Page 151 of Fierce Storm
“Jesus. Keels. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. I never told you because it’s not something I like talking about. I just needed you to know that I spent months thinking about the prospect of being a mother, and years blaming myself for the loss. I don’t want kids. But whether I want them or not, it doesn’t change things between me and Sal. We haven’t had that conversation because that side of things is new to us. That’s like asking someone to talk about their future on the first date.”
“I think you should talk to him about it.” Paige draws my attention, her voice soft, her expression contemplative.
“About what? Not wanting kids?”
“No. I mean, yes, at some point. If it gets to that. But for now, I think you should talk to him about how serious it is. Because I don’t remember ever seeing my dad look at my mom the way he looks at you.”
Her words crack my heart wide open, and yet deep down, I think I knew that. I feel it every time his eyes meet mine.
“I—”
“Keeley Reynolds. Is that you?” A deep voice booms from behind me, and I recognize it instantly, making my throat tighten as I try to swallow.
Paige’s and Easton’s eyes flash to Vance, while I take a second to compose myself and slowly turn around. “Vance. Hi.”
“I can’t believe you’re here. I had a feeling I’d run into you at the stadium, but not before.”
What?“The stadium?” I squeeze my fingers around the empty glass in front of me and put on a smile.
“Oh, nothing official. I’m sure you’ll find out when the deal’s done.”
Deal?Oh, God.
Vance walks to the empty chair beside me and curls his fingers around the back, huffing out an incredulous laugh. “It’s so good to see you. It’s been too long.”
“A lifetime.”
“Yeah. Anyway, I’ll leave you to it.” He taps the chair a couple of times before stepping back. “I’ll be seeing you.”
“Bye.”
He walks away and I hold my breath, waiting for the calm to set back in. Only it doesn’t. My heart races so fast, I feel dizzy.
“Keeley, what’s going on?” Easton asks, his brows furrowed with concern.
“Nothing. That was Vance.” I replay what he said about a deal, confusion undoubtedly playing on my face. Vance wasinjured during a preseason game. He was forced to retire. Why...Shit. “I think Wes is going to hire him as the new QB coach.”
Paige’s face pales as her eyes go wide. Easton, on the other hand, nods in understanding. Though he really has no idea.
“I can see that. He was a great QB. It’s a shame he had to retire.”
Goddammit. I knew he’d retired, but at no point did I ever think Wes would approach him for the coaching position. Although, I should have considered it.
Paige leans forward, and I shake off her concern. I don’t need sympathy right now. I need normality.
I can’t let him get to me.
I’m better than that.
Chapter Forty-Two
SALVATORE
Fucking Mikklesons. It’s them. I know it. They’re probably hoping that if they scare me and Camilla enough, she’ll pull out of testifying.
But that’s never going to happen.
