Page 75 of Reckless Storm
Iamgoing to change. But I’m going to do itmyway.
Standing tall, I head back toward the stadium entry to wait for Paige, and I’ve just sunk back against the wall when my phone buzzes and I remember the message I got earlier.
Checking the screen, I have three texts, two from my mum and one from Reed. Mum asks how I’m feeling, and I’m surprised until I read the second text.
Mum: Sorry, wrong person. Talk soon, sweetie
My stomach knots but I ignore it. Of course she wasn’t checking in. We only speak if I’m the one that calls them. And I don’t call that often.
Shaking off my melancholy, I open Reed’s text.
Reed: What’s the role? And is it worth that sad look on your face?
What?My gaze lifts to search the parking lot.Is he still here?Can he see me? Is this what it would feel like to have a stalker?
I laugh to myself and shake off my insane thoughts.
Hayley: I don’t have a sad look
At least not anymore.
Reed: Are you sure about that?
Jesus freaking Christ. Heishere. I smile intensely, really forcing the creases in my cheeks as I scan the parking lot again, coming up empty.Of course he’s not here.I’m still smiling hysterically as I reply, lost in my own world when Paige laughs from beside me.
“Hell!” I startle. “When did you get back?”
“Just long enough to question your expression.”
“Honestly, I’m questioning it myself.”
“Everything okay?”
“It will be. I’m sure.”
Paige frowns, her furrowed brows telling me she wants to ask more, but she knows better—I’ll talk when I’m ready. Giving me a pass for now, she moves the conversation to the Storm charity event as we walk to her car, greeting her driver as he waits by the door.
It’s not that I don’t want to tell her what's going on; I just want to wait until I’ve figured it out for myself. And for that to happen, I have to work it out with Reed.
On the drive, Paige pulls me out of my funk with her bubbly personality, and it’s not until I get home that I realize I never responded to Reed. And now, I have a new message waiting for me.
Reed: I’m here if you need to talk
I smile, more genuinely this time, and release a slow breath.
Hayley: Tuesday. Let’s talk abouteverything
I hope you’re prepared, Reed. Because I’m not one to hold back.
Reed: Sounds good. Night, Baby. (wink emoji)
I smile and shake my head, falling back onto my bed.
Something tells me that not only is Reed prepared for my crazy, but he’s looking forward to it. And I’ve got to admit, that fills me with warmth.
But God, I hope this deal benefits him too. I couldn’t stand it if this backfired for him.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
