Page 75 of Beautiful Storm

“No,” Thomas and I answer at the same time before I add, “We wouldn’t let that happen.”

“He’s right.” Thomas nods as he reaches for Lainey’s hand. “The production company may have had some pushback when they first arrived, but we’ve all been pretty cooperative. We could easily refuse their future requests and make life hard for them.”

“Or leak stories about the production.”

“Point is, they won’t risk it. Especially after you and Reed made a point of standing up for her. How is she feeling?”

My stomach twists, making me wince.Isn’t that the million-dollar question?

“I wish I knew. She hasn’t responded to my text, and I couldn’t find her before I left.”

“Shit.” Lainey worries her bottom lip. “Does she have anyone to talk to? About any of this? I should have asked you that when you first told me.”

And cue the guilt. “She mentioned a friend, Hayley. But if I’m being honest, I never really asked. Things are complicated between us.”

“I’ll say.” Thomas huffs out an incredulous laugh. “You two barely speak unless it’s about the show.”

“Maybe we meet up in secret. I would have thought you of all people would have considered that.” I raise an eyebrow, referring to him dating my sister behind my back.

“Yeah, okay. You got me there. So is that what you’re doing? Running around in secret?”

“Nope.” I deadpan, making him laugh.

“The marriage is for insurance purposes,” Lainey cuts in, rolling her eyes.

“No way.”

“Way. And thanks for ruining my fun, Lainey.”

“I was getting bored. Are you going to tell him or should I?”

“Go ahead.”

“They’re getting married so that Amelia and the baby can use his insurance. He wants to protect them.”

Her eyes light up and Thomas smiles at her happiness. “How is it possible that you kept this a secret? The marriage I get, but the baby. You being an aunt. To Luke’schild. I would have thought you’d be dying to tell me.”

“I was. It’s the one time he gets to invoke the brother-sister code.”

“My mind is poouff.” Thomas gestures as though his head is exploding and I laugh, despite feeling the same. “So it’s all fake? And Amelia knows that too.”

“Yes.”

“And you’re still fucking around? With others.”

“What? No. I’m not an asshole.”

“That’s debatable but I wasn’t accusing you. I was asking.”

I fold my arms over my chest and glare at him. “It was your tone.”

“Seriously.” Lainey shakes her head. “You two are like children.” She laughs until her face turns serious. “But I really hope you’re not.”

“I’mnot.”Jesus, is my word worth nothing?

“Good. Does this mean I get to meet her now? I’ve been waiting so long.”

“No.”Hell no.

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