Page 61 of The Troublemaker
Her hand falls on my wrist, and my gaze lifts.There’s only concern on her face, no judgment, and that’s the thing about Honor.She has never once made me feel stupid for a decision even when she thought it was crazy.
“Listen, I have always been Team Hadley’s crazy ideas.You know that.Hell, we both know I wish I could’ve been in the passenger seat with you half the time.”Something passes across her face that I can’t quite read.“But Had, he has a kid now.”
“I know.”I look at my coffee.
“Okay, but I’m serious.”She leans forward.“After a year, you’re just going to leave?Leave them both?”
These sound like Whit questions coming out of Honor’s mouth, and I didn’t come here prepared.
“We haven’t really talked about what happens after.”I pick at the edge of my bagel.“It’s still so new.”
“But you’ve thought about it.”
“Of course I’ve thought about it.”
She studies me, patiently waiting for me to answer or give her more information.It’s how she’s always gotten the truth out of me.She just waits until I can’t stand the quiet anymore.
“I mean it’s not like Easton wants to be married for real,” I say.“We’re doing each other a favor.That’s all it is.”
She doesn’t say anything.Just sips her coffee.
“Stop looking at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you think I’m lying.”
“Are you?”
The question sits between us, and I don’t answer it because honestly I’m not sure I know.I thought I knew when I walked in here.Now I’m less sure.
“The pictures are pretty convincing,” she says finally, her voice lighter.
“I haven’t been online.”
She shakes her head like I’ve said something genuinely bewildering.“Had.You guys are everywhere.There are people labeling you the new Colts family, and nobody thought Easton Bailey had it in him, and now they’re all obsessed.The fallout is going to be significant when this is over.”
I nod and swallow the dryness down my throat.
That is one thing I probably didn’t consider, the public being in the know when this all dies.
“How is the baby?”she asks.“Day to day.He’s doing okay with the transition?”
“He’s—” I pause, and I feel the smile forming before I can stop it.“He’s really funny.He has this thing where he throws his hands in the air when he’s excited and his whole body vibrates.And he loves books already, which Felix takes full credit for.And he cries when Easton leaves the room but not in an annoying way, more like—” I stop.“I don’t know.He just seems really attached to Easton already, like he knows he’s his dad.”
Honor watches me, but I can’t read her expression.
“What?”I ask.
She shakes her head slowly.“Nothing.Just—from the pictures, you seem really taken with him.”She picks up her coffee.“Just wondering what happens if the mom shows up.”Her eyes remain steady on mine.“Where that puts you.”
I pull apart a piece of the croissant, having no intention of eating.“I don’t know, honestly.I try not to go there.”
She nods slowly.“And if she doesn’t show up?If this whole year goes by and it’s just the three of you?”
“Honor, what are you actually asking me?”
She pauses, and for a moment I think she’s going to say something significant.Her mouth opens slightly before she says, “I just… I don’t want you to get hurt.”
