in threes
Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Lottie’s POV

“What if she doesn’t want to do it? I don’t want to put her in a position! I panic, as I follow behindAlex, Del and Jace leading in to Jace’s home.

Jace’s house was of course impeccable, just like Anna and Dels had been, and it had more of a‘family‘ feel to it with the flowers planted in the garden and fairy lights lining the brick walls…

“She will love you stop freaking out! She’s been dying to meet you!” Anna links her arm in mine, aswe approach Jace’s main door.

Anna had already spoken with her briefly on the phone about my real situation, and she had invitedus over for dinner to meet me and talk more about it.

“Aunt Rinna?” Anna calls out as we enter the home, as I stare around at the gorgeoussurroundings.

There were candles lit down the hallway which made the place glimmer and smell divine. I lookdown and suddenly feel ashamed for walking over her fresh cream rug – afraid to ruin thecleanliness of her home.

“In here sweetheart!” We hear a chirpy voice call back to us, as the three boys lead us towards her.

What if she hates me and doesn’t want to help? What will I do then? For all I know she might beexactly like my Mom – putting on a sweet act in front of her guests!

We enter into the most stunning dining room, and the first thing I notice is the crystal chandelierhanging above the large decorated oak table…

“There you all are! You’ll be glad to know that I’ve made my famous Italian pasta!” Aunt Rinnaannounces, as the boys all perk up at the mention of her pasta – as they all approach her and hugand kiss her cheek one at a time.

“Now off you go until it’s ready! Let me chat with the girls!” She hurries them out of the room, asthey groan and surprisingly do as they’re told without arguing back.

It’s only when they are fully out of the way that I can take in her appearance and there is only oneword flashing to mind – gorgeous!

–

Aunt Rinna was like the glamour Mom you replace in the movies! Her hair was blonde and neatlycurled, her skin was tanned and her makeup was light and complimented her blue eyes! She wore apair of light skinny jeans, complete with a white satin blouse and her hands, wrists and neck wheredecorated with the finest of gold jewellery.

“Come here dear and give me a hug – you must be Lottie!” She places a tray down on the table,and holds her arms out to me as I instinctively gravitate towards her.

I hug her and she offers me a little squeeze, before releasing me and giving me the most genuine ofsmiles.

“Anna told me a little about your situation already I hope you don’t mind? I’m more than happy tohelp you out dear! It’s not the first time I’ve lied to the cops either! We’ve been through much worsein this family let me tell you that!” Aunt Rinna holds my hands as she speaks, laughing at the end.

Her gentle tone instantly causes every ounce of worry I had been feeling to leave my body. I believeI can trust this woman already…

How is she even real?

“Thank you… you don’t understand how much that means to me… I’m so sorry to even have to askyou to do this for me…” I begin to ramble, as she shakes her head and hushes me.

“Don’t you dare apologise! You’ve been through enough sweetheart! Please don’t feel bad, I’mhappy to help! I’ve become a pro at dealing with the cops after raising that boy of mine!” Shecomplains about her son Jace, causing me to giggle at her tone.

“Honestly he has been a total hooligan since day one trust me Lottie! The three of them have hídout in here many of times from the cops and I’ve had to lie to save their asses!” Anna chuckles frombeside us as she speaks.

“Sometimes I even considered letting them spend a weekend in the cells just to learn their lesson! Imean what would be the harm in that anyway? But I’m too soft on them!” Aunt Rinna continues tolaugh, as my cheeks hurt from how much I had been smiling at the kind lady.

“Oh but don’t you think for a second that those three got away with anything! One time I had themclean this house from top to bottom with toothbrushes for bringing the cops back to my door! Littleshits that they are!” Aunt Rinna continues to be funny, as the three of us laugh together.

2

“That’s hilarious!” I comment, as she wipes her eye and tries to compose herself now…

“Oh but Lottie the second Anna called and told me what was going on I was more than happy tohelp and I promise I won’t make you clean anything with a toothbrush for bringing them here! All Iask in return is that you help Anna keep those boys right and make sure they come home for dinnerat least once a week!” She tells me her conditions as I nod and smile.

“Of course I will! Thank you so much again for this honestly it really does mean so much!” I say, asshe smiles and releases my hands softly.

“Just tell me when they are coming and I’ll be ready! Why don’t you show Lottie around Anna and I’llcall you both when dinner is ready.” She nods to Anna who salutes her and links her arm in mineagain – leading me back out of the dining room.

“I told you not to worry!” Anna nudges me playfully and laughs as I grin.

“She’s the coolest Mom and Aunt I think I’ve ever seen! That’s including the ones in the movies!” Iconfirm, as Anna giggles and nods beside me.

“She’s great! Let me show you around and then if you’re up for it, we can try and call the cop backand arrange a date for them to come here?” Anna tells me the plan as I nod.

I felt the sudden dread creep in from the thought of having to call the number back and speak to theofficer, but at this point I had more people supporting and guiding me than ever before so whatcould seriously go wrong?

Anna, without bragging, had told me that her family had more than enough money to support anylegal issues that could come from this in a worst case scenario situation.

Not that I enjoyed the idea of wasting their well earned money on my shitty life! Let’s just hope thatit never comes to that…

Anna’s father also stated that due to the area that I am now living in, they will trust that I am beingwell taken care of especially after they come to see Rinna’s home.

I’m safe and cared for here, and that’s all they have to know really… I think!

“Y–Yeah let’s get it over with…” I agree, as Anna leads me outside to the back yard where we bothtake a seat on the patio.

“I’m right here if you need help don’t worry.” Anna comforts me, as she keys in the number that shehad noted down from the voicemail earlier and hands me the phone.

Everything might actually work out ok… I just have to hope for the best…