Page 67 of Thinking It Over

“You said Frankie’s name’s on the kid’s birth certificate, though, right?”

“Yes, thank Christ. It’s the only thing making the process that little bit easier, I think.” According to Austin, who had wrapped his head around events better than anyone, Frankie had hooked up with Delila doing a season in Tahoe as a snowboard instructor. Delila worked a bar there, and when the season was over, they’d parted ways with Frankie heading overseas.

It was clear Delila had no one. I couldn’t imagine how tough it had been on her going through everything alone. While she’d had Frankie’s name, she hadn’t tracked him down until a few weeks back, which had led him finally to Chicago.

On the poverty line and struggling with Tyler’s health—his asthma had had him checked into the hospital a couple of times apparently—Delila had finally reached out to Frankie. A neighbor was looking after his son when Frankie had been out with Delila. When she hadn’t returned home, the eightysomething-year-old neighbor had called the authorities.

Feeling sick to my stomach, I needed some time, especially before I was due to speak to Austin again. To do that, I wanted to make sure I was as supportive as possible. I finished loading the dishwasher and said, “I’mgoing to grab a shower. You need anything before I head up?”

“No. All good. I’m just going to tidy up here. I’ve got a few things to do that I didn’t get around to today, and then I’ll head out.”

“Thanks,” I said, offering him a smile. Billy really was a great guy. I didn’t know much about the man, but I liked and trusted him, and Austin was lucky to know him.

I showered quickly, aware it was later than I thought, and Austin had said he’d call by eight. Having washed off the day, I felt more human, enough for me to gather my thoughts. With a towel wrapped around my waist, I stepped out of the steamy bathroom, only to pause when I heard Billy’s harsh voice. My brows flicked high, wondering who he was talking to, but they quickly lowered when I heard a second voice.

Someone was here. I’d assumed he was on a call.

From the hallway landing, the voices were clearer.

“Bullshit. His truck’s here.”

Anger slithered through me, starting in my toes and seeping its way through my veins until I felt my face heat. The bastard had a serious nerve. I headed downstairs, my gaze on the half-open front door. Billy stood there, shoulders squared. Pissed off was an understatementto the venom in his voice as he said, “You need to fuck off.”

“Everything okay?” I asked.

Billy angled to focus on me, baring me the slightest glance and head bob, while Rupert’s head flashed in my direction, his sly eyes slamming into me. A smirk formed on his face.

“I see.” He laughed and shook his head. “Austin has a way about him, all right. Picks up guys who like to get some whenever possible, usually when his back’s turned.” He leered toward Billy. “I’m surprised. I offered it up to you often enough, but you never took me up on it.” A cruel laugh followed. “You like them younger and barely legal. I get it. I’m sure Austin will too.”

Bile rose, hitting the back of my throat. What the hell had Austin ever seen in this guy?

“I can have buddies of mine here in ten minutes unless you back the fuck off.” The edge in Billy’s voice was enough to slice through the air and have a lesser man shit himself. It made sense that Rupert, the scumbag he was, took a step back. “Austin has made it perfectly clear he doesn’t want to see you, doesn’t want you. Come here again, and a restraining order will be the least of your problems.” With that, Billy closed the door. It shut quietly, controlled, and goose bumps prickled my skin.

“Shit, Billy, remind me to never piss you off.”

He gave a humorless snort as he turned my way. His attention fixed on me and he said, “You couldn’t have got dressed?”

I winced and shrugged. “I reacted. Sorry.”

He rolled his eyes at me and retreated to the dining room. Meanwhile, my heart settled, and I headed back upstairs.

As I pulled my tee over my head, my phone rang. I smiled, my heart racing like it did every time I was about to speak to Austin. Picking my cell up, I swiped to answer, Austin’s tired face appearing on the screen. But then he smiled. The expression easing the exhaustion just a little and sending a thrum through me.

“Hey, baby.” My grin was followed by a happy sigh as I backed up and lay on the bed, back against the bedhead.

His smile widened at my endearment. “Hey, back. God, it’s good to see you, hear your voice.”

I wished I could reach out and touch him, smooth back his hair, help ease away the fatigue biting at him. “How are things there. Any news?”

A heavy sigh passed his lips, and he shifted. I glanced behind him and realized he was on a bed too. “Yeah. They’ve sorted out a plan for the skin grafts for Frankie’s leg. They hope to start next week. He’ll be in for a couple of weeks here before he’s released. Theydon’t want him on a plane heading back home to Dad’s until at least another two weeks after that, but then he should be good.”

I nodded. “How’s he handling everything?”

Sorrow darkened his eyes. “He’s not great. Beating himself up over both Delila and Tyler. He’s struggling.” Austin swiped a hand over his face, and worry pinched my brow.

“And how are you?”

He shrugged. “Okay.”

---