Page 26 of Seized By Magic

“Where is this coming from? Do you need money?”

“The guys noticed how little winter clothes I had and took it upon themselves to buy me what I need. It just made me wonder.”

“I know your parents have a savings account for your college tuition, but as far as money you can have now, there’s only one account.”

“Oh?”

“I started one for you after your parents died and I got my trust fund. I wanted to make sure if anything happened to me or your parents, that you would have something in your name. Something to protect you in case my parents didn’t step up. I was waiting until you were eighteen, but I’ll sign it over tomorrow.”

“Masie, you don’t need to do that.”

“My sweet girl, you can’t possibly know how happy it makes me to sign it over. It means that you grew up without needing it. It means that you have me, your parents, and your own family. I’ve been hoping and praying for this day for a long time.”

It was a dark thought, but after all she had been through with me, I understood.

“Thank you, Masie. I can’t express how much I appreciate all you’ve done for me, with or without me knowing.”

“I love you, Saige.”

“I love you too.”

We hung up, and I sprawled out on my bed, grateful for the reminder that even when I felt alone and helpless, that was never true.

I stayed like that, hearing the guys move and talk in the living room, but I wasn’t ready to go out there and settle arguments or keep anyone from hurting another. As much as I wanted them all to get along, it wasn’t my responsibility. Like Sai pointed out, they were each bonded to each other as well. I wasn’t the nucleus. I was a link in the circle. I couldn’t put everyone else’s problems on my shoulders. They needed to figure out how to live with each other.

“Saige!” Theo’s voice boomed through the door.

“No,” I said, not caring if he could hear me or not.

“Do you like extra butter on your popcorn?”

Popcorn? I sat up and sniffed. There was no popcorn.

I slid off the bed and opened the door a crack. “Why?”

“Because Kaden is making some and said extra butter is disgusting, and I said it was necessary, so we’re making two batches. I need to know what kind we should make more of.”

That was what they were fighting over? I could live with that.

“Extra butter,” I replied, and he whooped and threw a fist in the air. “That’s my girl!”

Kaden shook his head from the kitchen. “Don’t cry to me when your arteries plug up by thirty-five.”

“You should change,” Sai called from the couch. “Movie nights call for pajamas only.”

Theo was wearing gray jogger sweats, and Kaden had on plaid fleece pants. Sai kicked up his legs so I could see his olive green sweats and dark gray hoodie.

Niall was the only one missing. I couldn't picture him hanging out in his pajamas. The closest I’d ever seen him in were his running clothes. His bedroom door opened, and he stepped out in gray sweats and a tight white shirt.

No black.

I nearly drooled.

It was so unexpected. So unlike him. I didn’t know what to do. What to say.

Don’t make this awkward.

Too late.

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