Page 141 of Delicate Storm

“He’s coming. He has to.”

“Why?”

“Because you don’t get to have everything you want. All the damn time.”

“What? Macy, I—”

She hangs up, cutting me off midargument and I panic. So much for being civil. I’m not sure that’s even possible anymore.

Coach Pierce is waiting for me outside the locker room when I arrive. He nods his head toward the stairwell and I follow him out of sight.

“I was expecting you to call this morning. How’s your mom?”

My shoulders drop as emotion clogs my throat. I knew I’d have to talk about this today, but I thought I’d have some time before it happened. “She’s not great. She…ah…she has ALS.”

“Fuck.” Pierce’s eyes widen as his face pales. “I thought you were going to say she broke her hip.”

“That would have been a better alternative.”

“Jesus. I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“I know, but—”

“Wilder,” someone calls my name and I turn to find Paige’s dad walking toward me, his expression somber. Did Paige tell him? “Hi Jonathan,” he acknowledges Coach before turning his attention to me. “How are you holding up?”

“Ah. I’m okay. Thanks.” I hesitate, unsure how I’m supposed to respond, and Coach notices. “I’m ready to get back into it. I won’t miss any more practice.”

“We wouldn’t fault you if you did,” Salvatore says, and surprisingly Coach nods in agreement, confusing the hell out of me. I didn’t think they got along.

“All good. I just want things to proceed as normal. But I appreciate the support.” I want to tell them both to fuck off, but somehow I don’t think that’s a good idea when I just promised Paige I wouldn’t do anything rash. And one of the guys is her dad. But it was hard enough talking to Paige about everything and now the world knows my business? What the hell is going on?

“Totally understandable,” Sal continues on. “Keeley said you’d say that.”

“Keeley?”

“Yeah. She missed a marketing meeting yesterday and emailed to apologize. She didn’t say much, only that your mom was in the hospital.”

So it wasn’t Paige? I can’t decide if I’m relieved or not. Maybe it would be better if it was out in the open.

“Thank you both. But I’m good.”

I give them a nod before walking away, frowning when I reach the locker room to find them still chatting. Are they friends now? Actually, not my problem.

Taking a deep breath, I walk in and beeline straight to my locker, ignoring the looks aimed my way. Since having Isaac, I’ve only missed a few practice sessions, and it’s been a while so they all know something’s up. I just hope they don’t know wha—

“East, how are you, man?” Thomas asks, coming over to pat me on the back, Luke and Reed trailing behind him. “I hope you don’t mind us intruding, but we wanted to offer some help.”

Fuck. “I’m good.”

“I’m sure you’re great,” Luke cuts in, having to have his say. “But you’re still going to listen.”

“Fine. Get your ‘condolences’ off your chest.”

“We’re not here to say sorry about your mom,” Luke snaps back, his expression a mix between annoyance and sympathy. “We’re here to help. Amelia and Lainey both offered to look after Isaac if you want to bring him to the game tomorrow. Lainey used to be a nanny for Dylan so she knows what she’s doing.”

Goddammit, I didn’t think about the game.

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