Page 55 of Whirlwind
“I guess it could be ugly, too. But it has to be friends with all the mermaids in the lake, or it can’t stay,” she says around a yawn.
They live on a floating house and Sadie has decided the lake is inhabited by merfolk.
“I’m sure it will love all your friends, and they will love it, too.”
“They better,” she says, her head popping up when she spots who’s just walked out of the locker room. I expect to see Cillian, but it’s not him.
“Tyson!”
Sadie sits up as he approaches, arms outstretched.
“Hey, kiddo,” he says, lifting her from my lap. “What are you doing still awake?”
“Waiting for you slowpokes,” she says, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You played a great game.”
“Thank you,” he says, pride lighting his eyes.
Tyson’s mom, Francine, shifts next to me. I met his family for the first time tonight. I’d been nervous walking into the arena, but they were so kind and welcoming that I relaxed quickly.
Francine made a point of getting to know me, sitting beside me through the first period and intermission. She peppered me with questions—nothing too personal or hard to answer. When the second period started, she swapped seats with Lottie.
Tyson’s sister is amazing—so full of life, I could talk to her for hours. Tyson said we’d get along great. He wasn’t wrong. She’s sweet, smart, and sassy. All qualities I love in people.
His father, Will, is sweet, too, and was over the moon to see his son play again. He was as exuberant as a kid, and it was contagious. I don’t think I’ve ever had as much fun at a game. Maybe I’m just more invested, now.
Until Tyson took that hit late in the game, we’d all been having the best time. Lottie grabbed my hand when he was checked against the boards. When he started throwing punches, she cheered him on with a zeal I didn’t know she had. I couldn’t getexcited—my anxiety over his potential injury wouldn’t let me. Francine’s reaction was much the same.
Sadie starts snoring softly on Tyson’s shoulder, finally giving in to exhaustion. Isla notices from where she’s chatting with a few of the other wives.
“Is she out?”
“Yeah,” Tyson answers.
“I’ll take her.”
“It’s fine, I’ve got her until Cillian comes out. Shouldn’t be much longer.”
“Are you sure? She’s getting so big and heavy.”
“I’m sure. I mi…it’s fine.”
Their conversation continues, Tyson’s family joining in as they catch up with Isla. I tune out, letting the buzz of the room distract me from the unwanted thoughts creeping in. I’m not a jealous person—especially not with Isla, who I love like a sister.
Yet, an uncomfortable sensation twists in my stomach. It’s new, foreign, and it makes me sad—mainly because I don’t know how to process it. Harder still that my first time feeling it is in a room full of people, many of them practical strangers I’ve only just met.
My fingers tense at my side, the urge to ball them up strong. I tuck them under my thigh, which helps a little. Isla isn’t the problem—she’s just being herself, friendly and polite. Tyson isn’t the problem, either…except my brain keeps trying to pin the unease on him.
When I glance up, I find him watching me.You good?he mouths.
At the same time, Willa slips into the empty seat next to me. Her hand rests beside the one I’ve hidden under my leg. She leans in, shoulder to shoulder.
“Need a break?” she asks quietly.
“I’m not sure,” I say, answering her and him at once. “It’s probably time to go home.”
“Damian and I can take you. We don’t need to wait for Zan—his car’s here.” I’d ridden with them, but the plan was to go home with Tyson, since we’re headed to the same place.
“Hey,” Tyson cuts in. “I can take you.” He reaches out to brush his free hand along the side of my head. I look up at him, and his concern only makes me more uncomfortable—drawing attention to me when I already feel off-balance.
