Page 42

Easton

R unning my hand down my face, I sit back and internally sigh. “I understand. I appreciate your help.”

I’ve been on the late call with my new lawyer for thirty-five minutes, and ninety-five percent of the call has been negative. Short of Macy signing over her parental rights, there’s not a lot I can do. If she fights me for custody, a judge is likely to side in her favor, no matter how much I bring to the table.

Other than being a shitty mother, Macy’s a law-abiding citizen, and with the amount I’d have to pay her for child support, she could easily provide for Isaac. There’s no real reason not to give her custody, except that she doesn’t want it. But if she’s standing in court, pleading her case, they’re not going to listen to that argument.

“I’ll get the paperwork drawn up and sent out by the end of the day Monday. But if you’re right in saying she doesn’t want the responsibility, then I suggest you talk to her, maybe arrange some kind of mediation to see if you can come up with an amicable plan. And if that fails, that’s at least more evidence that you tried to come to an agreement but that she wasn’t willing to be civil. At this point, our best option is for her to sign those papers. Anything else will take a miracle.”

“Thank you. I’ll try.”

“I’m sorry I don’t have better news, Easton. But I promise that if it comes to a court case, I’ll do my best to win.”

“I know. Thank you again.”

“Talk soon.”

I hang up dejected and fall into a heap. Deep down I knew I’d be faced with that response, and a little part of me wonders if that’s why I never made the call. I’m no closer to creating a better life for Isaac. In fact, I’d say I’m going backward, and I can’t keep going along like this.

Staring down at the phone in my hand, I consider calling Macy when someone knocks on my door.

My stupid chest tightens, picturing Paige on the other side despite knowing she’s not there, but God knows I could use her company.

Taking a deep breath, I open the door to Keeley and sigh. “What are you doing here?”

“I was visiting Mom and she mentioned you were talking to a lawyer tonight. Thought I’d stop by since she can’t.”

I internally groan and immediately change the subject. “Can we talk about Christmas?” I say instead, catching her off guard.

“Ah. Sure.” She frowns as she steps inside, hitting me with an expression that screams “what the fuck?”

“Good.” I fake a smile and gesture toward the kitchen, following behind her. “Instead of a present this year, I want you and Mom to stay out of my business and to stop talking about me behind my back.”

“Ha ha,” Keeley deadpans. “You’re so funny.”

“I wasn’t trying to be funny. I mean it.”

“Whatever.” She shrugs. “How did it go?”

“Keeley. Please. Do you want me to beg?”

“No. I want you to grow up and understand that we are here for you and we only talk about you because we care.”

Fuck . That’s exactly what my teammates said. “Okay. Okay. I’m sorry. I’m juggling a lot of balls, and they’re all going to drop any minute.”

“So let me catch some. Let Paige catch them. But maybe not Mom; she needs a break.”

I let out a long sigh and scratch the back of my neck. “I don’t know what I’m doing, Keeley. And Paige will yell at me for saying this, but I think I need to retire.”

“No,” she snaps.

“God, you sound just like her.”

“Because she’s right. You’re grumpy enough these days. Isaac doesn’t need a dad that’s given up on his career and moping around all the time.”

“I wouldn’t mope.”

“Sure, you wouldn’t.” She rolls her eyes as sarcasm oozes from her pores. “But either way, before you do anything rash, sit down and make a plan. I can help, or I’m sure Paige will. Hell, we’re friends; we can do it together. Just don’t give up yet.”

“I’m not really the type to do something rash, Keeley. I’ve been thinking about this for a while.”

“Well, keep thinking. Paige deserves to be able to say she has a football player boyfriend.”

“We’re not—”

My phone buzzes on the counter in front of us, cutting off whatever bullshit I was about to say. Keeley glances down at the same time I do, so there’s no hiding the name on the screen. But I’m at least able to hide the message, much to Keeley’s annoyance.

Paige: I’m just checking in. How did it go with the lawyer?

Easton: All was fine. Let’s talk about it tomorrow. Enjoy tonight

Paige: Um no. Saying it’s “fine” is the worst response you can give if you don’t want me to panic

I smile and of course Keeley notices since she’s watching my every move. “Oooh. What did Paige say?”

I shoot her a death stare before responding. “She’s asking about the talk with my lawyer. Just like you. Her dad was the one that suggested them.”

“Sal did? Did you tell him?”

“Tell him what? About Macy?”

“No, about Paige.”

“Not yet. There’s nothing to tell. She told him she was helping out a friend. Which in this case is true.”

I feel a little bad lying to everyone, including Keeley and Paige’s dad. But until things settle down for both of us, we’re keeping our relationship quiet. Mom’s the only one I’ve told. Everyone else can wait.

Keeley eyes me suspiciously just as Paige texts again.

Paige: Easton? Please

Easton: I promise. It went as well as I expected and I’d love to talk to you about it. Tomorrow

Paige: Why do I feel like you’re being cryptic?

I laugh again. Probably because I am. It’s time for a subject change.

Easton: How’s the event?

Paige: It’s fine. Or it would be if Christian wasn’t here

The fuck? He’s there?

Easton: Doesn’t he live in NY? What’s he doing there?

Paige: He wanted to see me

My body tenses as anger courses through me. I know she can handle herself, but I’m pissed off about the little fucker’s parents and what they’re doing to Paige when he’s too blind to see it. He doesn’t deserve a second of her time. And I’m choosing not to think about the fact that he has intimate photos of her on his phone. Because that’s likely to lead to me driving over there and kicking his ass. Paige doesn’t want that.

Easton: …

Paige: Before you ask why… He wants a damn photo with me so that we look amicable. He doesn’t want people to think he cheated on me

Easton: Tell him to fuck off

Easton: Better yet. Get him on the phone and I’ll tell him myself

Paige calls and my eyes flash to Keeley before I answer. “Hello.”

“You’d risk him telling everyone that we’re dating just so you can tell him to fuck off?”

“I wasn’t going to tell him who I was. Is he there?”

Paige pauses and the background music fills my ears. “Paige?”

“He’s not with me now. He’s talking to anyone that wants to listen about boring finance stuff.”

I huff out a laugh because I bet she’d think that about me and football. “I guess that’s a good thing. Is Hayley still there?”

“She is but she’s off chatting with… Dammit, he’s coming back.”

“Put him on.” My fists clench by my sides.

“I’m not putting him on. I can handle it. I just thought you should know that he’s here. In case someone decides to mention it in the media. Or you see a photo.”

“I’m sure that will happen. But I trust you, if that’s what you mean,”

“It is. Sorry. I guess I always assume people will think the worst of me.”

“Paige—”

“I’m on the phone,” she says abruptly, her voice a little distant like she’s no longer talking to me. “I get that you want to talk, but you can wait.”

“Paige?”

“I’ll meet you at the bar.”

She’s silent for a second before she groans and her voice becomes clear again. “God, I’m sorry. He just started talking to me, ignoring the fact that I’m on the phone.”

“Is he still there?”

“No, I’m meeting him at the bar. You said you trust me, right?”

“I did.”

“Good. Because I need to go. Can I call you back? I’m going to drink myself stupid so I can deal with the rest of tonight.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I’m joking. Sort of. I think.”

“Paige?”

“I promise, I’ll call you when I’m on my way home…I mean, to your place.” My pulse spikes when she says the word home but I try to ignore it—that’s not what’s important right now.

“How about you call me when you’re done with your conversation?”

“I can try.”

“Please.”

“Okay. I better go. Bye.”

She hangs up, and the second I turn back to Keeley, she demands answers. “So there’s nothing going on between you two?”

“Nope.”

“So why do you sound like a jealous boyfriend?”

“I don’t…and why are you listening to my private conversation?”

“Bit hard not to when we’re in the same room.”

“You could have walked away.”

“So could you .”

Fuck . I drop onto the stool beside her and run my hands down my face, groaning. “Paige is having trouble with her ex, and he turned up at her event tonight.”

“Shit. He’s there for her?”

“Yep.”

“Asshole.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

“She’s with Hayley, right?”

“She is.”

“Good, because that woman will defend her friends with everything she’s got. Paige is in safe hands.”

“ If she asks Hayley for help.”

“My God.” Keeley groans. “Don’t tell me she’s as bad as you. How’s that relationship going to go? You’ll never talk. All you’ll be able to do is have sex and—” She cuts herself off before laughing. “Never mind. There’s nothing wrong with that. Who needs communication?”

“Keeley. Enough .”

I shake my head as Keeley continues to ask question after unanswered question before finally giving in and changing the subject. We’ve been chatting about the team for the better part of an hour, and I’m welcoming the distraction, when my phone rings again.

Keeley raises a brow and I suck in a breath before answering, hoping she’s okay. “Hello.”

“Hey Baby. I miss you.” Dammit. She’s been drinking.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m good. Now. I had a few shots and I feel better.”

“Good. I’m glad. Are you with Hayley?”

“Nope. I wish you were here. But I’ll have to wait until I get home to you later. You’re waiting up for me, right?”

Shit. Something’s wrong. “Is that fucker standing nearby?”

“Yep. And you know how much I love that.”

“Is he threatening you?”

Keeley’s eyes widen before she covers her mouth with her hand.

“No. Nothing like that. I just wanted to say hi. I miss you.”

I know she’s saying everything for his benefit, but the words “I miss you too,” escape my mouth without thought. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Definitely. You know me.” She releases a soft giggle before thanking me with her bubbly persona and then she rushes out two little words that I was not prepared for. “Love you, bye.”

And I see red. What the hell is going on?

The line cuts off and I couldn’t say if it was Paige hanging up or something else, but before I get the chance to question it, she sends me a text.

Paige: Thank you for going along with that. I needed him to believe that I’d moved on. But it wasn’t all for show. It felt nice to say it out loud

My heart thumps in my chest as I turn to Keeley, unsure if she meant mentioning our relationship in general or her admission of love, but either way, I’m worried.

Keeley frowns, her eyes still wide. “Is everything okay?”

I let out a sigh as I consider my options, but it takes all of three seconds before I turn to Keeley for help. “I need you to watch Isaac without asking questions. You know I hate having to ask but—”

“Go. I’ll stay until you get back.” She gives me a gentle shove and I release a held breath.

“Thank you.” I turn to walk away but she stops me.

“I’m not going to hold you up for too long, but I expect answers when you get home. And I need to know… Is Paige okay?”

“Yes,” I lie. I’m not so sure that’s true. “And I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

“Good. Go. I’ve got this.”

“Thank you. He shouldn’t wake up, but if he does, tell him I’ll be home soon.”

I ’m tense on my drive to the venue. I don’t have a plan. I haven’t thought this through. I only know that I have to find Paige. Something deep in my gut is telling me to go to her, and for once, I’m doing something for me.

After pulling up at the venue, I park in the parking lot rather than using the valet and sneak inside, hoping they’re no longer worried about the guest list. And thankfully no one’s on the door.

I spot Paige as soon as I walk in, her burgundy dress and high stiletto heels standing out against the more conservative attendees. And even from a distance, she’s breathtaking.

Since she hasn’t seen me, I move through the crowd, trying to get a glimpse of who she’s standing with before I approach, but they’re just out of sight.

I continue to walk closer, and I’ve just pushed past a couple mauling each other on the dance floor when Paige looks up, her gaze meeting mine.

A million thoughts run through my mind—what I’m going to do, what I’m going to say—but the second she smiles, all rational thought escapes me as I stride toward her, the world around me ceasing to exist.

Paige’s eyes widen in question as she meets me halfway, but I don’t explain—I can’t. I’m not running on logic; I'm running on pure impulse and that impulse is telling me to claim what’s mine.

“What—”

I grab her face in my hands, angling her toward me until she’s staring into my eyes. Her breath hitches, but I don’t let her speak as I slam my lips to hers, pouring everything I have into our kiss.

Paige stiffens before melting into me, her arms wrapping around my waist as she meets my intensity.

My heart hammers in my chest as I caress her soft lips, my hand cupping her neck, brushing my thumb across her cheek.

Everything in this moment feels right, and yet in the back of my mind I know we still have a lot to work through.

Before I’m ready to let her go, my thoughts take over and I break away, my eyes locking on Paige as she stares at me breathlessly. “You’re here?”

“I’m here.” I smile, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“And you kissed me? In public?”

“Well, what the fuck did you expect me to do after that call?”

Paige giggles and the sound sends a shiver down my spine. “You could have waited until I got home?”

“Are you kidding me? That was never going to happen. And I’m sick of pretending.”

“But what about—”

“But nothing. Our lives are always going to be complicated, Paige. But together, it will be a hell of a lot easier to get through.”

“You like me?” she asks with a smile, already knowing the answer.

“I do.” I huff out a laugh. “I like you a lot. And when we get home, I’m going to show you exactly how much. But first… where is that fucker, and what did he do? I think it’s time we had a chat.”