Page 77 of Trapped and Tackled

“Mom didn’t tell me that!”

“How often do you and Mom discuss me?”

“At least once a day,” she says easily.

I snort. “She must have known I was getting ready to cave and call you.”

“Probably,” Lincoln agrees. “I’ve missed you, Leni. I want to hear everything about Talon. But…are you okay?”

“I’m getting there. So much has happened, Linc. And for so long, I was too embarrassed to admit it.” I sigh. “How much time do you have?”

“For you? Eternity.” Lincoln’s tone is serious. Filled with compassion and understanding I don’t deserve.

Crossing my legs, I lean back against the pillows on my bed and confide in my sister. I tell her about my final months in New York City, the fight with Craig that spurred me to call Mom, and coming home to Tennessee.

I share about the debutante ball organizing committee and Grandpa McIntyre. The things Marlowe is dealing with and trying to process. Dad pushing Talon into my life and appointing him my chaperone for a weekend.

“He didn’t!” she gasps.

“He did.”

Lincoln snorts. “And then it backfired.”

I laugh with her. “Epically.”

“Carry on,” she says, more warmth in her tone now that we’re past the part where I left Craig.

“We spent two nights together. At a quaint little inn by the lake. He took me to a water park. He saw the text messages from Craig and now, he knows everything. He even came clean with Dad.”

“No,” Lincoln breathes out. “Holy shit, Leni, that’s for real for real.”

“I know!” I exclaim. “He left a key for me at his place and I’m going over to cook him dinner tonight.”

My sister’s quiet for a beat before she says, “Are you sure that’s a good idea, Len? You don’t want to fall back into an old pattern, doing the same shit you tried with Craig.”

I shake my head, even though she can’t see me. “Trust me, I get where you’re coming from. But this is nothing like that. He wanted to take me out to dinner, and I offered to come by so we can have a night in. Lincoln, Dad’s going to demolish him today at practice.”

“Oh, damn! I didn’t even think of that. Do you think Dad will bench him?”

I drop my head back against the headboard. “I hope not.”

“You definitely need to cook him dinner. Maybe even dessert.”

I chuckle. “I’ve got plans for dessert,” I say saucily.

“Oh my God! There’s my sister. Welcome back to life, Leni. I’ve fucking missed you.”

I laugh louder. “I’ve missed you too, Linc. When are you coming home for a visit?”

“Well, I haven’t said anything to Mom or Dad yet but…”

“But?”

“I finished my master’s degree.”

“Yes, I know. We’re all wondering what’s next…?”

She laughs. “I accepted a job offer.”

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