Page 127 of Delicate Storm

After spending the morning playing at the park, Isaac falls asleep on the couch while I’m making his lunch, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Other than a short “is Isaac okay” text, I haven’t heard from Easton in hours and I’m worried for him. For his mom. For Keeley. I can’t imagine what they’re going through, being told your mom’s in the hospital and having no idea what’s going on.

I wander aimlessly around the apartment, smiling at the little things that no one would believe were Easton’s—the fluffy toys, the photo of Isaac and him dressed as superheroes, even the mess. Sure people know that he’s a dad, but no one ever sees the real him. Hell, I’ve only seen pieces of it and I’m hooked. Imagine what would happen if I ever saw it all. I’ve just picked up a photo of Isaac and a young woman that I’m assuming is his mom when a phone rings near my ear, making me jump until I realize it’s the intercom. I have the exact same one in my apartment but it’s never rung before.

“Hello?” I answer hesitantly just in case Easton forgot his keys.

“Hello, I have Macy here for Mr. Wilder.”

Macy? My eyes widen as I stare at the photo of Isaac and the woman beside him. Is it her? Or someone else. Another sister? A girlfriend? No. I smile to myself. He wouldn’t have time for that. It doesn’t matter who it is. Mr. Wilder is not here. “Thank you, Rex,” I say, recognizing his voice. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Wilder isn’t here at the moment, so please tell her to come back tomorrow.”

“Of course.”

He hangs up, but the phone rings again seconds later.

“Hello?”

“I’m sorry, miss, but she would like to speak to you.”

“Me? Ah. Okay. Sure.”

“Who is this?” Macy barks into the phone, not even bothering with pleasantries.

“It doesn’t matter who I am. Easton’s not here. He should be home late tonight or tomorrow. Please come back then.”

“I don’twantEaston. I’m here to see my son.”Shit. The attitude. Guess I was right not to like her. “I’m visiting from Florida,” she continues, like I care. “I’m not leaving until I see him.”

“I’m sorry. As I said, Easton is not here. And we’ve never met. You’ll have to come back tomorrow.”

“Tell me the apartment number. I’m coming up so we can talk in person.”

“No.”

“No?”

“I’m not giving you any of their information; it’s not my place to say.”

“Then bring him down.”

“I can’t do that.”Thank God, he’s asleep.

“I’m his mother. I have the right to see him.”

“That may be so, but Easton asked me to look after him, and he never mentioned that you’d be coming by. I’m not letting you seeIsaac unless Easton tells me otherwise.” God, I hope I’m doing the right thing. What if Easton just forgot and this messes things up for him?

“Call him.”

“I can’t. I’m sorry.” I stare at her picture and my dislike grows.

“Put Isaac on the phone. Now.”

“I can’t do that either. He’s napping.”

“He’s napping? Why?”

“Well, since you’re hismother, I’m sure you remember that he still naps a couple of times a week.”

“Who do you think you are?”

“I’m nobody.” I almost raise my voice but hold back. I need to keep my cool.

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