Page 123 of Delicate Storm

“He cares, Easton. They were together for years. They share three kids.”

“Fine. Believe his bullshit. It doesn’t matter. We’re here.”

I’ve just sat down whenmyphone rings and I groan. Out loud. Showing Keeley my screen.

“Don’t answer.”

“She’ll just keep calling. Trust me.”

I turn around and accept Macy’s call, even though I’m not happy about it. “Yup.”

“Hello to you too.”

“What’s up? You know I’m not with Isaac on Fridays.”

“So sue me for forgetting. I called your place and a woman answered. Paige.”

Shit. “Macy, I can’t deal with this right now. And what do you mean you called my place? We don’t have a phone.”

Was she at my apartment? Does she mean the intercom?

“I want answers, Easton,” she says, ignoring my question. “Are you leaving Isaac with anyone now? Or is she one of your girls? Let me guess…she sucked your cock and that was enough of a reason to let her babysit our child.”

“One of my girls?” I come to a halt and slowly drag a hand down my face. “God, you’re full of it. But you know what? If pretending I’m an asshole makes you sleep better at night, then do what you have to do. I’m hanging up.”

“Wait,” she calls out and I pause. I shouldn’t, but I fucking pause. “I’m in town. Can I see Isaac?”

Shit… she is in San Francisco.

“No.”

“No? You can’t stop me, Easton.”

“Maybe not, but I’m going to. I need Isaac at home right now. I don’t have the headspace to be worried about him while he’s out with you.”

“Oh, but a stranger is fine.”

“Paige would be a better mother than you haveeverbeen and she barely knows Isaac. I’d even wager that if I asked Isaac who he wanted to spend time with, you wouldn’t like the answer.”

“Easton, you can’t—”

“Whatever you have to say, save it. I’ve got to go. I’ll call you when I’m ready.”

Hanging up, I turn around to find Keeley behind me, her jaw on the floor as her wide eyes lock with mine. “Two things,” she says, holding up two fingers, her gaze laced with confusion.

I turn away, but it’s no use. I’m not going to escape this. But also, I’m sure she could use the distraction. “Okay, go ahead.”

“One. You are my hero. Way to put Macy in her place. Now if you could take that attitude all the way to a lawyer's office, that would be great—for everyone involved.” I stare at her without comment or emotion and she continues on. “Two… Busted.” She smiles and while it doesn’t completely reach her eyes, it’s better than nothing considering we’re still waiting to see Mom. I know that she’s trying to stay positive, but there are only so many lies you can tell yourself before everything starts to feel dirty.

“You caught me.” I raise my hands in mock surrender. “I know Paige and she’s looking after Isaac.”

“Oh, that’s not what I’m referring to and you know it.” Keeley stares at me knowingly. “How long have you loved her?”

The fuck. “I don’t—”

“Ms. Wilder’s family?” A nurse interrupts and whatever we were saying goes out of my mind as I spin to face her, nodding. “Your mom’s awake and she’s asking for you.”

“Thank you,” we answer in unison before following the nurse back to Mom’s room, rushing to her side when we find her sitting up.

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