Page 176 of Delicate Storm

“That’s what I said when she first called me. Anyway, I’m coming over.”

“I’m not home,” I rush out before he hangs up. “I’m at Easton’s. I’m looking after Isaac today.”

“Can I come there? I’d really like to see you and meet the little guy.”

I glance at Easton and he nods.

“Okay. That would be good. It’s 16A. I’ll see you soon.”

“Thanks, Paige.”

He hangs up, and when I look back at Easton, his eyes are wide. “Jesus Christ.”

“Jesus. Indeed.”

“How do you feel?”

“I’m happy that they’ve been caught. But I’m also freaking out.” My heart slams in my chest as I admit that out loud. “They only mentioned Christian’s dad and uncle. And Christian’s mom isn’t going to take this lightly.”

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

Easton

I’m anxious as I leave for my game, and if I’m being honest, it’s the last place I want to be. I was already stressed about Isaac, after Macy said she’d call for Thanksgiving and never did, and now I have to worry about Paige too.

It’s going to kill her if that douche’s parents retaliate, and if Macy uses it to her advantage, I’m concerned for Paige’s reaction. I don’t think she’ll run again. We’re past that. But I have no doubt she’ll take the brunt of the blame, despite the fact that Macy and I have had issues for years.

I check my phone before our pregame warm-up and sigh when I have no notifications. I’m not sure what’s better—for Macy to call or remain MIA. A little part of me hopes she disappears for good. But then we’ll always be in limbo, never knowing if she’s going to walk back into our lives. I wanted her around so that Isaac had a mother, but I’m starting to think he’s better off without one rather than having Macy as a part-time come-and-go-as-she-pleases type.

With a huff, I’m about to put my phone away when it buzzes in my hand, and on seeing that it’s Macy, I snort out a laugh.

Of course, as I think of the devil, the devil appears.

Macy: I’m on the way to your apartment. I’m taking Isaac with me

What the fuck?I rush out into the hall—risking a fine for being late—and hit call on her name, grinding my teeth as the phone rings.

“Hello,” she answers innocently and I want to scream.

“What the hell, Macy. I’ve told you this before; you can’t just turn up when it suits you.”

“I can now,” Macy practically sings, and her tone sends shivers down my spine. “I’ll be there in an hour.”

“What? What does that even mean?”

“It means that I spoke tomylawyer this morning and mentioned that you’d been leaving Isaac alone with a woman attached to a certain criminal case in New York.”

“The fuck?”

“Haven’t you seen the news? The Mikklesons are huge, and it seems Paige has been caught up in their mess.”

“She’s a witness, nothing more.”

“Doesn’t matter. It’s all unknown at the moment and doesn’t look good for you.”

“You don’t even want him. You—” I cut myself off when my voice rises. I can’t do this here and now. I can’t—

Luke rushes past and I’ve never been more relieved to see him. “Luke,” I call out, before telling Macy I have to go, hanging up on her.

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