I’m not about to tell this woman, thisstylist, that her ideas for Hayley suck. Even though they do. The dresses are nice enough, but there’s something about them that just doesn’t work.
And if I can see it, you know you have a problem.
I now understand why she didn’t want anyone knowing Hayley was coming in. We’ve been here for an hour, and if she hasn’t found something for Hayley by now, I doubt she’s going to.
As I wait, my phone buzzes in my pocket, earning me a death stare from the stylist, and I freeze, my hand hovering over my jeans until she disappears into the back room, giving me a chance to relax. She’s a little scary.
Though, apparently she’s one of the best.
What do I know?
I open my messages, expecting it to be from my mom, and my shoulders tense. If it is her, she’ll be asking again when I’m next coming home, and it kills me not to have an answer for her. With practice and games, it’s not easy to get home and back in time. And even if it was, I can’t handle the bullshit that comes along with it, the inevitable hell I’ll get from my brother.
Guilt gnaws at my chest but I shake it off, holding my breath as I check my phone, sighing when it’s not her.
Luke: Beers at my place next Tuesday. 4pm. Think of it as a late Thanksgiving/early Christmas celebration
Taking the distraction from my thoughts, I laugh to myself before any responses come through. It’s not a question. If I know Luke, heexpectsus to be there, and yet, I have no doubt that Easton’s about to say…
Easton: I’m busy
Right on cue. This chat may be labeled as Easton’s Support Group, but he isnota willing participant, and has tried to leave the chat on multiple occasions. Some might say we’re holding him hostage, but deep down, he loves it and he knows we’re there for him. Especially now.
Luke: Paige can come too
Paige D’Angelo… Our team owner’s daughter. Who would have thought she was sneaking around with Easton? Or more to the point, that he was sneaking around with her. Either way, I’m glad they have each other because they both went through a lot recently and he doesn’t open up easily. It’s good to know he has someone.
Easton: I have a son. Remember him?
Luke: Bring him. We have plenty of spare rooms he can sleep in
Easton: …
Reed: Easton, don’t leave the group. Luke’s joking. And Luke, if he can’t come, he can’t come
I’d usually enjoy their banter, but East doesn't need this right now, even though I know Luke’s coming from a good place. He was worried when everything went down with Easton last weekend and he’s trying to show that we’re there for him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he came up with this entire idea for Easton alone.
Luke: You’re no fun. You better be there in his place
I begin to respond but pause. Somehow, without us even discussing it, Tuesday became the day Hayley and I catch up. And if it was Bria, I know she’d be pissed if I ditched her for the guys. I need to at least mention it to Hayls.
Reed: I’ll let you know in five
Luke: Bria got your balls?
Reed: Nope. Not Bria
Dammit. Fuck.I delete my last message but when I see Luke typing, I know I’m too late.
Luke: Where are your balls, Reed? If Bria doesn’t have them, who does?
A throat clears, drawing my attention to find Hayley’s potential stylist tapping her toes as she gives me that death stare she loves.
There is no way I’m hiring her. And at this point, I’m praying Hayley feels the same.
“Miss Jackman will be out soon.” She folds her arms over her chest. “I need you to pay attention. I’m certain she’s about to find the one.”
And I’m certain she’s wrong, but I smile anyway.
