Page 29 of The Woman I’ve Become

I stare after her. “This must be very important for her to leave her favorite sandwich half eaten.”

Acacia chuckles. “She was worried about you yesterday. I think she thought some artwork would make you feel better.”

I sigh and offer, “To be a child again.”

Acacia pushes her plate away. “Life is far less complicated when you’re a kid.”

“Very true.” I have almost no actual memories from my early childhood. Possibly it’s better that I don’t. My life was not what those around me believe. “You said your father was a veterinarian. What about your mother?”

“She was his vet tech, at least until I was old enough. They liked keeping me busy.” She shrugs. “I guess they thought it would keep me out of trouble.” She blinks, her face pales a bit as if she realizes she said more than she intended. “They were very religious. You know the whole ‘idle hands are the devil’s tools.’”

How odd that she is speaking so casually under the circumstances. Does she believe I will forget all that’s happened?

Acacia stares expectantly at me. I realize I didn’t respond to her comment. “I’m sure they just wanted the best for you.” I produce the expected smile.

Olivia skips back into the room holding her artwork as if it is a Picasso original and very valuable. I make all the proper sounds of approval. “It’s just beautiful, sweetie.” I take the paper and inspect it more closely. “Is that me?” I point to the taller of the two stick figures. The red swirls of what I suspect are supposed to be hair would suggest as much.

Olivia nods. “And that’s me.” She points to the smaller image with the long brown hair. “We’re going on a scavenger hunt.” She then proceeds to name each of the items she has drawn in various places on the page. “Seashells. A turtle. Sand bucket.”

“We’ll have another scavenger hunt soon,” I promise.

“Yay! I’m going to hang my picture on the ’frigerator,” Olivia announces proudly before running off to the kitchen.

The sound of the front door opening and the security system announcing there are thirty seconds to enter the necessary code echoes through the house.

Acacia’s face pales. “I’m sorry. Don’t be angry. I had to call him. I was worried after the way you tore up your room and then slept so long.”

“Julia! Olivia!” Phillip’s voice booms. The alarm’s countdown stops abruptly.

The conversation that follows is unclear beyond the fact that my husband is not alone.

Then I recognize the other voice. Rick. Mr. former FBI himself.

Fury lashes through me, and I give Acacia a sharp look. So this is why she isn’t worried about me firing her. She called Phillip, knowing he would come. She wants it to appear that I’m the one with the problem.

I suppose I am—and she is the problem.

The quiet conversation between the two men continues as they make their way along the hall.

I push back my chair and stand before informing her, “We’ll talk about this later.”

By the time the two new arrivals enter the dining room, Acacia has busied herself clearing the table. Olivia bursts from the kitchen and rushes to her father. He pulls her into his arms and hugs her tightly. Watching this reaction from him as well as from Olivia always touches me deeply—even when I don’t want it to.

“You didn’t need to come,” I say rather than hello. I ignore Rick completely. I do not want this interference. Least of all from either of them. As foolish as that might sound, I know what I must do. It’s everyone else who doesn’t . . . who can’t possibly understand. The less they know, the better.

Phillip sets Olivia back on her feet. “Livvy, why don’t you go into the living room and turn on the cartoon you like so much.”

“Why?” She peers up at him, suspicious. She’s old enough to recognize what this means. The grown-ups need some private time.

“Because the one with the puppies has a new episode,” he tempts. “I saw the trailer pop up as soon as I turned on the television this morning.”

“Okay,” she agrees with feigned reluctance. She shoots me a look as she marches out of the room. “Grown-up stuff.”

Acacia follows right behind her.

I wait until I hear the television before I turn back to Phillip. “Acacia overreacted. Everything is fine. I came here to get away from the city and the noise. I don’t need all these voices.” I send a pointed look at Rick as well.

“Jules.”