Page 72 of Creed

I licked them. “Better?”

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Creed

Just when I thought Morgan couldn’t get any better than she already was, she proved me wrong. She hid in a closet with chicken to avoid drama. She knew someone was going to start something and she must have felt it coming.

“Okay, so how did the two of you meet?” Jake asked.

Morgan was sitting next to me practically licking her plate as my cousin, uncle, and aunt sat across from us.

“He gave me his last piece of chicken at a fundraiser. My family introduced us.” Morgan spoke for me.

“Alright, so I know a little about what you’ve been up to, you retired, built a successful bike shop, and live in Cold Springs. I’ve tried to keep up with what Google has to say. Why Cold Springs?” Kenny asked.

“My buddy was from here. He was losing his mom to cancer and a group of us came along for support. We all liked the town and the people, so we settled here. What about you? I heard you’re buying the farm?”

He nodded. “Dad is a prideful man. He would never accept a handout from his son, and he’s growing older. He can’t keep up with the farm or his debt anymore, and I offered to buy it and let him live his days out in the only home he has ever known.”

He paused for a moment. “I need you to know a few things. My dad and I were in contact with your father for years. He was very protective of you and if Nicole ever heard we were a part of your life, she would have made yours and your dad’s lives hell. By some power of God or something almighty, when she left, she didn’t turn back. We agreed with your father. He decided it would be best to cut ties, to protect you. My sister has a way of destroying everyone’s lives around her, and we didn’t want that for you. It killed us to cut ties with you, but we agreed with your father and respected his wishes. Nicole didn’t get what she wanted out of your dad in the divorce, and she was pissed. You were always closer with your dad than her, and she blamed you for stealing all of his attention, which we know isn’t true. Your dad agreed to pay her a little extra every month if she didn’t come back. He was right to do so, and it worked out for Nicole. She met Johnathan and didn’t tell him about you until he found the checks from your dad. She didn’t want to scare him off with the threat of bringing a kid to their marriage. She got attention through Jonathan’s fame and through mine. We didn’t want to risk upsetting her and causing her to start anything that might hurt you. When she learned I was buying the farm to bail my dad out financially, she got pissed off. She didn’t tell Johnathan that I was buying it, she told him I was a snake that’s trying to get my hands on her inheritance. The idiot doesn’t realize there is no inheritance and dads in debt after all of moms medical bills. She showed up at dad’s place and offered a truce. You in exchange for the farm. She always dangled that carrot in frontof him because she knew how much pain he felt over the years about losing you. She was always this way. She had to be the spotlight and was jealous of everyone else. Money isn’t the issue. It’s attention she seeks and never bothered to find talents of her own. I’m sorry she showed up today.”

I had to admit it, Morgan was right. I felt better after learning the truth. I heard my uncle out and eventually the questions came.

“Morgan is staying with you? Do you have proper security in place?” Kenny asked and Morgan snorted next to me. I lightly elbowed her.

“We are in a gated community, and I know a thing or two about keeping someone hidden and safe.” I answered.

“You’re not together, but you are close friends, correct?” Kenny asked.

I nodded, but I wished I could say something else.

Kenny looked at me like he knew something more. That I wanted more, but at that point, I was waiting for her to make that decision.

Jake crossed his arms. “How exactly can you keep her safe from not just the paparazzi, but a motorcycle gang?”

It was time for the lies, but Morgan spoke up. “I am working with a very competent and trustworthy security firm. They even have their men posted at the gates to the community Creed lives in, and the neighbors are mostly his friends so they’re very tolerant and accommodating. I even go to work with Creed at the bike shop most days and I like it a lot. Not only am I safe, I’m very happy.”

Jake studied Morgan then nodded his head. “I can see a difference in you. I know today has been hard and it hurts like hell, but I can see something new in you despite all that. I like it.”

Allison spoke up. “Are you in the market for a new home here in Cold Springs now that you’ve retired?”

“Yes, but not until it’s safe to leave Creed. He is welcoming Addie into his home as well.” Morgan responded.

“I can’t lie, Morgan. I’m concerned about your safety and also the obligations you have to the studio. You have to come back to California and follow through. Wouldn’t you be safer getting as far away from Indiana as possible? You have a home in Malibu. Couldn’t your security firm protect you in your own home?” Jake asked.

“I have to stay close for Addie right now. I guess we will cross that bridge when the time comes. I know I have to fulfill those obligations, but just be patient. We have a few weeks, and I need to get through these next few days before I make any plans to leave Indiana.”

A new fear struck me in that moment. What if she took Addie to California and didn’t want to return? She could raise Addie there and never run into Leslie or the Reject’s again.

Morgan reached for my hand under the table and leaned her head against my arm. I knew she was tired and ready to go home.

“I’ll be in town for a few more days. When can I come visit?” Jake asked.

Morgan quickly shot up in her seat. “No! I mean, I’ll probably have to wait until the premier to see you again. Our security is very strict, and they won’t allow anyone in the house.We only have a few days to prepare for Addie, so we will be crazy busy. I’m sorry.” Great, I was turning the sweetest woman alive into a fucking liar. Unfortunately, she wasn’t all that convincing. An actress that couldn’t lie worth a damn. I thought I suddenly saw everything.

She leaned against my arm once more and looked up at me. “I’m exhausted. Can we go home now?”

I looked down at her. “Sure, the guys already have everything loaded up.”

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