Page 79 of Silver Secrets

“That’s so exciting. You are so cute together!” Lily sighed as she looked across the room. “He fits right in with the guys.”

“He really does. It looks like they’re having a good time.” Courtney smiled. “Oh, should I grab the snacks I brought now that the wine is coming out?”

“Probably a good idea. Some of us tend to be lightweights.” Lily giggled.

“Sloane, can I borrow you for a minute? I think I brought more than I can carry out.”

Sloane jumped up, setting her water on the coffee table. “Of course! I’m happy to help.”

The chatter from their friends faded into the background as Sloane followed Courtney into the kitchen.

“Alright, where are these snacks?”

“I lied.” Courtney grimaced.

“About what?”

“I need your help, but it’s not really about the snacks.”

Her mind went on alert, immediately watching the way her friend twisted her fingers together. “What’s going on?”

“I overheard you talking to Gage about your necklace.” Sloane took a sharp breath in. No one was supposed to know about her tracking device. That was the whole point of it being so discreet. “I don’t know why you have it, and I’m sure it’s not something you want just anyone to know about. I’m so sorry I overheard as I was walking to the bathroom. I just… well, I was wondering if that was something he could also do for me?”

Alarm bells started sounding off. “Are you okay? Is it Elias? Did something happen?”

“No. No. Not at all. It’s my parents. They’re trying to force me back to Colorado. Getting a therapist out there involved. Calling the police, saying I’m a danger to myself and need treatment. They’ve always been a little out there with trying to protect me, but I’m honestly worried that they might do something extreme.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ll never be their perfect baby boy, but even in my thirties they still feel this need to keep me safe since I’m the only kid they have left.”

“Have you talked to the sheriff’s department here? I know the sheriff personally, I could go with you?—”

“No!” The panic in her voice had Sloane taking a step closer.

“Okay. We don’t have to do that.”

“It’s just… A deputy came to my house yesterday. My parents called for a wellness check. I had to explain everything to him and it was so humiliating. I’m hoping maybe Gage could walk me through how a device like that would work, and how it’s monitored if I got one in case they try to…” Her voice trailed off, ending in a broken crackle.

“Court. I’m so sorry you are going through this with your family. I’ll talk to Gage and you can come into Montgomery Defense whenever you want to. We’ll get it sorted out for you.”

“Thanks.” She swiped a tear out of her eye. “I know I shouldn’t be burdening you with this. But I appreciate the help. It’s like once my brother died, something broke inside of them. I don’t even know who they are anymore, and they really don’t seem to know me either.”

“It’s not a burden, Court. You’re my friend. This whole apartment is filled with people who will have your back. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Good. Now let’s get this food out to Lily and Mae before they start dancing on the coffee table.”

Courtney giggled, and Sloane tried to give her a reassuring smile as they took the snacks and plates out to the living room.

* * *

“Those girls are doing an awful lot of laughing over there. Reap, you better keep an eye on your wife.”

“Christ. She shouldn’t be drinking.”

“Breastfeeding moms can have alcohol,” Stone mumbled. “Besides, I think that looks like water in her glass.”

“Yeah, breastfeeding moms can drink, but pregnant ones can’t.” Gunner’s eyes were laser focused on the glass in his wife’s hand.

The guys all went silent. Gage searched his best friend’s face as he stared over at Lily. “No shit. Congratulations, man.”

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