Page 202 of Smooth Sailing

I felt Hugger’s big hand wrap around the back of my neck.

I lifted my head out of my hand, looked at him, and mouthed I’m all right.

He studied me a second, then nodded once and returned to the kitchen.

To Nic, I said, “I hope that helps.”

“I found Larry after Nolan and I were over. I did more than okay. Which makes me even happier you and Nolan worked things out so he isn’t so…alone.”

Ugh.

“We’re definitely working things out,” I promised. “Did you tell Larry about that last?”

“I don’t keep anything from him, Di, so I did. He knows I worship the ground he walks on, which I see sometimes is a mistake I let that out.”

I laughed.

“So he knows Nolan is no threat,” she continued. “It was a long time ago. In the end, I think Larry was happy there was some closure, and it was the good kind. And considering how we all share you, maybe, if we can get to that place, we can all be a loose sort of family for you.”

Oh my God!

Would the people I loved stop testing the boundaries of my tear ducts?

Argh!

“Well, yay Dad for being big enough to reach out to you,” I said instead of bursting into tears.

“It’s a lot for all of us, especially you, but we’re getting through it,” she said. “And Nolan also updated me about Suzette, who was really Madison. I’m pleased she’s somewhere safe and with her parents.”

“Me too.”

“Have you heard from her?”

“I know she got where she was supposed to go, but other than that, until the threat has passed, I won’t.”

“Right.”

“I’ll let you know if she gets in touch, though,” I said.

“Good. Such a little thing to have to be so strong. I hope she comes to understand her strength.”

I hoped she did too.

We ended the call and rang off around the time Hugger returned with a massive bowl of popcorn.

“Good?” he asked when he settled beside me.

“Dad told her about the showdown this morning. He also told her he loved her and fucked it up.”

Hugger’s brows shot up again.

“I know,” I said. “But she’s okay with it, and I think it was something Dad needed to do in order that all of that could be laid to rest.”

“I like him. He loves you. He’s honest. He’s a standup guy. Your mom had serious issues with you having bikers in your life and let fly about that, no qualms. Your dad didn’t even blink.”

“I have to admit, I found that surprising. But it was a good surprise.”

“Yeah. So, since I know the man he is now, you wanna tell me what he did to you back then?”

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