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Hades cupped his mouth, “Vada.”
She looked over, and he spread out his arms as he stood on the porch. He expected Vada to roll down her window, explain where she was going and when she’d be back. Vada did none of that.
She turned her head and backed out. Before he could reach the sidewalk, she was halfway down the street. Hades stalked back to the house in search of his phone. He’d reach out to Gage and confirm his suspicion that she was headed to their house. He walked upstairs, where he assumed his phone would be, but it wasn’t on the dresser. It took him ten minutes to finally find it on the kitchen counter. He grabbed the phone and stilled when he looked down at the screen. There were a few notifications, but one stood out. A text message sent thirteen minutes ago.
From Vada.
Hades quickly opened the phone and tapped her name. He brushed his hand over his mouth when he saw the length of the message. It must have been the one she’d been typing in the driveway.
Vada: I’m so sorry for what happened today. I should’ve considered that Allie might hear the phone call. But I didn’t, and because of me, Allie was hurt. I have to live with that, too. The last person I’d ever want to see upset is Allie. Because in my heart, she’s mine. And I’m well aware she’s not biologically my daughter. I wish everyone would stop using that fact as a weapon against me. I’m not surprised with my mother. But I am disappointed with you. Even if I had given birth to Allie, I couldn’t love her more. I can’t imagine loving anyone the way I love your daughter. I thought you knew that, Roman.
Hades ground his teeth and looked across the room. Your daughter.
“Fuck,” he muttered, and looked down at the phone and quickly tapped the screen.
Hades: Baby, come home. Now!
He owed her an apology, but it wouldn’t be through a message. He needed her standing right in front of him. Hades needed her to hear every word he said. She read the message, and he waited. And waited. Nothing. He tapped the tracking app on his phone. Eventually, she’d come home, but he wanted to know her whereabouts until then. He tapped her name and felt his muscles tighten. He resisted the urge to throw the phone across the room.
Vada had turned off her location.
Touche, Vada-fucking-Zink.
Chapter Six
Showing up on anyone’s doorstep unannounced wasn’t something Vada did often. Or ever, for that matter. But she was out of options. After driving around for the last hour, she was getting low on gas, and all the businesses on Main Street were closed, including the gas station. It was either go home or camp out on someone’s couch. She could’ve called any of the women, but there was one she felt the most comfortable talking to.
Vada knew she’d work it out with Hades, but she needed her time. His statement had cut her deeper than she’d ever expected.
She pulled into the familiar driveway, parked, and stared up at the house. The lights were still on, including the front porch. Wasn’t that a universal welcome, we’re home, come on in? It was a bit of a stretch, but it was that mindset that had Vada marching up the walkway and knocking on the door. She wouldn’t stay long. She just needed someone.
When Gage opened the door, she expected to see some semblance of surprise. After all, it was late. But no. It was as if he’d been expecting her.
“Hey.”
“Hi, I’m sorry to just pop over unannounced. I tried calling and texting Tris, but I haven’t heard back yet. Can I talk to her?”
“Flight got delayed twice. Just took off two hours ago.”
Vada’s shoulders sagged. Trista had mentioned being away for two days on business. Now, it made sense why she hadn’t gotten back to Vada. Damn. What kind of friend didn’t remember her best friend was going out of town?
Vada dragged her hand over her head. “I’m sorry. I can’t believe I forgot. I mean, I remember her telling me, but I guess I just…”
“Sweetheart, it’s fine. You got a lot going on. Not a big deal, don’t make it one.”
Vada drew in a breath and forced a smile.
“Alright, well, um, again, sorry to bother you.” Vada stepped back, and Gage moved forward.
“Not bothering me, Vada. What’s going on?”
Gage wasn’t exactly the best person to talk to in this situation. Airing her problem with Hades after what happened would only put him in the middle. Vada wouldn’t do that.
“Nothing. Have a good night, Gage.” She spun around, hoping to make a quick retreat. She only made it down one step.
“Stop.”
Dammit!
