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I let out a scoff. "Intimidated? Please. I survived law school, a breeding ground for stoic, unemotional men." I pause, conceding, "Okay, maybe he intimidates me a bit."
"Look at you," she chuckles, parking the car. "Miss Tough as Nails."
Facing her, I admit, "I know. I'm trying. I have to be strong for my dad. It's tough enough for him without my stress. It feels like my stable world has flipped. What if working with Aidan is a disaster? What if I end up attacking him with one of those tiny lobster forks rich people have?"
Talia laughs. "Easy, tiger. Don't let your imagination run wild. Remember, I'm here, Ayo's here, and when all else fails, we have wine."
She hugs me, a comfort comparable only to my mom's patacones con hogao and a glass of masato. I step out of the truck feeling a bit steadier.
Walking into the rehab center, my legs shake, my heart races.
This is only my second visit since Papi’s accident. He's stable but faces hip surgery, pending strength improvement.
I pause at his door, my phone chiming with an unexpected text.
AIDAN: Hey, it's Aidan
AIDAN: Just checking you got home. You didn’t confirm. Everything okay?
My mind races, debating a reply.
ME: Yeah, all good. Forgot to text back
ME: Thanks for checking in ????
I delete "I needed it" before sending, not wanting to seem too dependent.
Smiling, I straighten up and open my dad's therapy room door, whispering to myself, "Everything's fine."
Just keep believing that.
Chapter Five
AIDAN
"All good."
That's Lacey's update to me after our "interview." It's what I repeat to myself as I prep for my run.
The morning air is brisk enough to remind me I'm alive, yet warm enough to leave my shirt behind without a second thought.
I find a comfortable rhythm on the pavement, cap and shorts in place, earbuds blasting my "get pumped" playlist, as I head towards one of Seattle's lush parks. This is my time.
No phones. No deals. No drama.
And that's saying something, especially now.
You'd think Mom jetting off to the Bahamas post-divorce—apparently, the go-to move when you're newly single with a love for sun and sand—would leave the press hungry for more. And yet, it’s Dad's investment in the Storm's rivals that has actually shifted the spotlight.
Now, it's not only my team's performance under scrutiny but my personal life as well. And speaking of personal...
It's Lacey’s first day as the new nanny.
I can’t slip up, not when every action is under the microscope.
Just as I settle into the zone where I feel I could run forever, I see her.
Lacey.
