Page 25 of Fierce Storm
I head home early after a particularly stressful day drowning in emails—trying hard not to pull out my hair after another Storm fan decided to spread some bullshit about Zane’s past.
My phone buzzes multiple times when I walk through my door, and I welcome the fact that it’s likely to be the group chat, needing the distraction.
HAYLEY: So… I’ve just realized that the guys’ group chat is like a beacon for love
PAIGE: A what, now?
My thoughts exactly.
HAYLEY: A beacon for love. A matchmaking service. Whatever you want to call it. Think about it. First it was Luke’s support group and he found love with Amelia. Then it was Easton’s turn. Then Reed. You see where I’m going with this…
I snort out a laugh until I give it some thought. She’s not wrong. What I wouldn’t give to be there when Easton learns that little tidbit. He’s going to shut that chat down so fast the guys won’t know what hit them.
AMELIA: Does that mean it’s over? I think it’s only Dylan and Thomas left on the group chat and they’re both married
HAYLEY: They added Zane, so they can add someone else
AMELIA: Who?
HAYLEY: Reed and I have someone in mind
PAIGE: Shit. Hayls, what are you doing? Easton just showed me the guys’ chat
HAYLEY: What? It’s a great idea
PAIGE: I’m not so sure she’s going to agree
She?Fuck. I don’t like the sound of that. As the only single one in our friendship group, it doesn’t take a genius to know who “she”is.
KEELEY: Dare I ask?
HAYLEY: It’s you
Of course it is.
PAIGE: They’ve decided to call the group chat Keeley’s support group even though you’re not on the chat. Apparently, it’s your time. Easton’s not happy
I’ll bet. Neither am I.
PAIGE: I think it’s kind of cute
KEELEY: It’s not cute or necessary
HAYLEY: Wait. Reed said Zane’s defending you. What does he know that we don’t?
What in the world? I groan comically as I fall back onto my bed. My guess is that he’s defending me because he still feels indebted to me.
KEELEY: He knows nothing because there is nothing to know
I’m being honest, at least about Zane knowing anything, but something tells me they’re not going to believe me.
HAYLEY: I love you, but I don’t believe you
And there it is. Right on cue. Gotta love them.
Channeling my grumpy younger brother, I remove myself from the group chat, laughing as I do. Because this is all harmless. I hope.
KEELEY LEFT THE GROUP
