Page 86 of Delicate Storm

“Let’s go.” He takes a few steps before pausing and turning back around. “Want to come, Paige?”

“Oh.” A strange expression washes over her but in an instant it’s gone, replaced by her warm grin. “I would love to, but I have a meeting.” She glances down at her phone and cringes. “Which I am running late for. Maybe another time?”

“Yes. Okay. Bye.”

Isaac moves on, making Paige laugh again, but it doesn’t surprise me. When he’s a man on a mission, nothing will slow him down. Kind of like Paige.

And I like that.

When the charity event rolls around, Mom insists on adjusting my tie like I’m heading off to my junior prom, while I stare at her deadpan. “You know this isn’t my first rodeo, right? I’ve done this before.”

“I know that. But I want you to humor me. I miss these moments.”

“What moments? I never let you do up my tie.”

“Exactly, that’s why I missed it.”

“You’re so funny that I have stitches from my internal laughter.”

Mom rolls her eyes and pulls my tie a little tighter. “I love you, son. How doesthatfeel?”

“Perfect,” I lie, stepping away without further response.

“I lub you, Nana,” Isaac says when I don’t return her sentiment out loud. She knows I love her; I’m just not one to say it all the time. Except with Isaac.

Mom gives me a friendly shove before turning to Isaac and dropping to her knees to get to his level, like Paige did, only Mom’s legs are shaking as she does it.

“Mom, sit on the couch, would you? You’re not getting any younger, and you don’t have to get on the floor with Isaac. He understands.”

“I tell her to get up, Dad,” Isaac says proudly, as though we are a team trying to help my mom.

Mom, on the other hand, scoffs. “I’m fine and if I want to sit on the floor with my grandson, I will.”

“Okay. Okay. I’ve got to go. Can I have a hug, Little Buddy?”

I do exactly what Mom just did and lower myself to his level, waiting for him to run into my arms. And he does. Right on cue. “You’ll be good for Nana, won’t you?” I ask, knowing the answer.

“Yes.”

“And go to sleep when she asks you to.”

“Yes,” he repeats but his eyes flash to Mom conspiratorially, making me shake my head.

“And you’ll ask him to go to sleep on time?” I turn to Mom, sensing they’ve made some kind of late-night deal since I won’t be home until the early hours of the morning.

Stupid charity events. Why can’t I just hand over a bag full of cash or my credit card and be done with it? I’m all for raising funds as long as I’m not expected to do anything.

Mom nods with thin lips, and I can practically see the lie forming in her mind. “Just not too late, please.”

“He’ll be asleep before you get home. That’s a promise.”

Uh.I know she’s joking but still… “It better bewellbefore that.”

After saying my goodbyes again, I head down to my truck, releasing a slow breath.

I know it will be an unpopular opinion, but I decided to drive. I’ve got a big morning planned with Isaac tomorrow and I don’t want to be hungover for it. Plus, I think it’s better to keep my head clear around Paige. If I drink, I’m likely to do something I’ll regret. Or don’t regret but still shouldn’t do.

Paige leaves my mind for barely a second before an image of her and Isaac pops up. I spent most of the movie with Isaac replaying their little interaction, and I still don’t know how to feel. On one hand, fuck, it was amazing to watch, seeing the way his eyes lit up when Paige smiled. And the shared affection they had for each other. But on the other hand, it makes me nervous because if she disappears, I’m not sure how much more heartbreak he can take.

---