Page 161 of Fierce Storm
“You’re right. Only it’s not really my place to say. I just care a lot too.” I smile and let her off the hook.
“How about I talk to Keeley and see what she says? But if she gives me nothing, you’re going to have to come clean.”
“I think that sounds fair. Come on. I’ll take you to her.”
She gestures down a hallway to the left and I walk beside her, my mind reeling with what the hell Paige was trying to say. I’mrunning through a million possibilities until one sticks and I lose my breath. “Is she sick?” I feel the blood drain from my face as I turn toward Paige.
Is ALS hereditary?“What?” Paige’s eyes widen as she takes in my expression, rushing to grab my arm, her head shaking almost violently. “No. God. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. She’s not sick.” She pauses for a moment before her face drops. “I don’t think so. Jesus. She fell. What if?”
Fuck. “Let me talk to her before we both panic.”
“That sounds like a good idea. We’re almost to her room.”
She points down the hall just as Rochelle walks out, a smile reaching her eyes when she sees me. Meanwhile, I stiffen uncomfortably. It’s the first time I’ve seen her since everyone found out I had a thing for her daughter.
“I’m going to let the two of you talk,” Paige announces as if there’s awkwardness oozing from my pores and she wants out. Too bad I’m not going to let her.
“You don’t have to?—”
“I’m going. I was on my way to get something to eat anyway.”
“Paige.” I try to grab her hand but she dodges me, smiling as she walks away, and when I turn back around, Rochelle’s grin is showing her matching amusement. Great. All I need now is Keeley’s sister.
“Rochelle. How are you? How’s Keeley?”
“She’s been better. Though I have no doubt her mood’s about to improve. Thank you for coming.” She grabs ahold of a walker lying abandoned by the wall, and her smile turns awkward.
“I didn’t want Keeley to feel sorry for me. This is my life now.”
“Fuck. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m alive.”
“And thriving. No one can take away your positivity.”
“Exactly. Now, back to my daughter.”
I cringe but nod. One day I’ll get to actually see her.
“I’m not going to keep you for long, because Keeley needs you. But did Paige tell you she’s being particularly stubborn and refusing to tell any of us what’s going on?” She laughs, but there’s an edge to it, giving away her true feelings. She’s worried. As am I. Especially after what Paige said.
“She mentioned it, and I’m going to try my best to get her to talk to me.”
“Thank you. If anyone can do it, it’s you. And on that note, protect her with your life and we won’t have a problem.” Her expression turns serious, and I swallow a lump in my throat, waiting for more. Because I have no doubt there’s more. “Keeley’s in denial about a lot of things, with one of those things being her ability to let others in. Particularly men. If she tries to push you away and you let her, over something as minor as age, we’re going to have words. We’ve all had a feeling something was going on. Well, most of us anyway, my oblivious son being the exception. No one has any issues with the two of you dating. Least of all me. All I ask is that you protect her heart, and don’t ever tell her we had this conversation.”
“You want me to lie to your daughter?” I raise a brow, hoping my response will hide the fact that I’m not my usual confident self right now.
Rochelle throws her head back and laughs. “Normally, no. In this case, yes. Otherwise, she’ll disown me.”
“You don’t have to worry about me saying anything, or she’d likely disown me too.”
“She’s a darling, isn’t she?” Rochelle’s joking, but the thing is…
“She’s perfect.” I chuckle lightly, avoiding eye contact as I shake my head. I’m so fucking gone for that woman, it’s scary. “On that note, I’m going to go.”
I foolishly glance back at Rochelle to find her eyes lit up and a little bit watery, making me smile uneasily.
“I don’t think I have to worry.”
