Page 88 of Finding Their Place

His low-toned declaration hit me like a fist to the solar plexus, reminding me of our time with Haley when I’d had to take the reins because he’d been like a deer in the headlights. Unsure and needing guidance.

Goddamnit…if he knew how much that shit swelled my heart and dick up—

My phone rang, putting those thoughts on hold.

“It’s the PI,” I muttered, my insides coming alive with butterflies even though I’d hoped to hear from our Haley first.

Garrett’s gaze shifted my way, and I answered. “Higgins. How’s it going?”

“Better than I’d hoped for,” he said, his tone level and at odds with his choice of words. “I found her, but it’s not good.”

Her.

My birth mom.

I found my hand lowering, my finger tapping my cell’s screen to put him on speaker because I needed to share that moment with Garrett. “What did you learn?” I asked, my voice haggard.

Garrett scooted closer as though feeling my need for emotional support.

“I won’t pull any punches.”

“Don’t want you to,” I assured him even though my voice waivered.

“Dahlia Angel was a crack addict. In and out of rehab and jail for possession and dealing.”

I fisted my hand. “Was?”

“Past tense on the addiction shit,” Higgins answered, “not that her life has gotten much better.”

Garrett grabbed my shoulder and squeezed.

She’s still alive…

“Her last known address is up in Fresno. She just finished her latest stint in jail for aggravated assault, lives in government housing, and is collecting unemployment.”

What the fuck kind of woman had given birth to me and River?

“Any good news?” I asked with a sarcastic huffed exhale.

“I’m afraid not.”

“Fucking hell.” I rubbed at my face, and Garrett squeezed my shoulder again.

“Will you email me everything you found?” I asked. “I need to forward it to my sister.”

“Will do.”

I hung up a minute later, tossing my cell onto the coffee table, out a couple grand but with the exact information I’d hoped for—minus the shit of her actual life.

Grey’s PI was worth every goddamn penny even if his findings sucked ass.

“Come here.” Garrett grabbed my upper body and pulled me into him.

I went willingly, twisting toward him for an awkward hug so my cheek rested on his bare shoulder.

Fuck, his arms felt good. Solid. Steadying.

He didn’t bother with useless words or questions, just let me relax and soak in his comfort until I breathed easier. A heavy exhale completely relaxed me against his toned torso.

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