Page 147 of Delicate Storm

“Is it bad that I don’t even know her but a little part of me wanted to slap some sense into her?” I look up to see Hayley’s nose crinkle, making me laugh out loud. “For you,” she adds, but I guessed as much.

“You won’t hear me judging because I feel the same. I’m sure she’s nice but—”

“It doesn’t matter. She’s dating your ex; we don’t like her on principle.”

“Do we still do that if we don’t really care about the ex?” I ask, my brow raised in question.

“Absolutely.” Hayley laughs. “Now, what are we drinking?”

Isip on the same drink for the next hour, holding it in my hand as I flit around the room, chatting with guests and people in high places, including Evelyn, the director of the foundation.

Despite knowing that Christian’s lurking somewhere, I actually have a good time. Hayley and I even dance for a few songs. But as the night goes on, I wish I was home, curled up on the couch, watching the latest superhero cartoon with Isaac or the latest action movie with Easton.

Not that I’ve ever done either of those. But I want to.

I have always loved my life. Always loved the spotlight. But lately, it’s different.

That girl—the socialite that shared her life with the world—isn’t me. I’d much rather be home. At Easton’s. Where I finally feel like my true self.

Hayley waves to me as I head to the bar for a rest, but of course, Christian’s there to stop me once more. And like earlier, I ignore it.

“Paige, stop.” He grabs my hand, pulling me to a halt, and I force a smile, spinning around, shaking myself free.

“I’m working, Christian. How can I help you?”

Christian’s fake smile matches my own as he steps closer, lowering his voice. “We’ve been over this. I just need a goddamn photo with you and Nicola.” To the outside world, I’m sure we look like old friends catching up, but on the inside…a completely different story is playing out. This is me and Christian at our finest. This is what we do. We fake it for appearances. Always have.

“I’m not letting you look like Mr. Perfect while your parents splash intimate photos of me all over the Internet. If you wanted my cooperation, you should have helped me first.”

“I told you I couldn’t. Not unless you tell me why they’re doing it.”

“Have you ever thought that maybe I’m trying to protect you? I cared about you once.”

“That thought never crossed my mind, Paige. Like I said, you’re heartless. You cared for me about as much as you cared for your hamster in fifth grade.”

“I never forced it to run outside and— No. You know what? You’re a dick. I’m not helping you, so fuck off.”

“Oh, Paige. That’s where you’re wrong. Youaregoing to help me. And I’m going to tell you why. Very soon.”

My anger boils but I keep the smile locked on my face. “What the hell does—”

Christian presses his finger to my lips, silencing me while he laughs. “Don’t go far. I’ll be back.”

He walks away but makes sure to glance back over his shoulder, smirking my way, and I huff out a laugh. He’s trying to rattle me. Just like his goddamn parents. And all this time I’ve been trying to keep him away from their business. Well, fuck this. If he tries to mess with me again, I won’t bother keeping his name out of the mud. In fact, I’ll grab a stick and write it myself.

Servers circle with sweets, and I only then realize the time, going in search of my bag so I can text Easton. I hope it will distract me from whatever it is Christian thinks is going to change my mind.

But when Easton responds, telling me he’s fine when I’ll bet he’s anything but, my night gets worse. I should have stayed home. Even if I didn’t have to help with Isaac, I should have stayed home for them both.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

Easton

Running my hand down my face, I sit back and internally sigh. “I understand. I appreciate your help.”

I’ve been on the late call with my new lawyer for thirty-five minutes, and ninety-five percent of the call has been negative. Short of Macy signing over her parental rights, there’s not a lot I can do. If she fights me for custody, a judge is likely to side in her favor, no matter how much I bring to the table.

Other than being a shitty mother, Macy’s a law-abiding citizen, and with the amount I’d have to pay her for child support, she could easily provide for Isaac. There’s no real reason not to give her custody, except that she doesn’t want it. But if she’s standing in court, pleading her case, they’re not going to listen to that argument.

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