Page 66 of Holding On

I kiss her forehead before telling her, “Pippa is here, I’m sure to talk to you about last week.”

“Oh, great, more Rick drama. I’m so sick of him, Jack. Why won’t he just go away? He’s worse than a cockroach,” she pleads as she looks up at me. I kiss her lips softly as I run my hand along her jaw. She leans into my touch and closes her eyes.

“It won’t be forever. I promise we’re doing whatever we legally and personally can do to keep him away from you.” I’m not sure if Wells told Tinsley about the conversation he is having with their mother today, but I’m going to give him the opportunity to tell his sister first. She’s been in a much better mental space since Bridget has been unable to reach her.

The elevator in my foyer chimes, but before I can get up, Pippa calls out, “Hello? If you’re sitting, please don’t stand for me. I’m coming to you!” Tinsley smiles in response. The last time Tinsley jumped up to greet Pippa, Pippa chastised Tinsley for not resting and letting Pippa come to her. Savannah and Pippa became friends while Pippa represented Savannah in her divorce, and now they’re even closer, which is nice since they are also sisters-in-law after Savannah married Pippa’s brother Theo.

“We’re in the living room!” I call out and hear the sharp click of her heels on my wood floors. Pippa is always dressed to impress and today’s custom navy power suit is no different.

“Hey, Pippa, love the shoes!” Tinsley points out Pippa’s ice blue stilettos, which causes Pippa to model them with a full turn.

“Thanks, darling, they are incredibly uncomfortable but damn it, they make the outfit.” Pippa leans down and kisses each of Tinsley’s cheeks in greeting before sitting in the chair opposite the sectional that Tinsley and I are snuggled into. “I wish I came with better news, but I told Daphne I wanted to deliver anything related to your case in person.”

Never a good start.

“I filed official notification with the court about Rick’s little appearance in Forrest Falls last week, but since he didn’t directly interact with you, access property you own, or provide indication that he was following you to multiple locations, right now, it’s not enough to prove he violated the no-contact order.”

Tinsley sighs in frustration. “I figured as much, and I bet he knew all of that too, the slimeball.”

Pippa nods. “Odds are, from what we know of him, he knew where the lines were, and he got as close as he could to crossing them, without actually crossing them. But we will stay vigilant, and I think it’s a good idea to limit public appearances for now, even though you already are, and if for some reason you need to have a public performance, I think between Thor and Liam, they will make sure you are fully covered.”

Tinsley nods and looks up at me. “None of that is surprising, right?”

I shake my head. “No, unfortunately not. We know Rick is manipulative, and while he is an asshole, he has shown that he at times can be a smart asshole.”

“Daphne and I are still hellbent on destroying him. It’s just taking a little more time than I’d prefer,” Pippa adds.

“I appreciate that Pippa, I really do. You guys have been great.” Tinsley gives her a tight smile.

“Well, you’re pretty much almost family, I think, through Savannah or something, but I’ll be honest, Tinsley, I also just think you’re amazing, and Rick, like Jack said, is an asshole. I don’t like when assholes mess with awesome people.”

My phone vibrates and it’s a text from Wells. I excuse myself from Tinsley and Pippa as they move on to lighter subjects and cross the open living space to step into the kitchen before I open it up.

Wells

Small miracles still can happen. My mom accepted my offer of rehab and agreed to the terms! Not sure I’ll believe it until the staff confirms her admission, but she will be on a flight tonight to rehab in Malibu. I’ll call Tinsley in a bit and tell her all about it if you haven’t already?

Me

That’s awesome, man. I hope she gets the help she needs. I didn’t mention your plans for today, thought it should come from you. Hopefully she’ll see this as good news too.

Wells

I’m not going to let Bridget get close to Tinsley until she’s sober and for sure away from Rick.

Me

What about Debbie Jo? She’s only loyal to Rick.

Wells

Bridget was on board with cutting her out too. That wasn’t even a hard sell.

Me

I fully support all of that.

Wells