Page 34 of Last Fall

More silence. “Okay now I’m curious. Who was it? What didtheywant?”

“Lowenstein.”

I didn’t know who that was. I’d absorbed a lot of baseball knowledge but that name meant nothingtome.

“Fuck,really?”

“Yeah. That’s why I didn’t say who it was. I wanted your rawreaction.”

“No kidding.” He blew out a long breath. “It doesn’t change anything. Although I amflattered.”

I blew out a breath too. Why was I holding it? Erik’s career was his business, not mine. Maybe he’d be happier with thisLowenstein.

Oh, who was I kidding? I hated the idea of him leaving theMantas.

“There you go,” Marie chuckled. “Let it boost your ego for a few days. What’s up with youandWes?”

“Nothing.”

“Liar. IsitZoe?”

I leaned closer as if I’d be able to hearbetter.

“Fuck,” he groaned. “Is everyonewatchingus?”

“Yes. Why is Wes pushing yourbuttons?”

It sounded like he was shuffling his feet and maybe kicking some rocks? “I asked him something personal about Zoe last week and he went all protective big brother on me. I don’t blame the guy. I’d do the same thing if a friend asked about my sisters, but it was strange how extreme he reacted. Or the fact that he’s still giving meshitnow.”

“I think we all feel protective of her,” Marie said so quietly I could barelyhearher.

My heart pounded in my chest as a lot feelings overwhelmed me. Love and belonging were there for sure, but also panic and fear. I loved my life now but it still felt very, veryfragile.

“She’s like our adopted little sister. We all love her and want to protect her from whatever it is she’s runawayfrom.”

“See that’s the thing,” Erik’s voice rose. “You’re all so busy protecting her that you’ve stoppedhelpingher.”

Anger erupted inside my belly. I would have marched right up and told them both to stick there noses somewhere else but then I’d have to admit I was eavesdropping on their privateconversation.

So you know, Ididn’t.

“We’re giving her what she needs,” Marie hissed. “We’re her family now and we’ll do what families do: protecttheirown.”

Family.Oh dear god. My head spun as the power of her words hit me square in the chest. This wasn’t a face-to-face conversation where everyone said what they thought I needed to hear. This was a private conversation in no way intended to be heardbyme.

And here she was calling mefamily.

I wanted to cry because I felt the same way but for so long was too scared tobelieveit.

“You’re not giving her what she needs,” Erik shot back. “You’re giving her what shewants.There’s adifference.”

“Where do you get off, Erik? Zoe’s life is her own to figure out. It’s not my job to tell her how to live it and it is most certainly not yours.” Then her voice dropped. “Look, I know you. This is who you are. You’re protective to a fault and maybe Zoe could use a man like that in her life—or maybe you’re exactly what she’s runawayfrom.”

Erik swore loudly as I gripped the rail hard enough to rip it clear of itsnails.

“I’m glad to know you have such a low opinion of me,Marie.”

“Erik,” she sighed. “Please don’t take it that way. We’ve been friends for a long time now.Iknow you would never hurt the hair on anyone’s head unless it was in their defense. I know you just want everyone around you to be happy.” She blew out a long string of air. “Butshedoesn’t know anythingaboutyou.”