Shawn looked shocked.
“Well, that’s definitely a new one.El didn’t seem to react to it?”
“Not really.She was pretty serene walking off.I just felt like I should have done something.”
“Want me to go find her and see?”Shawn asked.
“No, I’d like to see if she’d open up to me.You and Marcus are her go-to people when she’s upset, and I’d kind of like to try to be that for her too when she needs it.”
“Okay, well the only advice I really have is watch for her cues.El has a way of telling you exactly what she needs without saying a word.You know how to read her, you just don’t give yourself enough credit for it.”
“Thanks, Shawn.”
“No problem.”
A knock sounded at the door, pulling them away from their conversation.
“Come in,” Ryan said.
Adam came in then and shut the door behind him.Ryan knew he was still upset with him about not having search parties sent out for their mom, but Ryan also knew Adam was adult enough to continue his duties.
“Willow has arrived,” Adam told them.
“I’ll go greet her.Do you want to go tell El?”Shawn asked.
“Let’s text Trip in a bit.I’d like to speak with Willow privately first,” Ryan said.
“Privately?”Shawn asked, not looking thrilled with Ryan’s request.
“You’re welcome to be present, I’d just like to speak with her without El there.”
Shawn studied him as if he were making up his own mind as to whether Ryan’s intentions were clear.Ryan tried not to be offended.Shawn had spent the past fifteen years making sure El was safe, by himself.In time he would learn to accept the Triad brothers as his own brothers.
“Of course.I just don’t want Willow to feel cornered.Being in unfriendly territory, she’s risking a lot from both sides to help us.”
“I agree, and she’ll receive nothing but respect from me.I’ll protect Willow as I would El, you have nothing to fear.”
“I know you will.I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“No offense taken, Shawn.I get it.You’re still learning here, and trust isn’t easily given.That’s what I like about you,” Ryan confirmed.
Shawn again dipped his head for lack of anything better to say, and they followed Adam out of the office and down to the retrieve Willow.She drove a small red Volkswagen Beatle.Watching her climb out of the car, Ryan thought the car fit her perfectly.She was dressed in a long white ankle-length dress that hung off her thin frame.Her curly blonde hair was flying loose down her back.If there was anyone more opposite than El, it was definitely Willow.Ryan was just glad the woman brought El comfort and would be able to ensure El remained unable to become pregnant.
“Hello, Willow.Thank you for coming,” Ryan started.
“You’re welcome.Thank you for having me.Your home is lovely,” she replied.
“I hope you’ll be comfortable here for your stay.”
“It’s a far cry from my small cottage.I think I’ll be just fine,” she laughed.
“Thanks again, Willow,” Shawn said then moving forward to help her get her bag out of the back of the car.
“Is that all?”Ryan asked.
“I have my healing bag in the back seat.Please be careful with it as it has some fragile things in it.”
“Of course,” Shawn said, opening the back door and easing the large chest out.
