But as far as Lauren could remember, she and Briony had never met before today.
Briony’s useless mother, though–Lauren had crossed paths with her a few times. Julia was nothing more than a clueless, discarded socialite, someone Lauren had never bothered to take seriously
But Julia’s daughter…
Lauren withdrew her hand, smoothing down her carefully styled hair as the sized Briony up with a critical eye.
She had to admit, Briony was a clear step up from Julia prettier, sharper, with a far more striking presence She even seemed smarter.
But so what?
In the end, hadn’t she still lost to Lauren’s own daughter?
Whether it was Julia or Briony, both mother and daughter were destined to lose to Lauren’s family..
The thought sparked a smug glint in Lauren’s eyes.
She turned to Briony with a practiced smile. “I don’t believe I’ve met Ms. Kensington before, though people often tell me that. Maybe I just have one of those familiar faces?”
A familiar face? Hardly. Lauren’s features were anything but ordinary–her eyes held the same captivating allure as Rosita’s, a beauty you didn’t forget easily.
Briony wasn’t sure if Lauren seemed familiar because of Rosita, or if they’d truly met somewhere before….
“Mom!”
A small hand tugged at Briony’s sleeve. Snapped out of her thoughts, she looked down to see Irwin staring up at her, his eyes still red from crying.
“Mom, do you have to work tonight? If you’re not working, can I go home with you?”
Briony gently moved his hand away. “Irwin, I’ve told you–please don’t call me “Mom.”
Irwin’s lower lip trembled as he looked up at her, wounded and hopeful.
Briony glanced at Lauren. “Just now, Irwin nearly ran into a serving cart. There was scalding hot soup on it.”
Lauren’s expression flickered
Was Briony blaming her for not watching Irwin closely enough?
This woman was just a foster mother–how dare she act so self–important!
Annoyance simmered in Lauren’s chest, but her outward expression was all humility. “That was my mistake. I was on the phone in the kitchen and didn’t realize Irwin had slipped out. Thank goodness you and your friend were there, Ms. Kensington, or it could have been much worse.”
Briony hadn’t meant to scold Lauren. She would have said the same to anyone; after all, safety came first with kids this young.
She’d said her piece and had no interest in further conversation. Taking Stella’s hand, Briony turned and strode
away.
“Mom-
Irwin instinctively tried to run after her, but Lauren caught his arm.
“Grandma, let me go! I want to find my mom!”
Hearing the boy call Briony “Mom” grated on Lauren’s nerves, but she forced herself to smile for the sake of her plan.
1/2
Chapter 163
She knelt down and stroked Irwin’s hair his eyes so much like Rosita’s, bright and full of curiosity. “Irwin, sweetheart, how about Grandma takes you somewhere special?”
“No!” Irwin frowned. “I want my mom! Why won’t you let me go? I almost caught up with her!”
Silly boy, what would you do if you caught her?
Lauren’s voice was gentle as she looked up at him, her tone laced with feigned warmth. “1 heard your mom’s having a baby, isn’t she?”
Irwin’s eyes widened in surprise. “How did you know, Grandma? Only me and Mom Rosita know about that! Did Mom Rosita tell you?”
Lauren chuckled softly, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “No, Rosita didn’t say a word. But Grandma knows all sorts of things. Not only that–Grandma knows your mom doesn’t love you anymore because of the new baby
Irwin looked at her, awe mingling with hurt in his eyes. “Wow, Grandma, you’re amazing! How do you know all this?”
Lauren squeezed his hand. “Come on, I’ll take you somewhere wonderful. Once we’re there, you’ll see just how special Grandma really is”
“Okay, okay!” Irwin nodded eagerly.
Hand in hand, Lauren led Irwin toward the elevator,
Behind them, on the floor, a battered toy robot lay forgotten–its pieces scattered, waiting in vain for its little owner to turn back and remember it.
Chapter 164
Chapter 164
9:00p.m
