Page 88 of 4-Ever

“What?”

“Sure. Nana and Dada too.”

“Okay, then,” I laughed, relieved. “Now enough about me, how’re you doing?”

“I’m good. I’m sleeping better and working out again. And of course, I’m talking to my sponsor every day.”

I needed to check in with mine. My urges hadn’t spiked dangerously, despite the stress of the past few days. But I wouldn’t take chances. Just when I think my addiction is behind me, that’s the moment the sneaky bastard comes for me again.

“The paps still follow me occasionally, but not like before,” Rae added. “And I’ve got a few job interviews coming up in July. I thought, before then, I might take a trip down to see you. If that’s okay? If I’m not interrupting.”

“Of course. We’d love that! Next week? We’re heading out on tour beginning of June to start our US leg, but you’re welcome to join us. Pretty sure Ciara will head out with us, too.”

“You’re sure?”

“You’re family, of course, I’m sure. I’ll ask Bibi if she can arrange your travel.”

“That would be awesome. I’ll see you soon, then. And call Mom and Dad so they don’t worry.”

“Doing that now. Love you, Rae.”

“Love you too, Faise.”

I tapped end and then tapped on my parents’ number. One ring later, and my mom answered.

“Faisel Douglas Reed, it’s about time you called us back! We’ve been worried sick since we saw you on the news!”

Mom pulling out my full name (Douglas? Total cringe) was a sign that I was in deep shit. I felt like a naughty teenager again.

Then I glanced over at the messy state of Ronin’s bed. Naughty was the least of it.

“Sorry, but between the police and the hospital, and talking with our PR team and lawyers, it’s been crazy.”

“What happened? Is everyone okay? Who is this Dallas Bledsoe?”

“Ciara’s boyfriend. Now ex. He was threatening her, Ronin intervened, and things escalated. Thank fuck I went after him. Who knows what would have happened if?—”

An enormous lump filled my throat, making it impossible to swallow. I couldn’t think about ‘what if’s’.

“But we’re good,” I continued. “Ciara’s still in shock, though. Dallas has been abusing her for months. She was acting strange, and when we finally met up with them, Ronin and I knew something was wrong. Don’t think he ever expected this, though.”

“Is she still with Ronin?”

“Yeah, we’re all at his house. It’s not a good idea for her to be alone just yet. Their mom flew down yesterday.”

“Well, that’s good. I’m glad Callie is there. And you are too. You sound different, honey? Are you sure you’re fine?”

“I am,” I cleared my throat. “Me and Ronin, we’re together.”

“Of course, you are. It’s always been that way.”

“No, I mean, together, together. As in, a couple.”

A sharp inhale on the other end of the line was followed by silence.

“Mom?”

“I knew it! I didn’t know when, but I knew it would happen! Are you happy, honey?”

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