Page 57 of Fortunate Miracles
“How so?”
“The first thing I learned was that she acted inappropriately, flirting with Alex’s friends, wearing lingerie, and attempting to seduce Nick at the gym during their junior year. He had to lock her in the closet to get away from her. Every single guy boycotted the house until Alex handled her. Her behavior toward me was appalling once we met, despite her insistence on meeting me.
“Then, Alex asked me to change my plans to stay at the house while Zander was in Savannah because Alicia was causing trouble, and he feared she might attack me because of her jealousy over our friendship and its potential interference with her plans for Reesa. Alex hates her.”
“Why wouldn’t Alex tell me any of this? It makes no sense,” I hear him say to himself.
“Does it really, though? When was the last time Alex mentioned a problem to you? Asked for advice?”
The other end of the line is quiet for a moment. “You are correct. I never realized, but there are never any problems from Alex. Not once in years. The only time I can remember him asking for anything was to talk during my scheduled trip home last month. How have I missed all this?”
“I can’t answer that, but please make time to come home soon and have a genuine conversation with Alex. You’re going to have to push him to tell you everything because he won’t willingly.”
“My dear, if even half of what you’ve told me is true, I have been a terrible father. Thank you for the phone call. I'll be home tomorrow.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. I was right about him. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you, Summer. I assume Alex doesn’t know about this phone call?”
“No, but you can tell him. I’m not trying to hide anything.”
“Very well, my dear. Thank you for calling. Goodnight.”
I hang up and deflate onto my pillows. Hopefully, this will get Alex back on track. After texting Bay and Seb the news, I join Zander on the couch. “I called Steven, and it went well. He was completely unaware of everything and plans to discuss it with Alex when he returns home tomorrow.”
“I’m proud of you, Summer. Alex is lucky to have you as a friend.”
“I just hope it works.”
Alex
I received an email that my father was flying in and wanted to meet at 4pm, so I am waiting for him in his office. There was no indication why.
“Alex. Thanks for meeting on such short notice. Have a seat,” my father says, coming into his office, bags in tow.
I sit across from him in the matching high-backed chair by the fire. “What did you want to see me regarding?”
“First, how have you been?” He asks.
“Good.”
“Any concerns?”
“Nothing important,” I automatically answer.
My father raises his eyebrows. “I received an interesting phone call yesterday concerning you. It was your friend, Summer. It seems we have much to talk about, son.”
I close my eyes for a moment. Of course, she called him. “Whatever she told you, I can handle, Father. No need to worry yourself.”
“It seems you’ve forgotten who the parent is and who the child is, Alex. That’s my fault. I’ve been away too much and a terrible father.”
“No, Dad,” I start, but he holds up a hand for me to stop talking.
“Yes, Alex, I have. But that ends now. Did you propose to Reesa? The truth, Alex.”
“No, I did not.” Why do I feel like a failure admitting that to him?
“Did Alicia arrange the engagement behind your back and give Reesa her ring and write the newspaper announcement?”
