Page 94 of Structure of Love

“Nooope. But still, I have hope. Erin’s plan is to finish high school here and then go to another city entirely for trade school.One of our other brothers has a bedroom set up for her, though, so if she needs to leave the state to finish high school somewhere outside our parents’ reach, she has the option.”

“So there is a Plan B?”

“Yuppers.”

“Thank all of you for being smart.” Zar’s radio squawked and he paused to listen. “Hmm, that’s near me and sounds like a problem. Seems I have to go. Logan, give Erin my number now. Just in case.”

“I’ll pass it along today.”

“Good. Keep me posted. And see you on Friday.”

I let him back out, locking the door behind him. Then I promptly texted Erin, sending along Zar’s number.

Me:Hey this is my friend, Zar. He’s a cop. He’s going to escort you safely out of the house on D-Day

Erin:Fr?!

Me:Fr

Me:Said to call him if you need help

Erin:Thank you so much. Imma text him thanks

Me:Do, so he has your number

Erin:Will he really protect me

Me:He’ll come in guns blazing promise

A whole string of smiling emojis followed. She was clearly happy to have some backup. Honestly? Me too.

Dating Gage came with such amazing perks. His friends alone were a great one. And to think men had only wanted to hook up with him. I couldn’t believe how stupid people were sometimes.

Well, back to the payroll. And then, after that, seemed like I needed to buy a personal safety alarm. Just in case.

30

Gage

I met my locksmith at the door and explained what I needed, and he went right to work. I retreated to the kitchen, intent on some meal prepping since I’d have today to do it. I wanted good, healthy food available for Cooper while he healed. His body had already been put through enough trauma.

Cooper wandered in from his room, limping a little, likely because of the hematoma on his knee and all the soreness of the accident still riding him. He sat at the counter across from me, then blearily watched me chop raw chicken. “Whatcha makin’?”

“Mexi-Cali salad with mesquite chicken.”

“Oh, hot damn, I haven’t had that in ages. Make a huge batch.”

“Sure.” I glanced up, taking him in. “I’d have thought you’d sleep more?”

“You say that ’cause I can pass for a panda right now.”

“Well, yeah.”

He lifted a hand that trembled slightly. “I’m too jittery to sleep.”

“Meds?”

“I took some. They haven’t kicked in yet.”