Page 48 of Perfect Storm

“Did you tell him to leave you be, like she keeps doing?”

“Do you think I’m a fucking idiot?” I laugh. They are all so used to my filthy mouth they don’t even flinch when I curse anymore. “I used that to its full advantage for the whole nine months. I had that man run ragged.”

“You’re a legend, Sandy,” Archer tells me, raising a bottle of water in my direction. He is lounging back on a rock, his legs stretched out and crossed at the ankle. “Never change.”

“Don’t plan on it,” I tell him. Making sure Jenna is caught up in her conversation with Alessa and Nick, I turn back to Adam. “Moderation is key,” I advise. “Just be attentive to what she needs. Don’t assume, or try to push anything on her. She’ll be way more grateful that you’re there when she needs you, not that you’re smothering her. And treat her now and then. A foot rub is always a good one. Or a massage when her back and… other parts are aching.”

His eyes widen. I can’t believe he isn’t used to me by now.

“Pay attention. You’ll know what she needs by the things she says and does. If you listen closely enough, she won’t actually realize it is something she wanted until you give it to her.”

“Like what?” he asks, hanging on my every word.

“You know her best, Adam.”

He stares down at his hands. I reach over and take one. “You will be an amazing dad to my grandbaby. You know that, right?”

“You think so?”

“Would I lie to you?”

“Yes, you would,” he says without hesitation, making me laugh.

“Not where Jenna is concerned,” I tell him. “Look,” I point over at her, she is scraping her hair off her neck. “I nice cool cloth would be welcome right now.”

He jumps up and I grab his arm. “Like it’s a natural process, not like you’re going to pour a bucket of water on her head.”

“Right, got it.”

He slows his pace and I watch with a smile as he approaches Brooke and asks for one of her wipes. He sits behind Jenna and presses the wipe gently to her neck as she is talking, scooping her hair away for her.

She turns in surprise, but her smile is warm and full of love at his gesture. I wink at him when he looks my way with a surreptitious thumbs up.

“That was impressive,” Stone says, sitting on a rock behind us.

I blow on my nails and rub them against the shoulder of my shirt. He laughs at me.

“Jesus, did Stone just laugh?”

Stone stops and scowls at Archer, but I give the burly bodyguard a secret smile of my own and the scowl softens.

After our break, we set off again. For a while I listen to Dawson talking about the area as we pass through some beautiful sights. It is glorious out here. I’ve never seen scenery like it. Despite the hike and how slow I'm moving, Stone never leaves my side.

I wonder again about his age. His son is in his early twenties, so that has to make him in his forties at the least. I am young at heart, take care of myself and still have a pretty decent figure, even if I do say so myself. Could he find me attractive?

We talk as we walk, not paying any mind to the kids. That’s more me than him. He always has one eye on the band members he is in charge of. Even though there is a very minimal chance of anyone attacking out here.

There was more to worry about at the festival, but everything there had been great. It thrilled the town people to have the members of BreakNeck there.

We haven’t passed many other hikers along the way, but that is by design.

Stone asks me about my art, and I tell him I have a gallery showing in a couple of weeks. It is my third, I’ve made somegood money selling my paintings. It’s always a thrill to put my art out there for others to see and buy.

“I wouldn’t mind coming along,” Stone says. “I’ve admired your work for a while.”

“Why didn’t you say so? You know I’m happy for you to take one.”

“Take one?” he looks aghast. “Sandy, you’re so talented and can make so much money on your work. I can’t just take one.”

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