It was hand-knitted by Rena, a snug turtleneck, perfect for lounging at home.
Alexis was taking it slow, not rushing things with Leonel.
Sheâd often run into Hester, whoâd mock her, but deep down, Hester was jealous of Alexis.
Alexis knew Leonel still had feelings for her, which was why she felt okay showing up now and then.
Leonel didnât want to see Alexis but he had no problem with the stuff she brought him.
After she left, heâd devour the dumplings, slip on the sweater, and crack open the book in his study.
Alexis had even marked some lines in the book-little messages of affection.
Leonel would blush reading them.
Heâd shut the book and tell himself he couldnât keep doing this.
If he wasnât careful, Alexis would win him over.
Late at night, he took out his phone, wanting to call her and lay down the law.
It was time to set things straight.
Leonel was surprised when Alexis picked up the phone after just a few rings.
Her voice was raspy.
âWhatâs going on? You know itâs late, right? Whatever it is, canât it wait until tomorrow? Iâmâ¦â
Leonelâs throat tightened at the sound of her voice.
He hadnât heard Alexis speak in ages.
Even though she visited every few days, he never actually saw her, and heâd never called her before.
Suddenly, it hit him just how much he missed her.
After a moment of silence, he said in a steady tone, âI just want to say you donât have to send me anything anymore.
I told you itâs over between us.
You donât owe me anything, and I donât owe you.
Letâs just move on, okay?â
But there was a long pause on the other end.
Leonel couldnât help asking, âAlexis, you still there?â
âYes,â she replied.
After a brief silence, she added, âIâm currently at the hospital.
Cordeliaâs got a fever.
So, letâs talk later, okay?â
What was happening to the little girl?
Leonelâs hand shook, feeling a pang of guilt.
His baby was in the hospital, and here he was, worrying about trivial stuff.
What a jerk he was!
It clicked-Alexis hadnât shown up for a few days.
With a mix of guilt and concern, Leonel asked, âWhich hospital is she in? Iâll be there.
â
But Alexis hesitated on the other end of the line.
Then she spoke softly.
âWouldnât that bother you and Miss Molina? Last time we bumped into each other, she mentioned she has anxiety issues.
She said if I keep coming by, it might make things worse for her.
Maybe you shouldnât rush to the hospital in the middle of the night-it could affect your life with Miss Molina.
You really donât mind it?â
Leonel sensed the underlying message in her words.