Chapter 52：Gratitude

Lana successfully avoided Jordan the whole week.-thanks to his hectic work schedule. He was promoting his new single and had video and photoshoots, interviews, appearances on various radio and TV shows, some even out of town. He always came in late at night or sometimes he wouldn't come home at all.

Her college end of year dance was coming up on Friday and she was debating if she should go after what happened at the sorority party, but her friends told her to go, since Cassie and crew were barred from attending. She decided to press charges against Victoria and her clique. They escaped with a slap on the wrist in the form of community service for the next twelve months. They had applied to various record labels for internships but Jordan made sure they were later rejected because of what they did to his wife.

Lisa and Olivia had filled her in on what happened after she passed out at the party and she was glad that nothing worse than getting her hair chopped off had happened. Although it almost did-but Jordan saved the day once again. Lana was so glad that she had called him that night and was trying to find a way to express her gratitude but the opportunity hadn't presented itself-yet.

"So you're still going with Tyler to the dance?" Lisa asked as they lounged lazily by the poolside at Lana's house.

"Maybe.." Lana replied and sipped on her icy drink.

"Jordan doesn't have a problem with that?" Olivia raised her sunglasses over her eyes.

"I didn't tell him so.."

"Hmmm.." Olivia put her shades back on and propped herself on her elbow."I don't think it's a good idea hun."

"I second that motion." Lisa raised her hand high."Why don't you just go with Jordan? You know that he would jump at the opportunity?"

"It's just a school dance-"

"You're his wife fyi..or don't you remember saying I do to that hot piece of-" Olivia licked her lips.

"Have you decided what you're going to wear?"

"Changing the subject are we?" Lisa eyed Lana speculatively while she took a sip of her Long Island, and chuckled to herself.

"It was really sweet of Jordan to cut his gorgeous hair on your account." Olivia hastened to point out the other side of the matter. "Are you still leaving for New York on Sunday morning?"

"Yes..and nothing you say or do is going to make me change my mind."

"You should at least give him a heads up. Or say goodbye at least-" Lisa ventured to interject.

"I can't tell him!"

"Why not?!" Her friends cried out in unison.

"Because.." She just dropped into the chair again and looked at them helplessly. "I think I'm falling for him again and if he asks me to stay..I won't be able to say no.."

"Then stay and work things out." Olivia urged. "Don't run away Lana."

"I can't..I'm scared..what if he hurts me again?" Tears pooled in her eyes.

"Then it's a risk you're going to have to take sweetie." Lisa moved over and engulfed her friend in a hug.

"I can't give him children. I know he doesn't want them but what if he changes his mind someday?"

"Lana stop grasping at straws!" Olivia reprimanded. "You know that Jordan is sorry for what he did and would literally move any mountain for you right now-but you keep pushing him away. You need to stop."

"I can't.." She looked white and scared, and Lisa could feel her hands chill and tremble.

"I'm going to take a shower!" Lana, her flung her beach towel on the deck chair suddenly, then retreated to the house and they trooped in after her.

~~~~~~

Jordan had just completed a photoshoot for Harper's Bazaar Magazine and Jones ran over with his phone.

"Yes?"

"Hello, Jordan. This is Dr Brice calling on behalf of your father-"

"Get to the point. I'm busy."

"Of cos-uhm-yes of cos. Your father fell sick while he was on an expedition in-"

"And why do you think this would interest me?"

"He was serving his nation when he went to Mars-"

"I don't think I was included so what's that got to do with me?"

"Clearly you don't seem to be bothered-"

"If you don't get to the point in the next five seconds, I'm going to hang up."

"Your father needs a kidney transplant and-"

"Forget it. I wouldn't even clip of a fingernail to save that guys life."

"Jordan. He's your father-"

"Good-bye Dr Brice."

"What was that all about?" Jones asked as he helped Jordan with his bags.

"Some doctor thought he would interest me in donating a kidney to my sperm donor." He sneered, outraged by such impudence on the part of his father.

"Wasn't going to make a difference," Jordan grunted before he jumped into the passenger seat.

"You're sure?"

"I haven't spoken to that man for over a decade why would I start to care now?"

"You have a point." Jones started the car and they drove off as Jordan's phone went off again.

"Yes?"

"Good afternoon Mr Carter. I'm calling from the President's Office."

"Get to the point lady. I don't have all day."

"Did you not hear me Mr Carter? I am calling on behalf of the Pres-"

"Yeah, yeah. Is there a reason for this call?"

"I'm sure Dr Brice called you?"

"Yes and..?"

"Mr. Carter I don't think you understand the seriousness of your father's condition? Plus we were in the middle of a very delicate project and he was spearheading it-we can't afford to lose him. Since you're his only surviving next of kin..can you at least consider coming in to get tested in order to see if you're a match?"

"No can do lady. I got better things to do with my time."

"Mr. Carter-

"I'm sure you can find him a donor somewhere. You're wasting your time talking to me."

"That would be a long process-"

"Anyway nice chat. Pass my regards to the President."