Savannah hesitated, realizing their paths might not cross after all. “Where are you right now?” she replied without delay. “We’re actually driving over the Srixby Gulf Bridge.”
Elissa’s eyes widened in surprise. “I just got on the Srixby Gulf Bridge too! Here’s what we’ll do—you guys keep driving ahead, and I’ll circle back to meet you.”
Since the bridge didn’t allow stopping or turning around in the middle, one had to reach the end and then loop back.
“Okay,” Savannah said. “We’ll pull over and wait for you once we get down the bridge. We’re in a red sedan. Let me give you the license plate number…”
“I’ve got it, Mom. I’ll find you there.” Elissa ended the call.
Before Elissa could say anything, Hadley had already given directions to their driver. “As soon as we reach the end, make a U-turn and go back.”
“Right away, Miss Pearson.”
Elissa turned to Hadley with gratitude. “Thank you for helping me.”
“No need to thank me.” A gentle smile crossed Hadley’s face as she shook her head. Then she grew curious about Neville. “How do your mom and your stepdad get along?”
“Absolutely perfect,” said Elissa, giving a firm nod. “Neville is one of those people who treat family as sacred. He’s always looked after me as though I were his own daughter.”
“That’s nice to know.” Relief softened Hadley’s features. The news put her at ease.
“You’ll find Neville charming when you finally meet him. We haven’t crossed paths in so long since I came to Srixby,” said Elissa, who couldn’t hide her smile.
While the car circled back, a burst of ringing from Hadley’s phone cut through the air. She answered with a quick swipe. “Hello? Who’s on the line?”
Her mind jumped to the thought of a telemarketer since she didn’t recognize the number.
“Hadley.” The caller’s voice rasped a bit, echoing some old familiarity.
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Hadley failed to recognize it at first. “Yes, and who is this?”
The other woman let out a laugh, low and teasing. “You really don’t know me anymore? Your memory’s slipping.”
Recognition crept in, prickling her skin. “Ayla?”
“You caught on, finally.”
Suspicion colored Hadley’s words as she scowled. “Why did you call? What’s your reason?”
No good could come from this conversation.
Hadley’s question hung in the air, but Ayla dodged it. Sarcasm laced her words. “You really can’t stand hearing from me, can you?”
Hadley’s patience wore thin. “Get to the point. What do you want from me?”
“What do I want?” Ayla’s laugh came out harsh and cold. “What could I possibly do these days? Eric’s wrapped you up so tightly I can’t even get close.”
If that was really true, this call seemed pointless.
.
.
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