you." What?
"I'm sure there's no need for such drastic measures."
"I'm sure there was no need for anything you've done to us over the years: It's way too late, Judy. It's only me that asked for Abby to see you because she lost my mom, and I didn't want to break her heart all over again by saying she couldn't see you." "I'm truly sorry for your loss. After the Steve incident and poor Ashlyn..."
"Poor Ashlyn? You are the reason she ended up in that state. You pushed her too far. Steve came back into my life because of you and now he's dead. You're like the angel of death, Judy. The grim reaper."
I stare at her.
252 064 And Alone
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"You'll never get Jayden back but if you don't want to die old and alone, I'd suggest you see your wrongdoings and make a change. I can assure you I will not be hiding anything from Abby when she's older and she can make her own decision on you." 7 know I've done wrong-"
1 don't need to hear it, Judy. Go tell someone who actually cares." She opens her car door and gets in. "If you can find anyone, which I doubt."
Then she drives off. I wave to Abby and realize Winona is right.
I probably will end up dying alone. Suits me.
Perhaps it's easier to wean off seeing Abby. I mean all this love shit is hard work.
It's way easier to live in hate.
But, then again, not seeing Abby, that would really hurt.
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