Page 69 of Delicate Storm

“Thanks. In the meantime, I’ll wait to see what they’re going to release about me next.”

Austin falls silent for a beat before clearing his throat. “Would you rather know ahead of time, or is that going to make you stress?”

“Oh God, you know?”

“I…ah… got access to a file they weren’t too worried about protecting. Photos and…”

“I don’t need the details. I wouldn’t put it past them to have access to Christian’s phone, so I know what exists. I just hope we beat them to it.”

“I’m on it.”

“Thank you.”

I blow out a breath when he hangs up and throw myself back into my work. Funny that barely five minutes ago, I wanted to distract myself from work and now I want the opposite. I need it.

How the hell is my mom involved with Christian’s family? What happened to the simpler life?

For the next couple of days, I focus on the work I need to do for the upcoming charity events and not much else. I’ve always liked to get the bulk of my work out of the way so I can take my time with the details and not stress that I’m going to let the charity down. This time around is no exception. The only issue is that now, I feel like I’m racing the clock.

The Mikkleson leaks may not have bothered me in the past, but if they’re sitting tight on photos and videos, like the one Christian sent me a little while back, I’m fucked and it’s not going to look good for the charities. Or my dad.

Every time my phone rings, I jump at it, hoping it’s Austin with some news, and every time it’s a text, I cringe, wondering ifit’s going to be someone telling me they’ve seen something about me online.

On Tuesday morning, I’m on my way out for a run, hoping to clear my head, when I come across my dad in the lobby.

“Paige.” A beaming smile adorns his face just like it always does when he sees me, and a load of guilt settles in my stomach. What if I fuck this all up for him? He’s already having a hard time with his business and the big decisions he has to make with the team. He doesn’t need to add a disgraced daughter to the mix. God, maybe the half-naked photo shoot wasn’t a good idea. If some of Christian’s and my photos leak, it’s going to add to my father’s embarrassment.

But even with that in mind, I don’t regret it. Any of it. No one forced me to do anything. The only injustice would be Christian’s family stealing from Christian’s phone and choosing to share the photos with the world.

“Why the grim expression?” Dad asks, and I quickly school my features.

“Sorry, I’ve got a lot on my mind. How are you? It feels like forever since I’ve seen you,” I joke and he laughs. It’s only been a few days, but since I moved here, it’s the longest we’ve gone. A huge contrast between the years we spent apart.

“I’m good. Now. Ask me again at the end of the week.”

“Why?” I wince as he hits me with an equally grim look.

“I’m making my first big changes to the team structure, and they’re not going to like it.”

Apparently nobody is going to like anything at the moment. So much going on. “What are you doing? Does it affect the players?”

I hold my breath for Easton, but when Dad laughs, I relax. “For the bigger picture, yes, but I’m trying hard not to mess with a championship team.”

“Understandable. I better let you go then.”

“Are we still on for dinner tonight? I could use the company.”

“Of course. There’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

Dad’s eyes widen before he steps closer. “Everything okay?”

“Yes.” I laugh at his protectiveness. It’s strange and I’m not used to it. “I’m fine. I just wanted to talk to you about Mom.”

He fakes a shiver. “What did she do this time?”

“That’s a good question, Dad. But it’s nothing you need to worry about. We’ll talk tonight.” I’m not sure how I’m going to ask him for advice without telling him how I know about Mom or why I’m worried, but I’ve got the day to figure it out. Because as much as I’d love to take this all on by myself, I think he knows Mom better than I do.

Blasting my music while I run the streets of San Francisco, I make my way toward the beach, running along the shoreline, taking in the calm. And when I get back, I’m feeling better. More refreshed. Ready to tackle the big questions in my life.

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