Page 126 of Beautiful Storm

“I’m going to talk to her. And then I’m going to count down the minutes until I’m with her again.”

“Sounds like a solid plan. Does that mean you’re not coming out?”

“Nah, I need to talk to Amelia.”

“Fair enough. Well, we’re here for you if you need us.”

“We?”

“Yep.” He nods without giving me any further information and walks away while I take my time packing my things, waiting for the locker room to clear out.

As soon as I’m alone, I call Amelia. Three times. But she doesn’t answer.

I’m about to call our travel agent to change my flight when she texts me.

Amelia: I’m heading to bed. Long day. Can I call you tomorrow?

Dammit.

Luke: Of course. Get some rest. Jelly Bean needs your energy. (wink emoji)

Amelia: Thank you. And good game today, but can you try not to get yourself flattened next time?

I bark out a laugh as some of the tension leaves my body. She’s joking. She’s okay. And that means she hasn’t seen the article yet. I’ve got time to figure this out.

Luke: Anything for you, Ace

I smile as I pocket my phone, but I’ve barely had time to grab my bag when it goes off again, signaling another text, then another, then another until I’m almost too afraid to look. My mom is not a texter, but I wouldn’t put it past her to ask Ryan to text on her behalf, and I can’t ignore her for too long since we’re getting close to Christmas. Taking a deep breath, I reluctantly check the screen and frown.

Reed added you to a group

Reed added unknown

Reed added Dylan

Unknown: What is this?

Reed: Luke’s secret is out so I thought he might need this. You two became fathers in the public eye. I figured you could help

Reed changed the group name to “Luke’s support group.”

Dylan: I’m here for it. Whatever I can do. Sorry I had to be the bearer of bad news

Unknown: No thanks. If he needs me he knows where to find me

I huff out a laugh. I don’t need any more information to guess who unknown is, and I think he gave me all the advice I’m going to get when he took me out.

Reed: Come on, Easton. Luke needs us

Yep, called it.

Unknown: Oh and what fatherly advice do you bring to the table?

Reed: How about… Not to be a jerk all your life. It fits other situations too

A small smile pulls at my lips. I was going to shut this chat down but maybe…

Dylan: Mom… Dad… please don’t fight. Luke’s watching

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