Page 66 of Keep Me Close

“How did you find this out?” Weariness washed through me. I was so tired of the chaos my mother had left in her wake. Even two years after her death, she was still stirring up shit. I’d respected Mr. Green and was genuinely surprised to learn he’d also fallen prey to her superficial charms.

“His daughter told me.”

“Oh, hell,” I breathed.

“I know. Remember? He and his wife separated for a while when we were in high school.”

“I don’t remember that, but then I didn't pay attention to details like that about my teachers.” I felt a little sick. “Mom makes me tired, and she's not even here anymore.”

“I know. Same,” Tiffany replied. “Sorry to share the news.”

“It makes me lose respect for him. He and dad were friends.”

“I know.”

“Does Dad know?”

“I'm not 100 percent sure, but I think so.”

We sat in silence for a moment. What the hell else was there to say?

Tiffany changed the subject. “How did you feel about meeting Rhys?”

“It was good actually. In spite of everything, what Mom lied about, the shock of finding out the way I did, and so on, I like him.”

“I thought you would. I was glad to meet him in person finally.”

I chuckled. “I'm sure you were.”

“Are you going to go to Fireweed Harbor soon to meet the rest of them?” she asked.

“They don’t all live there. But, yes, I'm planning to go. Hopefully, I can go soon. I’d like to bring Hallie with me.”

“Really?” My sister couldn’t hide the excitement in her voice.

“I might as well. They’re family too.”

“Are you two doing well?” she pressed.

“I think so.” I did think so, but I was also traversing entirely new territory in my life—a relationship, a baby and all of the ramifications of that.

Tiffany was quiet for a moment before replying, “I'm glad it's going well. You're going to make an amazing father, Chase.”

“I hope so, I really hope so.”

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