Page 59 of Fortunate Miracles
I drive us to the diner while he texts on his phone. When we arrive, we are seated right away. "Boy, this hasn't changed a bit from what I remember. Do you eat here often?"
"Yes, my friends like the food here."
"That's good. I thought we could visit Reesa's family after breakfast and get that over with, and I believe foregoing an announcement will be best. Alicia should be served with divorce papers in New York today, and I'm having all the locks in the house replaced today as well. My assistant will notify the security company, and she, along with my lawyer, will handle the credit cards and accounts. I need to arrange for her things to be shipped up there too."
"Did you have a prenup?"
"Yes, a good one. Nothing to worry about there. She'll get the monthly allowance she already receives and her car, as well as the apartment in New York. Just a drop in the hat, so to speak."
I am relieved to hear that. We enjoy our breakfast at a leisurely pace, and I tell him about diving and school. Hearing him say how proud he is of me is astounding.
I drive us to Reesa's house next. I am nervous about the conversation. After I park and get out, my father squeezes my shoulder. "Nothing to worry about. I'll handle them. They are to blame for this, too."
Their butler escorts us into the formal living room where Mr. and Mrs. Liningston are waiting. After greetings are exchanged, I take a seat beside my father. "Alex, I'm surprised you're not in school today. That's not like you," Mrs. Livingston comments.
"I'm afraid that's my fault. I asked Alex to play hooky today with me," Dad smiles at me. "The reason I asked for this meeting is because of the engagement. How do you feel about it?"
"We are thrilled, of course. Alicia has been such a big help with everything. She and Reesa have become good friends," she replies.
"Isn't that nice," he murmurs. "You must have been shocked when Reesa came home the day before school with Alicia's ring on?"
"No, why would we? Alicia told us the engagement would happen before school started, and we both agreed it was time. I'm just glad it's official now. We've been making preparations for the engagement party and the wedding in June," she smiles.
My father sits back in his seat, looking them over. "Was it you or Alicia who decided my son didn't need to be involved in the proposal?"
"What are you talking about? Alex proposed on the Monday before school started at dinner," Mr. Livingston says.
My father nods and looks at me for a moment. "I'm sorry to inform you that Alicia and your daughter have lied to you. Alex didn't propose to Reesa. Unbeknownst to Alex, Alicia gave her the engagement ring and placed a notice in the newspaper."
Disbelief and accusations flow from her parents before my father takes charge again. He confirms there is and will never be an engagement between Reesa and me, and also that he and Alicia are getting a divorce. He even suggests Reesa contact Alicia to determine what to do with the ring.
After we leave their house, I feel light as air. I never realized how much weight I was carrying on my shoulders.
When we get back to the house, I spend the day helping my father get set up to stay home. He will still have to travel, but his base will be here from now on. I go over the staff I use regularly and their schedules. It is such a surreal experience, but a very welcome one.
Summer
Alex gives me a big hug at school in the morning and is all smiles. "Thank you again, Summer."
"You're welcome, Alex," I smile back. "How's everything?"
"Alicia received divorce papers in New York yesterday, and the engagement is over. My father is staying here now and will only travel once in a while for work."
"Happy for you, man," Seb smiles, clapping Alex on the shoulder. Bay and E echo his sentiments. We head into school, and I've never seen Alex smile so much.
Reesa doesn't join us at lunch, but I catch her looking at our table. Alex does too. "Have you talkedto her?"
"No. I feel a little bad about how it ended, but she was complacent in so much. I wish her happiness."
Alex and Bay discuss the diving schedule, and he invites us all over for a pool day this weekend to include Troy, Gabby, and Zander.
Chapter 34
Summer
Saturday morning, Zander and I drive to Alex’s house for the pool party. It was nice of him to invite Gabby, Troy, and Zander.
When we arrive, Seb is just pulling up. “Sunshine,” he yells, jumping out of the Jeep and jogging over to give me a hug.
