Rhoda, however, had an idea. "She can''t y both sides forever," she said.


    "Charlene can''t keep both Thorne and Stewart forever. She''ll have to choose. If she''s just ying Thorne against Stewart to ruin your chances, she''s bound to trip over her own lies. Eventually, she''ll end up with nothing. She won''t drag out the divorce for too long, so we don''t need to be so anxious."


    Leah''s eyes lit up. "That''s right! Thorne and Stewart might both seem to like her now, but who''s to say they won''t get tired of her one day?"


    It was possible, but what if Thorne was the one who refused to let go? Their assumptions were all based on the idea that Charlene and Stewart were a real couple, but Vesta knew their rtionship wasn''t about love. If Thorne didn''t want a divorce and Charlene wasn''t interested in anyone else, it was entirely possible they could reconcile.


    They talked a bit longer, concluding that as long as Thorne hadn''t officially broken up with Vesta, she still had a chance. What if one day he came to his senses and realized Vesta was the better woman for him? She couldn''t give up on him.


    Vesta agreed. She would not give up on Thorne so easily.


    With that resolve, she got into her car and called him. The phone rang, but he didn''t answer. By evening, he still hadn''t called back, and she didn''t know if he''d missed her call or was simply ignoring it.


    Vesta nced at her silent phone, then dialed Jasmine''s number. Jasmine answered almost immediately, her voice bright. "Ms. Hawkins!"


    Vesta smiled warmly. "Is school out, Minnie? What have you been up to?"


    "Yeah, I''m on break. Not doing much since Dad is always so busy, and there''s no one to y with."


    "Well, is there anywhere you''d like to go tomorrow? I can take you."


    Jasmine was thrilled. "Really? Don''t you have to work?"


    "I''m free. Why don''t you think about where you want to go and let me know?"


    "Okay!"


    Before hanging up, Vesta added, "And Minnie, remember to tell your dad about our ns, okay?"


    "I will!"


    P.n


    After the call, Jasmine had the butler help her n their outing. When Thorne got home that evening, she told him she was going out with Vesta the next day. He just smiled. "Okay, Dad understands. You two have a great time, and call me if you need anything."


    "Okay!"


    Jasmine was about to call Vesta to share her ideas when Vesta called her first "Minnie did you tell dad about our ns for tomorrow


    "I just did! He said we should have a great time."


    Vesta''s smile faltered. "Oh... So does that mean he isn''ting?"


    "He just told us to go and to call him


    if I need anything," Jasmine replies?


    "I guess that means he''s noting."


    Vesta lowered her gaze. "I see..."