Always A Second Chance

Chapter 4

VALERIE.

“I am just saying, a little heads up would have been nice,” I say with a pout as I look out the window of the moving car.

“I know,” Ian replies. “But it was a last-minute affair and we needed something to offset those annoying whispers that have been hanging around you since the night of the after party.”

Yeah.

I had been right about the rumors that would start up because of Jules.

But surprisingly enough, no news outlet, not even the scummy ones had carried a wisp of it.

At first, I thought Raton had done something about it but when he said he was surprised by the silence.

The only time it was shared was in quiet whispers that quickly died down when I walked into a room.

Yet, Ian thinks this outing will kill it completely.

“Fine. Tell me all about it,” I say in resignation.

“Great. It was actually Jenna’s idea.”

Jenna, Raton’s philanthropic sister.

“She needed exposure for her new school and had suggested that America's sweetheart and most wholesome couple would do just that,” he says. “Today is the opening, so there are going to be lots of children, but that will be no problem for you, will it?”

“No, of course not. I love kids,” I reply.

“It is still weird every time I hear you say that. You know most actresses find kids disgusting.”

“Well, I am not most actresses and I find them delightful.”

“Which will work well for you today. Let your maternal instincts show and you will be the talk of the town.”

“Yeah, yeah. When did Raton say he will be joining us?” I ask, changing the subject.

“He has a few scenes he has to shoot for his new movie. He said he would do his best to make it, though.”

“He shouldn't stress himself if he can't. I know how to handle the paps. I may not like it but I can do it.”

“That is my girl,” he says with a smile before looking out the window. “And… we are here. Ready to go cheer up messy kids?”

“I thought it was the parents we were going to cheer for,” I say as we alight from the car.

“Happy kids equals happy parents which equals happy purses which makes me happy.”

“Is everything about money with you?” I ask.

“Of course, why would you even ask that?”

I don't say anything to that because at that moment we are ushered into a beautiful spacious building.

True to a school’s form, the buildings are painted with bright, vibrant colors, arranged in a manner similar to the rainbow and yet still manage to work.

There are segmented lawns designed to contain at least eight children when they are playing. The plants are well trimmed and guarded to prevent unforeseen accidents.

We are led past those gardens and into a well furnished hall with plush chairs and a variety of food and drinks.

“Oh thank god,” I say with a sigh of delight at the spread. “I was starving.”

“Oh, I know. I heard your stomach rumble like three times on our way here,” Ian says.

“And yet you didn't feed me,” I return with a pout.

“I knew there was going to be food here.”

“Still, you could have-”

I chat off as my eyes are trained on a familiar figure carrying a child.

“Valerei?” Ian calls. “I could have what?”

“Um, nothing. I need to use the restroom,” I tell him, feeling slightly dizzy.

“Sure. Uh, I think I saw a sign over there. Are you okay, though? You look a little pale.”

“Yeah. Just hungry. Fix me a plate, will you? It is the least you can do after starving me.”

He gives a snort of laughter at that.

“Sure. A big one or a small one?”

“I am offended you even have to ask,” I say as I leave.

“A big one it is then.”

In the restroom, I stare at myself in disbelief as I recall what I had seen.

Jules has a child.

He has a daughter.

“Hah!” I scoff in derision. “You couldn't move on, my foot!”

I can't believe I actually believed him.

He has a child.

I was losing sleep over a man that is already married.

And u know he is married because I Denver what he had said to me all those years ago when we were talking about our future.

“I can never allow a child of mine to be born out of wedlock. I will never forgive myself.”

Oh, I am such an i***t.

“But this is great. Wonderful in fact.”

Now, I can truly put him behind me.

For good.

After rinsing my face, I quickly reapply my makeup before heading out of the bathroom only to run into the man of the hour.

“Valerie! I knew it was you,” he says as he walks up to me.

“Mr. Jameson, what can I do for you?”

I can see that my greeting puts him to a halt.

“Mr. James Valerie, what are you talking about? I was planning on arranging a meeting between-”

“What for?” I demand.

“V?”

“Don't call me that. You have no right. You know, I almost believed you. “I can't move on. Not without you beside me,”” I mimic. “You almost had me fooled.”

“I wasn't trying to fool you! It was the truth! It still is!”

“Then how do you explain the little girl you were carrying? A niece? A friend’s daughter?”

“Ah. No, no she is mine, he says with a wince.

“It looks to me that you moved on quite well,” I reply.

“It is complicated! I-”

“Are you telling me that you had a child outside wedlock?”

“No, but-”

“Then there is nothing complicated about it.”

“Damn it, Valerie! Would you let me finish? Yes, Anna is my daughter, and yes, I was married but it was not mutual. The only reason I got married is because of her. And right now, I'm divorced. I have only ever loved you, V. No other woman has been able to take your place.”

I stare at him in befuddled shock.

He sounds so sincere, and my gut says he is telling the truth but…

“Mr. Jameson, we meet again,” Raton’s voice sounds from behind me.

Oh great.