Page 121 of Delicate Storm

“Of course. I’ll be there soon.”

She hangs up and I immediately walk into another room to call Paige, my heart seizing in my chest, struggling to function.

Paige answers right away and I take a quiet breath while she speaks. “Hey you,” she says sleepily and I cringe. “I didn’t think I’d hear from you at this early hour, especially after yesterday. Did you miss me?” The smile in her voice makes me momentarily pause, wishing I was calling at a happier time.

“East?” She breaks through the silence.

“Sorry, yes, I’m here. I…ah…I need a favor. I know I shouldn’t put this on you but—”

“Hey, it’s okay. What’s going on?” I can hear her moving around, and I’ll put all my money on the fact that she was still in bed, but I have to ask.

“It’s my mom. She’s in the hospital and—”

“What can I do? How can I help?”

I knew she’d be there for me and yet hearing it out loud makes me sigh in relief.

“Is there any chance you could be here for Isaac? It’s a lot to ask since he doesn’t know you that well, but he at leastknowsyou, and I don’t want to call a babysitting service or—”

“Of course I’ll do it. I’d be happy to. Just let me get changed and I’ll be on my way.” The phone rustles as though she’s moving around but she keeps talking. “Do you need anything? Is she okay?”

“I don’t know, Paige. I don’t know anything and I’m going crazy.”

“It’s going to be okay. That’s why you’re going to the hospital. To find out. Are you going by yourself?”

“With Keeley. She’s coming to pick me up.”

“Okay, good. Is she all right to drive?”

“Keeley? Yeah. She works best under pressure.”

Paige laughs softly and it makes me smile. “Good. Well, I’m heading to the elevator now, so it might cut off. I’ll be there in a minute.”

Paige arrives, and without me having to say a word, she doesn’t make a big deal out of it. She just knows. And God, am I grateful for her.

I hold the door as she walks past, and she subtly squeezes my hand before Isaac runs to meet us.

“Nana,” he calls out as he rounds the corner, coming to a stop when he sees Paige.

“Actually, it’s me.” She smiles, dropping her bag to the floor. “I came over to ask if you wanted to spend the day with me.”

Isaac’s face lights up before his wide eyes bounce to mine. “Can I?”

“Of course you can.” I force a smile of my own.

“What about Nana?”

“I’ll let Nana know.”

“Yes!” There’s a moment of quiet before Isaac runs forward and grabs Paige’s hand, dragging her away. “Let’s go to my room. Want to see my trucks?”

“You have to finish breakfast,” I call out and they both wave as they disappear.

I watch until they’re gone before I completely shatter, my body deflating as I fall into the wall, covering my face in my hands.

Mom has to be okay. She has to.

Because I don’t know what the hell I’ll do without her.

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