Daire nodded.“I’ve already heard the talk about this.In the younger grades, absolutely nothing gets done the day after Halloween.The kids are tired, full of sugar, and coming down off of adrenaline.”
He continued, “The school can’t technically give them the day off, but we can plan an art and activity-based day.The kids who are allowed to stay home after a late night don’t miss anything.The kids who have to go in have a great day.Everybody wins.”
“And what will we be calling this auspicious event?”Noelle asked.
I grinned.“Halloween Howler.”
She lit up.“I like it!”
I grinned at Daire who looked back at me with nothing short of adoration.
My lips parted.
I searched his eyes.
How could that be?Was I seeing something that wasn’t there?
Daire’s gaze softened.He went to speak when his phone went off with a ringtone I’d never heard before.
He looked at his screen and his face paled.“I’ve gotta take this.”
Crossing the room with long strides, he headed for the kitchen.
“He can’t take the call here?”Hawk raised his eyebrows at Max.
Max’s lips flattened.
“What is it?Max?”My face paled.“Oh, God!Is he seeing someone else?”
“What?No!”Max exclaimed, giving his head a disbelieving shake.“He’s crazy about you.”
“Harley,” Daire called from the doorway, his voice hard, his brows scrunched together.“I gotta go.We gotta go.I need you to come with me.”
I stood up and gathered my things.“What happened?”
“Harley can stay if she wants.Noelle and I can drive her home,” Hawk interjected harshly.
My eyes flew to my brother.What the hell was his problem?
“No,” Daire shook his head shortly.“I need her with me.Harley, please hurry.It’s my mom.”
“Is she okay?”Max asked immediately.
“Yes.No,” Daire answered.“She was in a car accident.Broken ankle.I need to get out of here and call her back.”
“Sure, man.No problem.”Max jumped up and clapped a hand on Daire’s broad back.“You spoke to her?She’s okay?”
Daire nodded shortly, his eyes seeking me out.“She’s at home with John.I just need to…”
His voice drifted off.I’d never seen him like that.Never imagined he could be so completely undone.
“I’m coming, honey,” I assured him.
In the car, I laid my hand on his thigh.“Daire, honey, your mom is at home with her partner?”
“Yes.”
“So that means she’s okay.”I held up my other hand.“I know she’s not fully okay, a broken ankle is not okay, but she’s safe.And she’ll be okay.”
