Page 31 of Beautiful Trauma

“He’s going to be even more pissed,” I pointed out.

“I know. But I’m still asking you not to tell him.”

I hated this. She didn’t have to talk to him regularly. She wasn’t the one that would have to keep this secret while working with him. I didn’t argue, though. Their relationship was their problem at this point.

“I don’t like the timeline. It’s too long for your sake,” Mason piped in.

“I don’t see a choice, Mason. This will absolutely impact your dad’s presidential bid before it’s announced. He’s going to be furious. I’m not saying it isn’t the right thing to do, I'm just saying you may burn a bridge you can’t rebuild. Talk to him before we do this. It should be early enough in the campaign to get buried, especially if you use Wyatt as an adorable grandkid. You’re going to have to do a lot of refocusing away from the fact that the mother of your child is my sister, though. At least the timing works out. We weren’t together then.”

“I have one additional item.” I grabbed Eli’s hand and squeezed.

“What?” Mason turned back to face the rest of us.

“In the custody arrangement, I need it in writing that if something happens to me, Eli still has custody rights.”

“Listen, I know I’ve been a shit father, but I’m not a monster. I’d never take Eli away from Wyatt. It would devastate him.” Mason looked at Eli. “He’s more yours than he is mine. That’s on me. I’m not about to make some power play here. I appreciate everything you’ve done for Cee and Wyatt.” At this, Eli nodded solemnly.

“Still, I want it in writing,” I insisted.

“Yeah, of course,” Mason agreed.

Sergio: Did I just see on freaking TMZ that Mason is your baby daddy?

Me: Idk, did you?

Sergio: What a plot twist!

Sergio: I can’t wait for you to join us on tour so you can give me season 2

Me: Season 2?

Sergio: Of your epic love story

Me: I’m so glad my drama is entertaining for you

Sergio: It really is.

Me: Is that the only reason you speak to me?

Sergio: No. You’re my hot best friend that is sometimes also my assistant who tells me sexy stories ??

Eighteen

As the world was finding out about Wyatt, I escaped for a few days with the band for the last few stops of their trip.

“I’m so glad you’re here. I just finished a book and I’m ready to jump into your story. Start with the juicy parts of hooking up with Mason. I cannot believe you fucked your sister’s husband.”

“Can I get a second to breathe here, buddy?” I asked with a scowl, setting my bag down in the bunk below Sergio’s.

He pouted. “No. I’ve been waiting forever.”

“You have a show in an hour. Can’t this wait until our usual bedtime routine?”

Sergio let out a huff. “I suppose. But if you don’t get to the spicy shit while you are on this bus, I’m DNFing your story.”

“How is it a threat to tell me you aren’t finishing the story you’re forcing me to tell you?”

He pondered that for a moment, then gave a cheeky grin. “I will rescind my friendship.”

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