His 181St Second (Laverne and Marina) novel Chapter 21

**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale**

**Chapter 21**

Lavern ended the call and stepped inside, his mind still swirling with thoughts of the company crisis. As he entered the living room, he noticed Marina flitting about, absorbed in her tasks. “Something came up at the company: I need to head over and handle it,” he said, trying to keep his tone light.

Marina didn’t even glance in his direction, her focus unwavering as she continued her chores. He felt a flicker of irritation at being so easily dismissed, but he stifled it, maintaining his composure. “Marina, I’ll swing by to see Alyssa another day. Spend some extra time with her for now, okay?” he added, hoping to draw her attention.

This time, Marina lifted her head, her eyes glinting with sharp sarcasm.

She opened her mouth as if to respond but then clamped it shut, releasing a cold scoff instead. With a huff, she gathered the clothes in her arms and retreated into the bedroom, leaving Lavern frowning, momentarily taken aback by the disappointment etched on her face.

He turned his gaze toward the closed door of Alyssa’s room, hesitating for a heartbeat. Just as he approached to knock, his phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him back into the present.

“I’ll be right there,” he said into the receiver, his voice steady, before pivoting and leaving without a second thought.

Shawna had taken a tumble in the shower.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Lavern found her sitting quietly in the hallway, her expression a mix of vulnerability and fear. The moment their eyes met, tears welled up in her pale eyes, and she reached out her arms, yearning for comfort.

He stepped closer, enveloping her in an embrace, gently rubbing her back. “How did you manage to be so careless? What did the doctor say?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.

Shawna bit her lip, looking utterly pitiful. “The doctor said it’s no big deal. It was my fault; I wasn’t watching my step and just slipped. At least the baby’s fine,” she replied, her voice trembling.

“That’s a relief,” he murmured softly, though a nagging worry still tugged at him. He led her back to the doctor, wanting to hear the reassurances directly.

The doctor carefully outlined the precautions she needed to take, emphasizing that during the first trimester, she should avoid any heavy activity and refrain from sex.

Lavern remained stoic, his expression cool and neutral, even as Shawna blushed a deep crimson and nestled closer against him, seeking solace.

After the doctor prescribed some folic acid, Lavern guided her out of the hospital, his demeanor distant as they made their way to the car.

Shawna felt an ache of disappointment; the warmth she craved from him seemed absent, leaving her feeling slighted and alone.

Once they arrived back at her apartment, he lingered at the door, his voice serious. “I’ll hire a caretaker to come by tomorrow and look after you.”

Shawna wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, her eyes pleading. “Lavern, my ankle’s still throbbing. Can’t you just stay tonight and keep me company?”

Tears brimmed in her eyes; the thought of him leaving was unbearable.

He gently patted her head, but his expression remained unchanged, resolute. “Be good. I really have to get back tonight.”

Her eyes reddened further, a mixture of hurt and anger swirling within her. “Is it Marina calling you home?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He fell silent, the weight of her question hanging in the air.

Shawna let go of him, mustering a brave front. “All right, go on then. I’ll be fine on my own.”

She turned away from him, the embrace she had longed for never materializing, just the sound of his retreating footsteps echoing in her ears.

Spinning around, she caught a glimpse of his hand as he closed the front door behind him.

A wave of rage washed over her, her face paling as tears evaporated, replaced by raw resentment and fierce ambition.

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