Page 30 of Unspoken Hearts
“No, we weren't hurt—”
“How bad is the damage?” Mum cuts her off.
My throat bobs at that, hands sliding into my pocket as they become even more clammy. “What damage?”
Bright green eyes slide to mine, slightly pink from what must have been tears, but they’re dry now, leaving only a faint trace. Just seeing her this way makes me want to engulf her in my arms and never let her go.
My breathing deepens as Macie blinks her attention away from me. I’d hate to think that she’s embarrassed right now.
“Part of the roof collapsed from the storm.” Her voice is so soft, I almost miss the words.
Wait… collapsed?
Peppering brows pull together as he crouches in front of her with a wary expression. “How much of it?”
I know Macie hates attention, and I watch her hands start fidgeting in her lap.
This is too much for her.
Grayson answers beside me, “The living room. Most of it came down. We were sleeping when it happened. I thought something had happened to Macie, but she was safe. Then I saw the living room.”
“I’ll have to speak with Walter, then.”
“No!” Macie’s voice rises, her eyes flaring marginally. “It’s not your problem to deal with. I can talk with him myself,” she insists.
My stomach knots again seeing her be so defensive, just like the other night when I wanted to help. She’s a stubborn little thing, but she’s too caring at the same time for her own good.
Mum huffs a laugh. “Young lady, while you are staying here, youareour problem, and we’ll do what we can to help.”
“I’ll call him. You don’t need to worry about it,” Dad reassures her, patting her leg before standing again.
My eyes move to the bag at her feet. It’s not overly stuffed, but there’s enough in there to fill it.
Then it hits me.
She’s staying here. She’ll be sleeping in the room beside mine for the foreseeable future.
I can’t help the way my fingers prickle at that thought, and I have to look away, controlling my racing thoughts of her being so close to me. There will only be a wall between us now.
“Thank you,” Macie lets out, looking between all of us. Her eyes linger a beat longer on mine, and I hold her shimmering gaze until her eyes flicker away. “But you really don’t have to do all of this.”
“Oh, sweetie, where else will you go? Plus we have the room here, and you’ve stayed here many times before, so why should this be any different?” Mum chirps, trying to sound peppy as she stands. “Come on, I’ll make you a hot drink as you get settled.” She reaches down to scoop Macie’s hand into hers. “Have you had anything to eat yet?”
Macie shakes her head as she slowly gets to her feet, hands shaking a little. Mine fist at my sides. I know she doesn’t want anyone to worryabout her, but too bad. And seeing her this stressed about her place makes my uneasiness over the whole situation worse.
“Let me get breakfast started then,” Mum says sweetly.
The words come out of my mouth before I can stop them. “I’ll make you a coffee.”
Macie looks at me, a slight curve in her lips, but it’s not enough for my pulse to settle. “Thank you.”
Picking up her bag, Grayson shows her upstairs to the spare room beside mine as I go into the kitchen with Mum on my tail. I have perfected Macie’s morning coffee, seeing her make it dozens of times over the years, and even practising for myself. I’m not a fan of milk, but I add a dash before mixing in some raw honey.
Mum gets out some ingredients for what I think is french toast. I can see the tightness in her lips, and the concern etched into her older, feminine features. It’s the same tightness currently squeezing my chest like it’s trapped in a metal vice.
“It’ll be okay, Mum,” I tell her gently as I switch on the kettle.
Her light eyes meet mine, and with a small dip of her chin, she gets back to making breakfast.
