Blurred Lines 1: CHASE
Chapter 100

-Sofia~

Georgia's confession left a poundage on my chest all morning.

Our breakfast had been filled with tears. Jessica and I couldn't stop apologizing for not being there for Georgia.

How did we miss she was going through that alone?

I had more questions for her, but kept to myself. Our emotions had been high all morning until they left for the office.

'Did Rafa know? Is that the reason they fell apart?' God. I can't imagine Georgia's misery after knowing she lost the baby she didn't even know she was carrying.

"Mommy?" Elise's blue eyes were questioning. Curious..

We were in the kitchen, my hands sliding through her dark blond hair as I braided her hair. Today, her request was Jessie's braid. She'll wear her cowgirl hat and boots to the art studio. After her dance class, we looked for a new activity for her and Julian. We are headed to My Little Art place in the city. We'll be meeting with Leo and Julian there. And the kids decided they would go as Jessie and Woody duo with their hats and boots.

She was telling me how her Nana taught her how to make scones. "Are you sad I made scones first with Nana? We can make scones, too."

I met her eyes through the mirror on top of the kitchen island. Alongside it was her brown leather backpack, water canister, and food storage filled with scones she'd share with Julian later.

"I'm not sad about the scones, hun." We promised to learn new things in the kitchen together. "You can teach me how to make them."

Her eyes were wide, grinning. "I asked Nana to list the steps, so I won't forget!" she enthused, reaching for a folded paper from her bag, unfolding it. The paper bore Clara's neat handwriting. "That's nice. Did you say thank you to Nana Clara?"

She nodded slowly, mindful of my hands pretzeling her hair.

"I did." Then she regarded me with such curiosity that I wondered if she was just turning five. Her birthday is in November, but when asked about her age, she always responded, 'I'm almost five." "But why are you sad?" She was too assertive for her age. And even though I wanted to explain what was happening inside my head, I didn't know how. I'm confused. Some sentences are incomplete if you are not reading this novel on FindNovel.net. Visit FindNovel.net to read the complete chapters for free. Georgia said she'd accepted what happened, but I don't believe her. I've seen this before with Chase and Derek. For decades, they deprived themselves of properly grieving Letty's death. Georgia was still in denial. Hence her drive to push away Rafa.

"Something happened with Aunt Georgia. She's going through grown-up stuff, and I'm worried about her." "Worried makes you sad?" she inquired, opening her snack box and taking one scone. She lifted it up, offering me a bite.

"A bit." I took a bite, and the buttery and sweet taste of the scones exploded in my mouth. "Wow. That's delicious!"

Elise tipped her chin up, munching down on the scones. "Scones are my new favorite." That took her mind off her questions. "Oh, Mommy, can we make the scones with Aunt Georgia? I bet she'll love scones too! And then she'll be happy. You won't be worried anymore."

"Of course we can." I secured her braid with an elastic back, wrapping it with a yellow ribbon. "That's a great idea."

If only things were that simple, that making scones would make Georgia's pain disappear, I'd make her a basket of scones every day.

I want to help her. But what could I do? Meddling with their business would cross so many lines. However, Jessica's strategy to push Georgia's buttons helped us understand her situation better. Now we know what happened. Then, an idea came to me. I have to talk to Chase and Jessica.

"Uncle Derek!" Elise waved at Derek and Julian; they were waiting for us outside the art studio. Jose hadn't even pulled to a complete stop, and Elise was already opening the door.

"Easy, Elise," I giggled, following her out of the car. "You can stroll around, Jose. I'll call you when we're ready."

"Sim, Senhora," Jose replied curtly.

I turned just in time to catch Elise jumping into Derek's arms, my brother stumbling a few steps back, catching my ever-energetic daughter.

"How is my future rancher?" Derek tugged the tips of Elise's braid.

"Uncle!" Elise groaned, scowling, then giggled when Derek rubbed his scruffs against her cheek. "Julian! I made scones with Nana!" she blurted out, wiggling down from Derek's arms. "I bought them so we can share."

Julian's blue eyes sparkled. "Really?" He glanced at me. "Aunt Sofia, you look lovely today." The boy was a total charmer. I wonder where he got that. Not from his father. Leo was timid growing up. He'd rather keep to himself than flirt with a girl. Looking at Julian beside Derek, I wonder if he got that from his uncle. Derek was a playboy until he met Letty.

As planned, Julian wore his cowboy hat and boots; his jeans and white tee almost matched Elise's white denim shorts and light blue blouse. "You don't look so bad yourself, Julian."

He beamed at me. Elise started gushing about the scones and her sleepover at Nana's place. Julian then told Elise about the new trick Derek taught him to do with Shooter. At the mention of Shooter, Elise twirled to face me, her eyes wide and pleading. "Mommy, can we see Shooter later? Please, please... please?" She clasped her hands together.

Derek held the glass door of the studio open for us.

"We'll see about it later, Hun. We still have to do grocery shopping. Remember, we made a list of things we need to buy?"

She tucked out her lower lip, unsatisfied with my answer, but decided not to argue.

"Good afternoon," the girl with a raven pixie behind the front desk greeted us. "Are you here for Ms. Sansa's art workshop?" her eyes kept flinging at Derek, a faint blush spreading on the apple of her cheek.

I nodded a yes, smiling at her.

She smiled back, eyes sweeping over at Derek Poor girl. She's been hit by Derek's charm. No one can blame her. Derek was an eye candy. His fitted gray tee and jeans showed off his well-toned physique. His rugged looks, ink-covered skin, and brooding stare intrigued the opposite sex.

"Elise Montiero and Julian Collins." I placed a hand on Elise's and Julian's shoulders. "Say hi, kids."

The two obediently waved a pixie. "Those are lovely hats," she complimented, standing up. "Ms. Sansa's already waiting inside with the other kids." She led us through a wide, well-lit hallway, doors lining each side where art classes took place. She opened the far door on the right.

"Sofia," Sansa came to the door, her smile wide. Today, she wore a pink summer dress, her brunette hair tied in a high ponytail. "These must be Elise and Julian." We met once when I paid and signed the documents for Elise and Julian. She explained to me what the kids would do and what we should expect in this workshop. She had a vibrant and charming vibe going on, which sold me this workshop.

The kids greeted her politely, and we waited until they got settled in before leaving them for their two-hour workshop.

Derek convinced me to go to the grocery store, so Elise could play with Shooter after the workshop. I swear my brothers were a softie for her.

"Did you see the house in the Harbor Complex?" I asked, falling in line at the counter, my cart in front of me. He's still house hunting. I never thought Derek would be so picky in buying his own place. He visited five houses before this one, and the look on his face says he didn't like that one either.

"I'll probably stay at the garage office if I don't find one soon." He also had a cart filled with replenishment in Leo's kitchen.

Hm, did Mites agree with the buyout?"

"He wants in on the business."

"Really?" Derek and Leo planned to buy Miles' share in the house. Although it wasn't that big, Mom. and Dad left it in our names. I've handed my share to Leo and Derek, just asked them to give us special treatment if we bring our car in. "Uh huh," Derek nodded. "He even promised to stay in town until we find mechanics and help run the place."

"Huh," I murmured. "That's... surprising."

"I think our baby brother is finally growing up," Derek murmured. "Or he got his heart broken," he added, chuckling.

"Could be. I'm glad he's finally home, closer to us. One less worry off my mind, you know."

"I know."

While Derek loaded our grocery bags on the trunk, I checked the boutique across the street. A dress on display by the window caught my eye. It was a sundress for Elise.

Stepping out of the boutique, my phone buzzed in my bag, and a message from Jessica came in. I told her about my idea for Georgia and Rafa, asking her to be my voice of reason if my plans were too crazy or will it just hurt the situation. Jessica: 'I think that's brilliant. We should make plans. When are you free?'

I smiled, typing my response, when I heard Derek bellow my name. I looked up at him; the horror on his face alerted me. He was running in my direction in huge hurried strides. Then I heard tires screeching against concrete. It was three in the afternoon, and the street wasn't as busy as in rush hour. But a black sedan was headed straight in my direction.

I stood frozen, my heartbeat slowed, my life flickering in front of me. Elise's and Chase's faces were my last thought before my body dropped to the ground; the impact left me breathless, a loud pounding drummed in my head, and my body aching everywhere.