14 Searching for the Pas (2/2)

I hesitantly got out of the car, but Moxie didn't jump on me as I feared she might.

”G-good girl.” I reached out my hand and gently patted her head. She didn't move away and seemed pleased with my attention.

I was making progress!

Moxie perked her ears and turned around, letting out a single loud bark. I couldn't help it that I jumped, but I heard some laughter from up the drive.

I looked up and saw David running over to us to retrieve Moxie. He was laughing at my fear even more openly than Julian had the day before. I tried to compose myself as best I could.

”Did she scare you?” he asked, panting slightly.

”Her bark was just loud.” It wasn't a lie!

He let out a snicker, but tried to hide it. ”I'm David, Ileana's son.”

I nodded my head in greeting. ”My name's Alice.”

”Yeah, I know. Julian's new wife.” David grabbed Moxie's collar and started dragging her away. ”I have to go walk her, but I'll see you later.”

And just as quickly as he had arrived, he was gone. David only stopped by sometimes to take care of Moxie. He was a student a little younger than me and even though I was ignored by most everyone in Julian's household, David had always politely greeted me when we passed each other. Of course, in my past lives, I mostly avoided him since wherever he went, Moxie followed if Julian wasn't around.

Since David was walking Moxie, that meant Julian hadn't returned from his business trip yet. I decided I might question Ileana in case she knew of any photo albums Julian kept tucked away, though I doubted any existed.

I found Ileana in the back garden, cutting fresh flowers for the dining room centerpiece. She turned to glance at me as I approached.

”What can I do for you Alice?”

”Hello Ileana,” I gave her my best smile. ”I was wondering... does Julian keep any photo albums?”

Ileana didn't respond right away as she cut a few more flowers, but I knew she wasn't ignoring me. She was probably searching for a memory of any photo albums.

She straightened up. ”I don't believe so. If anyone had photo albums of his pictures, it would be his mother.”

I tried to hide my disappointment. There was no way I was getting ahold of photo albums from Julian's mother. If there was someone who hated me more in all my lives than Mia, it might possibly be her. She had never understood why her favorite son was forced to marry a ”unrefined, dull girl” like me.

”Is there anything else I can help you with?” Ileana must have seen my face fall because she asked with a worried expression.

”No, that's alright. Thank you, Ileana.”