“No, and I’m about to lose my mind. T, I love her,” Donovan said emotionally. “I don’t know what I’ll do if I don’t find her.”
“I’ll help in any way I can. I have some good news. I just talked to Brad, and he told me he contacted Travis Jacobs’s lawyer. Apparently, Travis is willing to say he made a mistake about asking for the paternity test.”
Donovan rose to his feet swiftly. “Mistake!” he yelled. “That punk didn’t make a mistake. He knew the baby wasn’t his.”
“Calm down and let me finish,” Terrence said.
He unclenched his fists and drew in several angry breaths.
“Brad told the lawyer that unless his client came clean, he would drag Travis to court and make sure the media gets a front row seat. He would make Simona look like Mother Teresa, which isn’t a far stretch, and let the public decide. The implications for Travis’s career would be monumental.” Terrence chuckled. “Brad is flying to Oakland on Monday to meet with him. The lawyer wants to settle out of court. Just so you know, he’s filing libel and defamation of character suits for both you and Simona, including the mess from the first time. And because Mr. Idiot decided to say the same thing in an interview, Brad’s throwing in slander. He’s already trying to subpoena the tape.”
“Good. I hope Travis decides on the right course of action.”
“Just let Brad handle it. The last thing you need is an assault charge.”
“As I recall, you knocked out Janae’s ex for far less.”
Terrence nodded. “It felt good, too. Well, maybe one good punch. I’ve got your back.” They did a fist bump.
Donovan allowed himself a small smile. “Always. I think I’m going to leave. I want to stop by Eve’s house and see if she knows where Simona is. She wasn’t home when I went over yesterday.”
“Let me know if you need me to do anything. Why don’t you take Monday off, too? Monique can handle things, and I’ll be here.”
“Thanks, bro. I’ll let you know if I hear anything.”
Donovan drove to Simona’s house and parked out front. Her car wasn’t there, and it looked as though no one had been there for several days. He got out, walked across the street and rang Eve’s doorbell, gazing over the neighborhood while he waited. Please let her be home. He spun around when the door opened.
“Donovan,” she said with surprise.
“Hi, Eve. May I come in for a few minutes?”
“Sure.” She led him to the living room and offered him a seat. “Can I get you anything?”
“No, thanks. I just need to know if you have any idea where Simona went.” Something like guilt flashed in her face. “Eve, please. I need to find her.”
She took the chair next to his and sighed heavily. “I tried to convince her to stay, but she was hell-bent on leaving.”
“Did she tell you where she was going? I’ve been out of my mind worrying about her and Yasmine.” He got up, paced the room and came back. He squatted down in front of her. “Eve, I’m desperate. I love Simona and I love Yasmine. I’m begging you, please, please tell me where she is.”
“Lord, if my husband had ever looked at me this way or shown half the concern you’re showing, we wouldn’t be divorced today. She’s at my vacation home in San Diego.”
Donovan pulled Eve from her chair and engulfed her in a hug. “Thank you, thank you,” he whispered.
She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “I’ll get you the address.” She came back with a piece of paper with an address and a phone number, and pressed it into his hand. “I’m glad she has you. My number is on there. Call me and let me know how she’s doing. I know this has been hard for you, too. How are you holding up?”
“I’ll be fine once I have her back. Thanks, Eve. I’ll call you.”
He got in his car and offered up a silent prayer of thanks. Donovan really wanted to get on the road now, but it was already after three, and with the traffic, it would take him as long to get there as it would if he left a few hours from now. Besides, he was so anxious that there was no way he could sit through hours of traffic. He went home, packed and reserved a room at a hotel in San Diego for two nights. Then he called Terrence to give him an update and mention that he might need to be off longer.
Donovan gassed up and was on the road by seven. There was still a fair amount of traffic, and the normal two-hour drive was extended to three. He drove to the address Eve had written down and parked across the street. He saw a light on and was tempted to knock on the door tonight. He stifled the urge, started the car and went to his hotel.