Page 10 of Delicate Storm

“I’m trying but he needs a—”

The pitter-patter of little feet cuts me off, and I turn to see Isaac round the corner, his eyes half closed as he scratches his head. My heart races in anticipation, and I couldn’t stop my responding smile if I tried.

“Nana, is Daddy—” He pauses when we lock eyes and his face lights up as he snaps out of his sleepiness, taking off in a run. “Daddy.” He launches himself into my arms, and in an instant, the tension leaves my body as the world around me ceases to exist. It’s just him. Nothing else matters.

“Hey, Little Buddy. I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” He tightens his hold around my shoulders as I choke back my emotions. “Are we going home?”

“No, not yet,” I rasp. “But I’m staying here. With you. What do you say? Do you think Nana will let me stay?”

Isaac rushes out a yes as he curls into me, all while my chest warms. Mom was right. I needed to go away forme, so I could be a better father to Isaac, but God was it hard to be away from him.

And now that I’m back, I’m going to make his life better, and I’m going to fix the mess his mother made.

I have to.

Isaac and I play until dinner time and then it’s not long before he’s tired again. Maybe Mom’s idea that he’s more relaxed isn’t far off, but instead of easing my mind, it makes me feel worse for leaving.

We snuggle in bed as I read him his favorite bedtime story, but I’m only partway through the fifth page when his breathing slows, and with a soft smile gracing his lips, he drifts off to sleep.

At first, I can’t bring myself to leave, but the second I close my eyes, a metaphorical brick hits me in the face, making me drowsy, and I long for bed. I haven’t slept properly for over twenty-four hours and I’m at my limit.

After saying goodnight to Mom and thanking her again for all that she does, I settle into the spare room just as my phone goes off with a string of messages. I don’t have to look to know who it is and I internally groan.

My teammates or as I like to call them… Fuckers.

Reed: Anyone heard from East?

Dylan: No, but I know he’s back

Luke: You know? Is there something you want to tell us? That sounds stalkerish

Dylan: He was photographed at the airport, dick

Luke: That doesn’t help your cause

Dylan: Summer saw it online

Luke: Sure, it was Summer

Dylan: Fuck you, man

Luke: I love you

Reed: Now, now. Let's not fight. Thank you for letting us know, Dyl. Maybe one of us should call him

No. Jesus.

Easton: Don’t fucking call me. I’m fine

Luke: Good job, Team. It worked

Fuck. I walked right into that.A few of my teammates started this stupid group chat when Luke was going through something last season. I was included in case he needed parenting advice—not that I ever gave him any through texts. If he truly needed me, he’d have to grow some balls and ask.

Now that he’s happy, the group chat has been changed tomysupport group because apparently they want to help me with all the crazy going on in my life. Spoiler alert…they can’t. No one can. It’s between me and Macy and it’s staying that way.

So, like always, I show them how much this group means to me andleave.

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