“Wow.” I pause for a beat as though lost for words. “It sure seems like you’ve given this thought.”
“Maybe.” She shrugs, ignoring my teasing. “I just worry about his friendship with Bria. I don’t know her at all so I can’t judge. But if all of us can see that he likes her, how could she possibly miss it?”
“Sometimes when you’re that close to something it’s not so clear.”
Amelia frowns, a deep furrow appearing on her brow. “I hope you’re right. Because the alternative is that she’s stringing him along.”
I internally wince. I’ll admit my mind has gone there a few times, but I also want to believe that Reed wouldn’t let that happen. Though again, sometimes when you’re close to something it’snot so clear.That sentiment works on both sides.
“What does Luke think?” I ask curiously.
“Luke thinks I should stop wasting so much energy on things that don’t concern me.”
“Oh, okay.” I bite back a smirk. “And yet, he still has that group chat for Easton.”One of his teammates.
“Shhhh,” Amelia shushes me as she laughs. “You’re not supposed to know about that.”
“Oh, but I do. And I wish I could read the messages. I bet Easton hates it.” I haven't had much to do with Easton since he’s not all that talkative and I love a chat, but I don’t have to talk to him to know that I like him. He protected Amelia from her asshole colleague when he barely knew her, so he’s all right in my books.
“Eastonishating it.” Amelia briefly smiles until her concern takes over. “But I hope they help him. I can’t even imagine going through what he is.” She frowns and I know it’s because she empathises with Easton, comparing their situations.
Easton’s going through a bad breakup with his ex, and they have a son together. Amelia and Luke weren’t even friends when they initially found out she was pregnant with his baby, so thingshad the potential to get messy. Amelia would love to do more to help Easton, but she’s smart enough to know that her help wouldn’t be welcome.
He can be an asshole at times. At least on the surface. I’m sure he’s a different guy when you get to know him.
“Have I ever told you that I’m glad you and Luke worked things out?” I say, moving the conversation on. “Custody battles suck.”
“Me too, Hayls. I’m not sure I would have had the strength to get through that.”
“Bullshit.” I shake my head. “You’re one of the strongest women I know.” Not a lie. She’s been through so much and I truly admire her for it.
Amelia smiles before reaching out to pat my arm. “Right back at you, Hayls. Don’t ever change.”
CHAPTER SIX
Hayley
I’m bouncing Juliet on my lap as Amelia regales me with stories of the things I’ve missed over the past few weeks, mostly about Juliet, telling me about the first time she crawled and how she’s trying to say her first word—Mama, much to Luke’s annoyance.
“Oh, and there’s a Storm charity event coming up in a few weeks,” she adds when she’s done. “Or maybe it’s a month away. Either way, you have to come. It’s being organized by Storm’s new owner and his daughter.”
“Paige D’Angelo?” I ask, shocked. “She’s here? In San Francisco?”
“Yes.” Amelia’s lips twist in confusion. “Do you know her?”
“I thought everyone knew Paige. She’s a model and a New York socialite. And she’sgorgeous. I want to be her when I grow up.”
“Isn’t she younger than we are? I thought Luke said that her dad wasn’t that old.”
“That’s beside the point.” I wave her off. “Plus, I’m younger than you.”
“But oh so wise.”
“Beyond my years.” We both laugh since I am definitelynotwise, and the conversation moves on to the many unwise things I’ve done.
“Remember that guy you thought was a cowboy but later found out couldn’t ride a horse?”
“Oh my God. Yes! And to think I actually considered dating him.”
