Page 73 of Delicate Storm

“So you invested in his company.”

“What?Jesus. How do you— Shit. Is that what you were talking about?”

“Yes. And I want to know why.”

“Because it’s a great company. It was a no-brainer.”

What?! “Maybe that would be true if you hadn’t rolled your eyes when I first told you about Christian and his family. You’venevercared about finance stuff.”

“People change, Paige. He needed an investor, and on paper it looked too good to pass up.”

“That’s great. Just be careful, Mom.”

“His wife won’t find out. And if she does, so be it. I’m not overly invested in the relationship.”

No, just his company. And that’s what I was referring to. God, what if he’s playing her? Or worse? What if she knows?

After a sleepless night, I call Dad around midday, needing more advice. As much as I’d love to handle this myself, I’m out of my depth.

Dad answers seconds before voicemail takes over, and I’ve never heard him so dejected.

“Hi, Paige,” he says softly, his voice flat. “Everything okay?”

“Is everything okay withyou?” A panic runs through me.

He blows out a sigh and I picture him shaking his head. “I had to let the Storm general manager go today.”

“You fired him?” My voice rises and I wince. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell.”

“That’s okay. You actually made me smile. It needed to happen. But he’s been there for a long time. It wasn’t fun, and I pissed off a lot of people.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. That sucks.”

“It really does.”

“Did you have anyone on your side?”

“I did. A majority of the board members were very supportive of my decision and had wanted to get rid of him sooner, only the previous owner loved him. And on top of that, the team's media liaison helped ease my mind.”

“Keeley?”

“You know her?”

“Yeah, we ah… I ran into her and she introduced herself.”

“Great. Well, she was supportive of the decision too.”

“You spoke to her about it?”

“No, it was more of a heads-up in case it caused a media frenzy. But she was happy to offer her opinion.” I smile because I can totally see that side of her even after only meeting her once. She’s the opposite of her brother.

“I imagine those things are never easy, but I’m happy you’ve got some support for it. I’m sure it will blow over soon enough. The season’s about to start, right? You said that, yeah?”

“Yes, Paige.” Dad laughs to himself. “The season’s starting soon. Which reminds me, you’re coming to the first game, aren’t you?”

I smile, but I’m lucky he can’t see me because it’s completely fake. Attending feels like torture now but… “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” I laugh.

I get to spend hours drooling over Easton only to go home alone. Yay for me.

---