The door closes, and I’m left in the kitchen with three big dudes and my little Liv, who’s tucked into Shane like she’s going to hide there for the rest of the day. Me too, girl. Me too. Move over and let me in there.
I have just a few minutes before leaving for the appointment with my attorney that I’ve been dreading. Shane offered to go with me, but I encouraged him to stay and drop Mark and Sean off at the airport. I’d rather just deal with this part on my own and then figure out what needs to happen from there.
“So, Mags, you be sure to hit me up the minute you touch down. I don’t care if I have to drag you off the stage. You’re having dinner with me.” Mark shovels the last of his breakfast into his mouth.
I smile.
“I’m going to do my best to make it, but I’m not sure my schedule will allow it,” Sean says, sipping his coffee.
“It’s ok, really. Guys, it’s not that big of a deal.”
Mark scoffs. “Whatever. I’m not missing it. Plus, Danny’s already got my backstage pass, and somebody’s going to have to keep this idiot in line while Danny’s got his hands all over you.”
Shane groans and rolls his eyes which makes me laugh. I don’t know if Shane is considering coming to the show, but I really want him to be there. Given that he hasn’t said that he’s not, I hope that means he’s coming.
“Alright, boys. I have to go. Guard this princess with your lives until Gwen gets here and kicks you all out.”
Mark comes around and gives me a big hug. “Be patient with him,” he whispers. “He’s kind of slow when it comes to things that really matter.” I smile, and then louder, he says. “Are you sure you’re not fed up with this lug yet? I’m sure the kids would love New York.”
“Mark,” Shane warns with a teasing tone.
I laugh, and Liv’s head pops out from between Shane’s arms. “Can I come with you to New York? I’ve never been there.”
“You can come visit me anytime you want.” He winks.
Sean hugs me next. “Thanks for putting up with us and finally getting Shane to relax a little bit.” My eyes meet Shane’s over Sean’s shoulder. “Good luck with everything. I’m sure it’s going to be all over the internet, so even if I don’t make it, I’ll be sure to catch it.”
“Thanks,” I say, stepping away. Shane eyes me, likely to make sure I haven’t changed my mind about him coming with me. “I’ll talk to you a little later. Ok?” I try to reassure him.
He nods. “Will you call me after you’re done?”
“Sure.” I grab my keys and purse, leaving before he makes me change my mind.
My drive wasn’t nearly long enough to calm my agitation and nerves. I pull into the parking lot, and my sweaty palms glide over the steering wheel as my skin prickles with chills. I park and grab my coffee, hoping it’ll give my hands something to do while I face what I know is coming.
I take a deep breath, wishing I’d let Shane come with me, but this would only blindside him, which I have no intention of doing. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep Liv safe and with us. That’s the only thing that matters. So if I have to suffer and bleed, that’s what I’ll do. All I can hope is that Shane and the boys will understand and that no part of this will touch them.
∞∞∞
The woven seam of my steering wheel bites into my fingers as I grip it, trying to take slow, deep breaths while my heart pounds to the rhythm of fear. There’s a large lump obstructing my airway that, no matter how hard I try, I can’t get it down as the bile rises. I crack the windows letting the cold air drift in, hoping it will help me breathe easier.
I knew this was coming, and now it’s here. My phone starts ringing, and I grab it from the passenger seat, expecting it to be Shane, but it’s the same unknown number that just keeps calling.
I hit ignore and toss it back in the seat, but immediately it starts ringing again. I’m sick of this and cannot handle one more thing. “Hello.”
“Is this Maggie Carter?” a deep, raspy male voice asks.
I frown. Not many people call me Maggie Carter. “Yes.”
“Well, it’s nice to finally get a hold of you. I was beginning to wonder if you’d ever answer.”
“Who is this?” I’m not sure what it is, but this man’s voice has my skin crawling, which doesn’t help my current state.
He chuckles, and it sounds full of vengeance. “Sweetheart, we’re family now. It’s a real shame Shane hasn’t introduced us. Although I’ve seen the pictures, I’m not sure I blame him.”
Gross. My best guess is this is his sperm donor, but I don’t have time to deal with one more creepy asshole. “What do you want?”
“Hey now, no need to get your panties in a wad. Like I told Shane, it’s time that we get to know each other, and I’m sure we’d manage to find some common ground.”