Page 53 of The Double Play

“Reckless–harassment or–I don’t know! I’ve got enough money to pay a lawyer to tell me.” He walks out in a huff.

“I’ve never seen him so worked up,” I say with a half-laugh.

“I think it was your laughter. He probably expected more of your usual gruff tolerance,” Hazel says.

“You don’t have to worry about me liking him, that’s for sure,” Raven adds with a laugh. “Too many sparkles for my taste.”

“I think Mr. Emerson took my crown,” June says, her brows pushed together.

“I’m sure he’ll bring it back, sweet pea.” Hazel runs a hand over June’s curls. She’s on the verge of laughter again. Happiness is a good look on her. “I wanted to introduce you to my sister, Raven.”

June looks up at Raven. “Do you like unicorns?”

“Who doesn’t?” Raven answers.

Hazel and I share a knowing look, recalling her interview here. I never would have thought we’d end up where we are now. In fact, I remember advocating against this very thing. But I can’t say I’d go back and change what’s happened over our time together.

June tilts her head to the right. “Does that mean yes?”

Raven smiles down at her. “Yes, it does.”

“Yay! Do you want to see my playroom? I have a unicorn you can ride on,” June tells her with wide eyes.

Raven looks to Hazel, who nods for her to go. Raven follows after a skipping June, leaving Hazel and me alone.

“Well, that cheered me up,” Hazel says as she runs a hand through her hair. “But I’m not sure I’m ready to jump back into June’s fast-paced schedule. She seems to only have one speed and it’s of thehypervariety.”

“Don’t worry about trying to keep up with her. I’ll make sure she knows you need rest. Do you want to go find Raven in a minute and then you two can settle into your rooms? I’ll keep June busy while you nap.”

Hazel smiles. “That’s sweet of you, but I think I want to hold off on sleep for now. I might find something to eat in the kitchen, if that’s okay? Then lie down on the couch. Maybe I can calm June down enough to watchTangledtogether.”

“Let me cook something for you,” I say, and she shakes her head.

“You’ve done more than enough for me already, Emmett. I can eat a bowl of cereal or something.”

“It will make me feel better to know you’ve had more than pretzels and half a breakfast sandwich. Let me take care of you, Wildflower.”

She presses her lips to the side like she’s trying not to cry. “Okay, but nothing too involved.”

“How about a grilled cheese sandwich?”

Her shining eyes crinkle at the edges. “That sounds perfect.”

“Good. Why don’t you go and get comfy on the couch while I make it?”

She nods, but something in her expression tells me that’s not what she wants.

“Or…you could hang out in the kitchen while I cook? It won’t take long.”

The light returns to her eyes again. I’m sure she feels as uncertain as I do about whatever this is between us, so that’s likely why she feels she can’t say what she really wants. I’ll have to make sure she knows she can ask me for anything, and it’s hers. But I don’t want to have that conversation now, not with her being so fragile and exhausted.

Soon, though. Soon I’ll sort through the dark parts of my heart and piece together what’s left to give to her. Hopefully she won’t mind that what I have isn’t much compared to what she’s already given me.

Chapter twenty-five

Hazel James

Ileanagainstthecabinets and watch as Emmett grabs a skillet and sets it on the stove. It’s unusual for me to be taken care of like this. I was self-sufficient from a young age, and as soon as I was able, I took care of Raven too. Then I went into a profession where all I do all day is take care of people.

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