Page 115 of Delicate Storm

“Good to hear. And remember, I can get you a contact.”

“I know.” But I have a feeling I could get one too if I asked Paige about it. I bet her father has friends in high places.

After a somewhat quiet dinner, Isaac and I head home with him regaling me with stories of his day. Since Mom bathed him before dinner, we’re able to start our bedtime routine as soon as we get inside. And it’s only then that he finally mentions Macy.Four days later.

I’d almost wondered if I’d imagined the whole thing since he’s usually excited about everything that relates to his mom.

“Will you come to Flowida, Dad?”

I wish I could pretend I didn’t know what he was talking about, but I can’t lie. “Did your mom invite you?”

“Yeah. And you.”

“I don’t think she meant me. I think she wants to spend some time with you. Alone.”

His nose scrunches before he curls his body into mine and shakes his head. “I want to go with you.”

“I can’t go, Buddy. What about Nana? If we all go to Florida, she’ll be alone.”

“She can come with us. And Auntie Keeley too.”

“Auntie Keeley is going to see her dad for Christmas.” I internally cringe while I smile.

“Where’s your dad?”Dammit. I should have seen that coming.

“I don’t see him anymore.” Isaac pouts so I’m quick to ease his mind. “I’m okay.” I smile again, ruffling his hair. “Do you know why?”

“Why?” He shakes his head.

“Because I’m lucky enough to have you and Nana and Keeley and Auntie Addison who we’ll see again soon.”

“I have those people too!” His voice raises excitedly, and a beautiful smile lights up his face.

“You do. And no matter what, they love you.”

“Then can I stay with you and Nana for Christymas?”

My world stops for a second before my heart starts beating at double time. “You don’t have to do that. The choice is yours. You know I’d love to spend Christmas with you. But if you want to go with your mom, it’s okay. I won’t be alone.”

He shakes his head almost violently. “I want to see Nana.”

“How about we think about it.” I pull him into a hug. “You don’t have to decide right now. Right now your big job is to go to sleep.”

“Daad.” He playfully pushes me away. “That’s not a job.”

“Maybe not. But it’s time to turn off the light and say good night.”

“Will you leep next to me?” he asks, his hand clenched at his heart.

“Yeah, Buddy. I can stay for a little while. At least until you’re asleep.”

After getting less sleep than usual last night with Paige, I fall asleep next to Isaac, and when I wake around ten, my neck aches from curling up in a small space.

Feeling out of it, I beeline straight to my bedroom, stretching out my body before getting changed and switching off the light. The glow from the city shines a spotlight on the empty side of my bed until I close the drapes and block it all out.

I never put much thought into how I felt in the past waking up next to someone, because while Macy and I shared a bed foryears, our feelings had gone long before she did. But with Paige, everything feels different and I wish I had more to give her.

Tucking my arms behind my head, I stare up at the ceiling and try to drift off while my mind spins. And when I’m finally a little drowsy, my phone rings, making me jump.

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