Page 6 of Fierce Storm
My eyes flit between the news on my phone and the entrance to the restaurant as I wait for my daughter, Paige, and the moment I see her, I smile.
Like always, I stand as she approaches, waiting until she sits down opposite me—her face in her phone until the very last second. “Sorry, it’s been a morning. How are you?”
She grins softly, but her weary expression has my chest tightening. “Everything okay? How’s Isaac?”
Her grin lifts into a sassy smile, and I preemptively roll my eyes.
Am I obsessed with my grandchild? Yes. I can’t help it. He’s a perfect little human who came into my life when I was least expecting it, and now, I wish I could spend every day getting to know him properly. Paige and Isaac’s dad, Easton, got togetherwhen Isaac was three, and at the time, he only had Easton’s mom when it came to grandparents. Now he’s got me, and I’m making sure I uphold my grandfather duties to the nth degree.
“Isaac is good,” Paige reassures me. “I promise.”
“Good to hear. What about you?” I stare at her pointedly and she laughs.
“I come in second now?”
“Yep. I’m not going to lie. Sorry, Kid.” I hold back a smile for as long as possible, but when Paige jokingly pouts, I chuckle. She feels the same. As soon as Isaac bounced into her life, he was her number one priority. Even Easton knows he’s second in her eyes, and he’s more than happy with that.
“You know, I think you’re number one in his eyes too,” Paige interrupts my thoughts. “You and Rochelle.”Easton’s mom. “Equal firsts.”
“That’s because we spoil him. What Isaac wants, Isaac gets.”
Paige glares and another laugh rumbles out of me. “Within reason, obviously.” For her sake not his.
“Obviously.” Paige shakes her head.
If it was up to me, I’d give him the world. I was always controlled with Paige and her brother, Marc. I wanted them to learn the importance of hard work despite the fact that they were born with silver spoons in their mouths. Who am I kidding; their spoons were 24 karat gold with diamond-encrusted handles. They had it all.
But they had to give back too. And while Paige is much better at it, I’m still pleased to say that both of them have grown into generous and kind adults. Though Marc has some questionable personality traits. Namely his inability to take anything seriously and his constant need to be liked by all. In Marc’s case, there’s such a thing astoogenerous. Otherwise known as being irresponsible with money.
“Anyway, back to my number two.”
“If I’m number two, does that make Marc number three?”
“On a good day, yes.”
“And on a bad day?”
“Your mother rises above him.”
Paige covers her mouth before she laughs out loud. Her mother and I talk often, despite divorcing over ten years ago due to my inability to put my family above my work.
I’m the first to admit it took me far too long to see the problem, and by the time I did, I’d lost them all. Paige wouldn’t speak to me, and Marc only called when he needed something. I was what you’d call a poor excuse of a father.
Luckily, I’ve been given a second chance with Paige, and I’m working on things with Marc.
I’d deluded myself into believing I was giving them everything. I made sure they never went without and protected them with all that I had. Only I failed to give them my time or attention. These days, I’d like to think that I’m better, but I still have my moments.
“You know I’m going to tell Marc you said that.”
“He knows. He never calls me anymore. Apparently, your mom is giving him extra attention now that you’re living here permanently. I’ve been forgotten.” I pout. Paige knows I’m joking. At least about playing favorites. IwishI was joking about the fact that Marc never calls. Or answers my calls or texts.
“I’m sorry, Dad.” Paige’s light expression morphs into one of concern, and I wave her off.
“Don’t be. He’ll come back when he wants something.” I wink, hoping to lighten the mood. I was supposed to be finding out the cause ofherstressful morning, not talking about me. “Enough about your brother. You were going to tell me what’s going on with you.”
“I was?”
“You were. Please.”
