Page 22 of The Call She Made That He Never Answered
But if the misunderstanding already existed, I didn't want it to grow. I didn't want shadows clouding Ella's mind.
"Vivian's just here for work." I jumped in, hoping to cement Vivian's role.
Suddenly, something soft brushed my arm—a cushion of flesh pressed against me through my shirt.
"Hi, Ella!" Vivian leaned across the console, waving cheerfully.
A flash of revulsion shot through my chest. But I quickly checked myself. I was probably oversensitive. Vivian's face was open, her smile bright. And Ella showed nothing.
Just the cramped space. A trick of proximity. My overreaction embarrassed me.
"Get in," I said, softening my voice. "We're heading home anyway."
I'd already decided. If Ella refused, I'd ditch the car and walk back with her. I'd been neglecting her lately.
No matter how busy I got before, I made time for her. Mostly in bed. But I tried not to just roll over and pass out afterward. I'd smoke and fight sleep, listening to her talk about nothing, like her weekly pharmacy visits to check supply lists. I'd done what a husband should. I didn't want us to grow old together with no shared memories.
Ella's lips moved like she might speak. Then she fell silent. Probably because Vivian was here. Ella was still shy, still introverted. She said nothing, just pulled open the back door and climbed in.
I watched her in the rearview mirror. She closed her eyes the moment she sat down, face pale, hands clutching her bag awkwardly. She looked like she hadn't slept well.
My grip tightened on the wheel. I pressed harder on the gas. When we got home, I needed to ask if she needed help with anything. Her mood had been off since I got back from the trip.
I drove toward the manor. The car was quiet. I'd gotten used to Ella's silence, but today something felt wrong. I couldn't pin it down.
Thankfully, Vivian broke the tension. "Lucas, remember that old professor I mentioned? The one from Europe?"
"Yeah, I remember." I relaxed slightly, following her lead.
"Their lab's new therapy equipment just went live. I ordered the latest model for Mr. Rockefeller's recovery."
"That should take some of the load off Ella." I was reaching out to her. "You won't have to work so hard taking care of Grandfather anymore. Right, Ella?"
I watched her expression shift in the mirror. She opened her eyes slightly, thick lashes casting shadows on her cheeks.
"That's good," Ella said flatly. "As long as Mr. Rockefeller gets better care, I'm glad."
Relief washed over me. If Ella wasn't tied to Grandfather and the manor, I could take her places. Even bring her on business trips. The thought lifted my spirits.
We pulled through the manor gates. Vivian's phone alarm went off.
"Conference call's starting soon." She was all business.
But I hadn't reached the garage yet. From there to the study would take another ten minutes...
Vivian saw the problem immediately. "Give me the keys. You can get out at the front entrance."
"Thanks."
I hit the brakes. As I stepped out, Ella reached for her door handle.
"Mrs. Rockefeller," Vivian came around from the passenger side and held Ella's door. Her tone turned serious. "I need to walk you through how to use that therapy equipment..."
I turned and left, not bothering with their conversation. Two women around the same age—they'd have more in common than I did with either of them. I headed for the study. Just a few loose ends to tie up, then I'd have plenty of time for a long vacation with Ella. Our marriage would grow closer. I was sure of it.
Chapter Seven
Ella
