Page 178 of Delicate Storm

“Actually, no. Don’t answer. I don’t have time for your bullshit.”

He barely glances my way as he speaks but it’s enough to throw daggers. The thing is, I can’t even blame him. I’m playing the worst game of my career, and I’ve never been one to let my personal life get in the way. Though I’ve never had to worry about Isaac as much as I have in the last six months.

I watch the rest of the half from the sidelines before making empty promises to play better when the guys run off the field.

Coach looks my way but doesn’t respond, and I’m not sure what that means.

When I get back to the locker room, I risk checking my phone and find six missed calls from Macy seconds before Sal calls my name, pushing through the players as he makes his way over.

My hackles rise as a shiver runs through me. He’s supposed to be with Paige. “Sal, what’s—”

“I never put my family before work, and while I’m happy with where I am today, I’ll always regret it. Paige and Isaac are here. Isaac needs you. Paige is doing an amazing job at calming him down, but he needs his father. And I can promise you, the team won’t punish you for walking away.”

“No.” I shake my head.

“No. Easton, I—”

“I want you to take me to them, but I don’t want any special treatment. I’ll take the fine, and if Coach drops me from the next game, so be it.”

Sal’s lips pull into the smallest smile. “I knew I liked you. Come on.”

I only manage two steps before Coach calls everyone to attention. Ignoring him, I keep walking until he calls out. “Wilder. Where do you think you’re going?”

“I have a family emergency.”

“You said—”

“I’m sorry,” I cut in. “I have to go.” I may not know why but it doesn’t matter. I have to be there for Isaac.

There’s a standoff between us before he nods and turns away, launching into his halftime speech. I can hear it as I walk, but I’m notlistening. Nothing is penetrating my mind. I’m focused on following Sal, nervous about what I’m going to find.

Sal leads me to his office, and when he opens the door, Paige spins around to face me, Isaac in her arms.

I rush forward. “Paige, what’s—” She shakes her head, cutting me off as her gaze subtly shifts to Isaac, and she mouths “not now.”

Nodding, I turn my attention his way and smile. “Hey, Buddy. This is a surprise.” His eyes water as he reaches out for me, and my heart clenches as I grab him, holding him close.

“I’ve got you, Little Man. I’m here. I’m here.”

He sniffs as he buries his face into my neck, and the expressions on Paige’s and Sal’s faces gut me.What the fuck happened?

After fifteen minutes, he’s finally calm, but I still have no idea what’s going on, because despite me asking, all he does is shake his head. And it’s messing with me. I have to know. How can I protect any of them if I’m in the dark?

When I realize we’re not getting anywhere, I try a new tack. “How about we go home? You and me.”

Isaac shakes his head more forcefully and I panic. “How can I—”

“Do you want to see Keeley, Isaac?” Sal cuts in. And I’m just about to tell him I’ve got this when Isaac lifts his head and nods. “She just arrived. Do you want to come with me to meet her?”

To my surprise, Isaac squirms in my arms as he nods again. “Can I go, Dad?”

“Of course,” I say reluctantly, forcing a smile. “I’ll be waiting right here.”

“With Paige?” Isaac panics but Paige is quick to reassure him.

“I’m not going anywhere. We’ll be here. Always.”

CHAPTER FIFTY

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