Page 142 of Delicate Storm

“And I’m sure I could ask— ah… Bria to help,” Reed adds with an awkward smile while I bite back a groan. “She loves kids.”

“So everyone knows my business now?”

“No,” he says, putting my mind at ease before adding, “only the people that care about you.”

“I don’t even know Bria; why do you think she would care?”

“Icare,” Reed snaps. “Luke cares, Thomas cares. No matter how hard you try to push us away, we’ll still care.”

“I appreciate the offers but I’m fine and—”Paige already offered.

“You know your sister is friends with Amelia, right?” Luke cuts in, ready to push the issue.

Fucking Keeley.“So that’s how you found out she was my sister?”

“Yep. But that’s not the point. The point is that we know you’re going to need help and we’re all here for you—whether you like it or not.”

My shoulders drop, and for the first time I look past the surface level of the guys in front of me, seeing the decent men that they really are. “Thank you. I’ll keep all your offers in mind.”

“Honestly,” Reed says with a smile, “that’s the best response we could ask for.”

I’m tired as I walk through the hospital corridors, but I couldn’t go home without seeing Mom, and when I get to her room, I’m happy I did.

“Easton.” Her face lights up with a smile. “ I wasn't expecting you.”

“Why?”

“Because you’ve got Isaac to worry about…and the devil.”

“Mom.”

“What? Keeley told me she turned up at your apartment yesterday. Have you seen her?”

“No. Not yet.” My body tenses but I try not to outwardly show my anger toward Keeley. She really needs to keep her mouth shut. “I’m also guessing Keeley told you Paige wouldn’t let her in.”

Mom’s smile widens. “She did.”

“I, ah…I think I’m going to take another approach with Macy.”Thanks to Paige.

“Ooh. Are you finally going the lawyer route?”

“Yes and no. I’m going to seek advice but I’m also going to talk to Macy—civilly.”

Mom frowns. “Do you think that will work?”

“I have no idea. But I have to try.”

“And where did this idea come from? I admit, it’s not a bad one.”

“It came from Paige,” I admit, sheepishly.

“Paige, huh?”

“There’s nothing—” Mom stares at me deadpan, cutting me off. “Okay, fine. I like her. A lot, but life is crazy at the moment so we’re taking it slowly.”

I expect Mom to gloat, but she hits me with a warm smile as tears well in her eyes. “I’ve only met her a couple of times, but I like her too, and by the sounds of it, she’ll be good for you. Is she with Isaac now?”

“She is.”

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