The 'ding' indicating Remington's response had sounded as Laura, then Sophie, was smothered by an elated Melina. You'd had thought months had passed since the last time they'd seen each other when it had been only the week prior in reality. If anyone had bet Lina would lose her… exuberance… when she entered middle adulthood, they would have lost. Lina was who Lina was and made no apologies for it.
She'd waited until she could steal a private moment away, perching on the seawall where she and Remington so often lounged together and flipped open her phone.
Oh, and what might that be? Something good, I hope, especially in light of this ridiculous list you left me. Really, Laura, when's a man to sleep?
The familiar whine brought with it the comfort of familiarity… and a much needed, true smile.
I have complete confidence you'll survive, she shot back.
I think a bit of empathy might be called for. I won't be able to sneak away to see a movie a single time until we return from Greece! Have you any idea how long that is? Weeks, Laura, weeks!
We'll go to a double feature when we get back to LA. Now, would you like to know what I forgot to tell you or do you need to complain some more first?
If I must. What did you forget to tell me?
I love you, Remington Chalmers Steele.
Ahhh, no sweeter words have there ever been. Laura's head popped up when she sensed someone watching her. Seeing Marcos making his way towards her she quickly texted.
I'll call you tonight when Soph's asleep. Marcos wants to speak with me.
I'll look forward to it. Tell Marcos I send my regards.
She shut the phone just as Marcos stepped in front of her.
"Ahhh, Lara, you lead me on a merry chase, moving about as you've done all evening." She smiled an apology.
"I wasn't trying to avoid you, I assure you." Marcos bellowed a laugh.
"Never did I suspect that you were. I see you watching our Sophia. She does not do well."
"No," she sighed. "No, she doesn't. Julian Castoro managed to ferret out her insecurities and manipulate them. She's convinced the only reason she's part of our family is because we were alternately stuck with her and she's only with us out of pity." She turned her head and blinked her eyes several times, willing back her tears before returning to Marcos. "She begged me not to send her away. She was with him a 38 hours. How could he do so much damage in that short amount of time?"
"It sounds as though, how you like to say in American? Ah, yes, it sounds as though he did 'a real son and dance' on her, so there is only one thing we can do." Laura lifted her arms and dropped them.
"I am open to any idea," she said, allowing her frustration to show.
"We must do the same, only our love will be the song and joy will be what dances in her eyes once more…"
I hope you enjoyed our little taste of the future...