432 Life Without Judy

432 Life Without Judy

(Winona)

She types on her phone and then my phone buzzes.

It's a text from Lisa. I look at her and she winks at me.

Meeting him for dinner. I'll show him your note, so he gets what's going on

I nod and type back.

Make sure he's fully on board with how crucial this is

Lisa nods. "I guess we have a lot to plan to get back to the States. And once we get there."

"Being back in the States without Jayden... I don't know, Lisa. The idea of single parenting all over again- it's overwhelming. The questions from everyone."

Lisa crosses her arms, leaning back against the counter. "You've done it before, though. You'll do it again. You don't owe anyone explanations."

"Yeah, but it still feels daunting," I admit. "I have no place to live there. Jayden's penthouse is not an option. I refuse to go back there, feeling like I'm waiting for him to come home when he isn't."

Lisa tilts her head, her brows knitting together. "Well, if we do cruise home, that will give you some time to secure something, maybe a short-term rental or something."

"Maybe," I say. "I can't stay in the penthouse. It feels too much like him. I need a fresh start, somewhere that feels like my own space. I think this cruise idea is growing on me. The kids can have some fun on there too. Just be normal kids." "Sure can."

I exhale, leaning against the kitchen table. "The kids are going to be upset about leaving Jayden behind, and I need to make the transition as smooth as possible for them."

be happy to see Nanny Anne and Aunt Cass

of Cass," I say, "I need to check in with her. Make sure

much to

steps closer, her voice gentle but

her a tired smile because I am

can start fresh will be

buy something. It's time we had a place that's really Qurs. I can go anywhere, it's not like I'm

it. "That's Lance confirming a late

"Okay."

432 Life Without Judy

VAVAA

the chefs over what's on the menu" She grins. "I will miss all

smile. "You'll never

and single. No kids,

I'm not sure looking after my crap classifies as good times, but I'm

"Always."

her leave. I hope one day she can find some true

They could be

I can never love anyone else but

on Jayden and I being apart for a while won't get me anywhere. Worrying that even after all this and Judy being out of our lives for good, maybe we still can't make it work isn't where I need to focus. I'm pregnant and I need

a while. I grab my phone and dial her number, but the call doesn't even ring. It goes straight to voicemail. I try again, same

suppress the anxiety building in my chest. "Come on, Cass," I murmur, staring at the screen. I send

just checking in. Think I'm coming home. Let

catching some much-needed sleep. I do some breathing exercises and let the tension

back as

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