Page 161 of Delicate Storm

“But I didn’t want him!” Her voice raises and I flinch like she slapped me. But instead of getting defensive, for the first time, I really put myself in her shoes and sigh.

“I’m sorry.”

“What?”

“I’m sorry. I should have let you go when Isaac was born. I should have listened to what you were saying and let you walk away.”

“That’s the problem though—you never listened.”

“You didn’t exactly fight me.”

“Ilovedyou.”

“Macy. I—” A message comes through while Macy’s on speaker, and I pause when I see it’s from Keeley.

Keeley: SOS. Please call me back. It’s Mom

My hair stands on end as I stare down at the screen, Macy’s words merely background noise.Mom’s got Isaac.

“Macy, I have to go. It’s my mom. She’s sick and—”

“Go, it’s fine.”

“It’s notfine. We should have had this conversation a long time ago. Can you do me a favor?”

“Maybe.”

“Can you think seriously about whether or not you want Isaac in your life? And read the documents. I want us to put together a formal custody arrangement, and I want him with me.”

Macy’s quiet for a beat while my heart stills, waiting. “I’ll think about it.”

“Thank you.” I sigh in relief. That’s got to be better than nothing. “I’ll speak to you tomorrow.”

I hang up and immediately dial Keeley’s number as I reverse out of my parking space, but when she doesn’t answer, I try Paige next, cursing when her phone goes to voicemail too.

Fuck. What is happening?

My chest burns as I drive, heading in the direction of my mom’s place, praying they’re okay.

Keeley finally calls me back when I’m five minutes away, and I’m tense when I answer. “What’s going on, Keels?”

“Mom had another fall. Isaac’s okay but a little shaken at not being able to help her. She didn’t tell me, but she got one of those alert necklaces and set it up to contact Phil. Thankfully, he was home and raced over.”

Jesus.What was I thinking?I’ve pushed her again.

“Are they on the way to the hospital? I’m almost at Mom’s.”

“No, they’re still at home. She’s refusing to go.”

“God, she’s impossible sometimes.”

“Yep. But aren’t we all?”

She’s not wrong, but I wish Mom would put herself first for once. Though I guess it’s my fault for giving in too easily.

“Where are you?” I ask, getting out of my head.

“I just pulled up behind you. I was already heading home when Phil called. I texted you while I was on the phone with him.”

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