Page 75 of When the Stars Rise

I blow air out of my cheeks, exasperated. “You know they are.”

She shakes her head. “I disagree. Sometimes, we need to be reminded of where we come from. We’re her family, Noah. Are we the most conventional family? No. But what does that matter? You and Hayley were raised with so much love.”

“I don’t see what that has to do with anything. I’m talking about those photos—”

“I know what you’re talking about. I know what you’re saying. But those photos are not about living in the past. It’s about celebrating the good memories and the people you shared them with.”

“Yeah, okay. But I know what you’re trying to do, Mom. And if you think all those photos of Hayley and Shiloh will help mend the rift, you’ve got it wrong. They’ll only make it worse.”

“For her? Or you?”

My eyes narrow. “We’re talking about Hayley, not me.”

“I’m talking about both of you,” she says. “When you get to Denver, spend some time with your dad and let Hayley spend time with Shiloh. I think you both need to find a way to forgive. Until you do that, you’llneverbe able to move forward. Looking at old photos won’t keep you stuck in the past but holding a grudgewill.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “You’ve got it all wrong. My dad and I are fine.”

My mom raises her brows, then dips her eyes to my crossed arms, noting the defensive posture. I relax my stance and drop my hands to my sides.

“You were his first love, Noah. Do you know how much it must have killed him to keep a secret like that from you? Please don’t hold that against him. You and your dad always had such a close bond. He misses you,” she says softly.

“What is up with you today? You’re really laying it on thick.”

“That’s my job. I’m your mother.”

“You act like we’re not on speaking terms. I just saw him a few weeks ago—”

“You were home for one day.” She plants her hands on her hips, brows raised. “When’s the last time you spent quality time with him?”

“I told you, we’re fine.” This whole conversation is ridiculous. Time to put an end to it. “Enjoy your spa day.”

And don’t lay another guilt trip on Hayley.

With a shake of my head, I turn and walk away.

“I love you, Noah,” she calls after me. “To the moon and back.”

So corny.

I sigh. She always gets me. I can nevernotsay it. So I yell it loud enough for the entire security team to hear. “Love you too, Mom. You’re the wind beneath my wings.”

I hear her laughing and the security guards snickering as I stroll past.

“She’s right, you know,” Hayley says when I reach our open door. She’s leaning against the door frame, and I have no idea how much she heard, but I’m guessing she heard enough.

“Yeah?” I grab her hips and walk her backward, then kick the door shut and spin her around, pinning her to the wood. “Which part?”

“All of it.”

“That she loves me to the moon and back?”

“She does. You know she adores you.”

I do know that. My mom and I are close, and for the most part, she’s cool. But she loves sticking her nose in my business andalwaysthinks she knows best.

“How do you feel about that photo album?” I ask Hayley. “For real.”

She smiles. “I love it.”