Page 66 of Shadows of You

I stiffened.

“The podcasters were there, hassling her.”

Fury lit in my veins. “Why. Didn’t. You. Say. Anything?” I could barely get the words out.

“I was going to call you but then got word about this.” Lawson gestured to the scene.

“You should’ve told me the second I got here,” I clipped.

The image of Aspen trembling on her couch flashed in my mind. Was she scared now? Alone? How had she been when Lawson left?

“I knew you’d freak, and I needed your head in the game when you got here. Aspen’s fine. I told her we would meet after she picks up Cady and Charlie from school.”

“You wanted my head in the game?” I gritted out. I was going to kill my brother.

20

ASPEN

Charlie and Cadyran out of the double doors, holding hands and giggling as if there was no one else in the whole world but them.

“Don’t you think that’s a little inappropriate?” Katelyn sneered.

I had to close my eyes for a moment and breathe. It had been the longest day in recent history. I’d been confronted with a shirtless Roan this morning—my dry spell making itself abundantly known—a full day at work, the run-in with the podcasters, talking with Lawson, trying to smooth things over with Elsie and Jonesy, and attempting to concoct a story they would believe without outright lying.

I did not need bitter, bitchy Katelyn on top of it all.

“I think their kind of friendship should be celebrated, don’t you?” I asked, casting a look in her direction.

Her casual perfection made me cringe at my sweater and faded jeans. Katelyn pursed her lips. “They’re holding hands. They’re too young for that.”

“They’re kids. It’s completely innocent.”

Katelyn scoffed. “I shouldn’t be surprised you’re condoning this behavior. You were what? Twenty when you had her?”

I stiffened. The judgment wasn’t entirely new. I was twenty-seven now, twenty-two when I’d taken custody of Cady. But I looked a little younger, and whatever piece of glitter Cady had stuck on me today didn’t help that fact.

I plastered on a wide smile. “Katelyn, you’re too kind. I love that you think I look so youthful.”

Her jaw dropped, and I turned to greet Cady and Charlie. “Hey, you two.”

“Hi, Miss Aspen,” Charlie greeted.

“How do you feel about coming home with us this afternoon? Your dad and uncle are going to meet us there.”

I heard a sound of annoyance come from Katelyn’s direction as she stalked away.

Charlie grinned widely. “That would be awesome!”

Cady jumped up and down while keeping hold of his hand. “Is Mr. Grizz gonna be there?”

A prickle of something passed through me. “He is.”

“This is the best day EVER!” she cheered.

“Come on, kiddos. Charlie, I’ve already got your booster in the car.”

“Aw, man. I keep telling Dad I don’t need one no more.”

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