Page 189 of Fierce Storm
“I have to meet with the advisory board about the unsafe work practices first thing Monday morning, and I have a few loose ends to tie up before then.”
“Loose ends?”Why does that sound so final?
“Yeah. I promise I wouldn’t be going if it wasn’t absolutely necessary.”
“I know.” I smile while my frantic heart gives away my lie. I believe that he believes that, but I also have to wonder if he considers most things in his business to be absolutely necessary.
God, is that what I’m like?
My mind flashes back to my talk with Paige, and I internally curse myself. Sal and I are one and the same. I’ve been turning into Mr. Hyde because I’m not allowed to work. Who am I to judge?
Sal closes his eyes, his expression ashen as he talks to Paige on the phone.
“Jeffrey will pick you up around ten a.m. on Monday. Are you sure you won’t let Easton go? I’d feel better knowing he was there with you.”
Paige responds, and from Sal’s expression, I can guess she’s sure. It turns out I was right about Easton. He wants to go; Paige won’t let him.
“I know I’m there, but I’m not traveling with you, and I’ll be at D’Angelo Construction until I meet you?—”
Paige must cut him off because he pauses, running a hand through his hair. For a man that likes to be in control, he’s been thrown a lot of curveballs over the last twenty-four hours, and he’s not coping well. On top of having to watch me with Vance yesterday while standing on the sidelines, he’s now being forced to stay back when it comes to Paige. And he has no idea whether or not her life is in danger.
“What’s she going to do?” he yells and then scoffs, lowering his voice. “Or your brother? That doesn’t give me much confidence.”
Sal’s head drops back as Paige speaks again, and I almost laugh until his worried expression darts my way.
“Can I speak to her?” I mouth and his eyes light up, probably thinking I’m going to take his side. I’m not. I get it. Paige is strong. She can do this on her own.
“Keeley wants to speak to you.” He pauses. “Yeah, I’ll put her on.”
He hands me the phone, mouthing the word “help” before running his hands down his face. A pang hits me and I’m torn. On one hand, I can understand where Paige is coming from, but on the other, I don’t want Sal to spend his time worrying. This girlfriend/friend thing is going to take some time to navigate.
“Hi, Paige.”
“Hi, Mom.”
I snort out a laugh, shaking my head at the absurdity of our situation. Although, she did just give me an opening to help Sal. “Your dad’s worried about you and—” I stifle a laugh. “Sorry. I tried but this is too weird. As your friend, I wanted to see how you were feeling.”
“I’m okay. I want that part of my life to be over, and until I testify, it won’t be.”
“You know you’ll probably see Christian?”
“I know. And I’m ninety-nine percent sure that’s the main reason Easton wants to come.”
“I’m not going to lie and say it’s notoneof his reasons, but I know my brother. He wants to be there foryou. It turns out, he’s actually more caring than we give him credit for.”
“You mean you give him credit for? I’ve known that since we met.”
“Okay. Maybe I haven’t been the best sister.”
“Nah, you’re okay.” Paige laughs. “And I have the authority to judge that now, with you being my sister-in-law… and my future stepmom.”
“Stop. It was funny the first time. Now…”
“I’m kidding.”
“I know. But on that note, I’m going to ask you something as your dad’s girlfriend.”
“So it’s official?”
