Chapter 147 At the same time, over In Sunshine Community… Tarquin was perched on the edge of Elijah’s bed, trying to have a heart–to–heart. “So, the lady you met this morning, you’re not a fan?” “Nope!” “But she was handpicked by your Uncle Benjamin, and you know how much he adores you. For his sake, if not for hers, could you maybe give her a chance for a few more days?” “No way!” “You realize Uncle Benjamin will be upset if you send her packing so soon.” Elijah furrowed his little brow and looked up. “Is it Uncle Benjamin who’ll be upset, or is it you?” “Huh?” “Did Uncle Benjamin really find her, or was it you?” Tarquin was silent. Then suddenly, Elijah asked, “Do you like her or something?” Tarquin’s face darkened. “No, I do not!” “Then why are you so nice to her?” “Me? Nice to her?” “This morning, you even walked her out. Nola’s been my lifesaver, but she always leaves on her own. You never walk her out.” Tarquin was at a loss for words. After he’d calmed Elijah down this morning, and the kid had gone to freshen up, he’d taken the opportunity to escort Elysia downstairs to discuss Elijah’s issues. Clearly, there had been a misunderstanding. “I wasn’t seeing her out, I was discussing… your situation with her.” “What’s wrong with me?” Tarquin frowned, careful not to directly say the word ‘sick‘. Elijah never admitted to having any illness, and mentioning it would only anger him. “I just wanted to explain that you didn’t mean any harm when you threw out the breakfast she made. You scared her, and I had to clarify things.” “And what did you tell her?” “That… you didn’t do it on purpose.” “You’re lying. It was totally on purpose.” Tarquin was speechless. Elijah’s brows knitted further as he said, “You once said, you only loved my mom.” “I did!” “Then you need to keep it clean and stay away from other women.” “Elijah, you’ve got it all wrong. She’s not here because I like her, but because I worry about you being alone. I need someone to keep you company and handle the chores. Heath’s got his own things to handle; he can’t be here, so I arranged for her.” “Who chose her, you or Uncle Benjamin?” “Your Uncle Benjamin.” “Call him then. I’ll explain that I don’t like that woman and don’t need her.” Tarquin felt a wave of irritation, “No need, I’ll talk to him.” Again, Elijah asked, “How’s my mom doing? Have you worked things out with her? When can I see her?” Tarquin’s lips moved, but no sound came out. After a while, he said, “Still working on it.” Elijah frowned and turned away, dismissing him. 1/2 10:10 Torquin heaved a mental sigh and left the bedroom. Back in his study, he immediately lit a cigarette, his mood at rock bottom. Elysia’s first encounter with Elijah had been a letdown, but he wasn’t ready to throw in the towel. Elijah’s condition might differ from Corbin’s, but there were similarities. If Elysia could help Corbin, surely she could do the same for Elijah Perhaps with a little more time, things would start looking up. But Elijah was adamant about not seeing her again. Tarquin had even suspected that Elysia might be Elijah’s birth mother. What a harebrained idea. If that were true, their reunion would have looked nothing like this. He glanced at Elysia’s number over and over, tempted to command her to come over the next morning, but the memory of Elijah’s determined gaze made him hesitate. In the end, he didn’t make the call.