Page 52 of His Coveted Obsession

Me: You okay?

Annie: Yeah, why wouldn’t I be? I’m at Jasmine’s.

Me: Good. Do I need to get you in the morning?

Annie: Her parents will drive me home.

I almost told her that Dad lost his job, but she was having fun. No point in ruining her day just yet.

Me: Have fun and text me if you need anything.

Annie: Yep

Me: Love you, Boo.

I smiled at her heart emoji.

After some thought, I texted Easton. He wasn’t very chatty through text, but I wanted to know he was around. I could call him, but he hated talking on the phone.

Me: You around?

The three dots quickly appeared at the bottom of the screen, and my heart fluttered at how quickly he responded, like he was just waiting for me.

Easton: Is something wrong?

I laughed at his constant worry for me.

Me: Yeah, kind of. Dad lost his job today.

Easton: Let me guess. He stopped showing up for work?

Me: How’d you know?

Easton: I’ve been researching gambling addictions.

Me: You’re so smart. Yeah, he’s done. He needs to find

more work, but now I’ve got to be the man of the house.

Easton: I canmake him stop.

Me: No one can make him stop but him.

Easton: Try me.

I shuddered at his words, so commanding and cold. I had no doubt he could definitely get Dad to stop, but it wouldn’t last before he was gambling again.

Me: You studied it. You know he has to stop on his own

to be successful.

Easton: There are other ways.

What did he mean? I wasn’t sure I wanted to know.

Me: I’ll figure it out. I just needed someone to talk to.

Easton: Do you need more money?

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