Growing up, I’d craved sisterhood. Sometimes it was to have someone to confide in about all the bullshit of my childhood, sometimes it was wishing someone was around to protect me, but that always made me feel guilty. Loneliness was better than anyone else experiencing that struggle with me.
But now I was an adult—I was out of that situation and free to embrace what life offered. Today, it was offering time with Jazz and Farrah, gossip about their coworkers, and a mountain of adorable baby clothes we’d painstakingly selected together. I had chosen matching sets for Charlotte’s triplets with the samedesign but different colors so they were easy to tell apart, and I got them in every size up to two years, since I was pretty sure everyone would be buying for the baby phase. I picked out some for Ava as well. She was only having one baby as far as I was aware, so that offered a lot more selection.
“We should go bother Jax at work after this,” Jazz suggested. “Is Leo in today?”
“He should be. He’s there most days.”
“I’m glad they picked Jax to step up while the bosses are on leave. It’s been really good to see him thrive under the responsibility, but they should definitely look into hiring some more folks.”
“They’re working on it, aren’t they?”
“They’re hiring more performers, but they’ll need someone for at least a few months between Leo going on parental leave and the big bosses coming back. I’m sure he could probably hold down the fort, but I’d rather he have support.”
“That’s fair. We have a very long list of stuff to do before the baby gets here, so I’ll be sure to add it on.”
“Good. He’s bad at asking for help, so he hasn’t said anything about wanting the bosses to hire an additional manager. If Leo knows, too, there’s a much higher chance of it happening.” Jazz turned to Farrah. “Do you want to come bug my twin with us? I might have to pretend I don’t really know you, but we can get treats on the way.”
“Sure. I could do with a proper break day, and if I go home, I’ll just end up doing chores.”
I was giddy at the prospect of a proper girl’s day. Farrah took her own car, following us to get some fancy iced tea before swinging by the arena.
Jax let us into the back, hugging his sister, then me. He didn’t reach for Farrah, looking at his sister for guidance. I took overintroductions, explaining Farrah was the instructor of a class I was taking and I really wanted to show her the horses.
As if sensing my presence, Leo emerged from his office. I melted straight into his embrace.
“I missed you.” He kissed me softly, then turned to greet Jazz and Farrah. “Nice to see both of you, too. You can go ahead and visit Eclipse if you want. I have a call in about five minutes to sort out some contracts, but it shouldn’t take long. Feel free to hang out.”
“Will do.” I grabbed Farrah’s and Jazz’s hands, tugging them toward the stables. “Come meet my giant baby boy.”
We were cooing over Eclipse when some sort of commotion had all of us turning. Knocks thundered against the door, but no one moved to answer it. The horses danced in their stalls and Jax sighed. “Let me check on whoever is freaking the fuck out over there.”
We crowded together and I held my breath as Jax opened the door, a red-faced Tyler flanked by Jenna and her pack standing on the other side. Tyler’s gaze darted around Jax and landed squarely on me. Panic flooded my system and I dug my fingers into Jazz’s arm. Alve’s anxiety shot down the bond, and my phone started buzzing in my purse.
“I knew I’d find you here,” Tyler growled, shoving past Jax. The men behind him moved into place, cornering Jax, but thankfully not touching him. “Where is he?”
Jazz and Farrah held on tight when I tried to step in front of them to face him.
“Back off, fucker,” Jazz snapped and focused on me. “Maddie, who is this?”
“My ex.”
Neither of the women knew the full story, but they were both instantly protective anyway.
“Any of you assholes touch my brother and I will cut your balls off with a butter knife,” Jazz growled.
“Baby, relax.” Jenna scampered after Tyler, but he held out a hand, halting her. “Excuseme? What the fuck is up with that hand?”
Tyler huffed, moving forward and ignoring Jenna. I vaguely knew her pack, but I didn’t understand why they were here. If Jenna was having an affair with Tyler, shouldn’t they be upset about that?
“It’s okay,” I said to Jazz and Farrah, even though it wasn’t remotely. I slipped between them and stood firm. “Tyler, what do you want?”
“Proof. You’re ruining our dinner reservation, by the way.”
“How am I ruining anything? You’re the one who came in here. Proof of what?”
“Am I supposed to just ignore when you traipse by giggling on the way to see the man you left me for?”
His words were a slap in the face that only made me more confused. “What the fuck are you talking about? I didn’t leave you for anyone.Youleftmeon the side of the road.”
