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“You know Hailey better than we do, Reid. But I can tell you one thing. That woman loves you.” Mom’s voice was soft, calming me.
She was right. I did know Hailey. Thinking that no one would be around forever anyway was her defense mechanism. I’d told her I understood that. Then I went ahead and completely bailed when she needed me.
Fuck, I’d done everything wrong. I was such an idiot.
“What if she doesn’t want this anymore?” I asked.
Mom gave me a determined look. “Would she still be coaching Bianca and us about what to tell reporters if she didn’t care?”
“She did that?” I croaked out.
“Yes. And I have to say, that girl knows her stuff. No one calls a second time.”
“You didn’t even tell me that reporters bugged you.”
All I had hoped was for my family to not get caught in a shitstorm, and I failed. And yet, because Hailey was with them every step of the way, they were treading these treacherous waters without drowning in them. She had coached them, even though I’d completely let her down.
I focused on Bianca. “Have you been suspended again?”
She tilted her head. “I got very close but didn’t. Guess who did get suspended, though? Felton! Ha. A teacher passed by us when he went on one of his gossip sessions.”
“Jesus, I’m sorry, Bianca.”
My sister shrugged. “You know who you can thank for me knowing how to shut everyone’s mouth? Hailey. So, let’s get to the important stuff. I have Hailey’s Houston address,” Bianca said.
“How?” I asked suspiciously. “Hailey would have no reason to give it to you.”
“The Connor girls.”
“You’ve been in contact with them?”
“Duh. We’ve been keeping an eye on you two, thinking you’d eventually... you know, come to your senses. But you’re not, so... clearly, it was time to take matters into our own hands. So, chop, chop. Let’s get this dinner over with quickly. Lots to do, lots to plan.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Reid
I checked my phone for the fifth time, sitting in the restaurant in the building next to the address Bianca had given me. It was seven o’clock, yet still no sign of Hailey. Eventually, I broke down and texted Bianca.
Reid: Are you sure the address is right?
Bianca: OH MY GOD, yes. What kind of spy/plotter do you think I am? I get my facts right. She’s probably just working late.
Probably. Certainly. But now that I was here, I just couldn’t wait to see her. Talk to her. Hold her.
Finally, at eight o’clock, a car pulled in front of the building, and Hailey climbed out. It was as if I’d only taken half-breaths until now. I darted out of the restaurant, heading straight toward her. She searched for something in her bag, not seeing me until I was in front of the staircase. And then she startled, nearly stumbling backward.
“Reid. What are you doing here?”
“Came to see you, beautiful.”
“How long have you been here?”
“Four hours and twenty-three minutes. Not that I’m counting.”
I thought I’d known just how much I’d missed her, but being this near to her.... Fuck. I’d never needed anyone more than I needed Hailey right now.
“Can we talk?” I asked when she didn’t say anything.
