Page 133 of Fierce Storm
She’d texted, “I’m inside. Talk soon.”
Talk soon?I didn’t want to talk soon. I wanted to talk that second, to beg her to tell me where we go from here, because I’m at a loss.
Easton may be pissed, but Paige seems to be okay with us. And when is Easton not shitty about something? It’s out there now, so I figure if I talk to him about it, man-to-man, I might be able to make him accept us.
But does Keeley want that?
I thought she did, until her complete one-eighty at the end of the night.
AndI’m unraveling again.God-fucking-dammit.
“Can you please run through the plan again, Bryan? I’m all ears. Let’s ensure that asshole gets all that he deserves.”
We discuss attempting a cease and desist order, despite the fact that I don’t think it will work considering he doesn’t name anyone specifically, and by the time I get back to my office after two hours, I’m done.
I’ve just sat down when my phone rings, making me groan until I see that it’s Paige.
“Paige. Hi,” I rush out, answering as though I’m desperate to speak to her. Probably because I am. She may have been okay when I said goodbye last night, but that doesn’t mean she’s not pissed off with me now that she’s had time to think about it all.
“Hi, Dad. How are you?”
“Better now. I’ve been wanting to call you all morning, only I wasn’t sure it was a good idea.”
“Easton’s visiting Rochelle.”
“How is she?”
“She’s good. He just texted to say he’s taking her home.”
I sigh in relief, a little of the tension releasing from my shoulders. “That’s good. How are you?”
“I’m good too. My feet are killing me from dancing, but I’m happy.”
Happy is good.
“What a night. It didn’t end the way any of us would have expected, but it was a beautiful wedding, Paige.”
“It was beautiful, wasn’t it? Though, I feel awful thinking about it. It was nice to have everyone together and enjoy themselves before…” She trails off and my heart breaks for her.
“You’re allowed to be happy, Paige. You just got married.Fuck… my baby just got married.” I groan jokingly and Paige laughs, as I hoped she would.
“That’s right. It happened. Despite having such poor role models when it comes to relationships.”
I relax at her teasing tone, hoping that means she still feels the same as she did last night.
“I’m happy you were able to see past our mistakes. I’m proud of you, Paige.”
“For getting married?”
“No. For the incredible woman and mother you’ve become.”
“Thanks, Dad. I’m not sure I would have chosen this path if I hadn’t found Easton and Isaac, but I’ve never been happier.”
And there’s the perfect segue…
“Speaking of Easton… How is he?”
Paige laughs, and I shudder at the sound, anticipating what’s coming. “Depends on what you’re asking.”
