by Rayne, Piper
Holly sits, crossing her legs and Myles climbs into her lap. “You want to know what I think?”
“Not sure, do I?”
“I think it might be a little too late for that.”
I huff because I have no defense. Holly’s a damn smart woman.
* * *
All the Baileys are in the family room. Austin’s sprawled out on the floor, his head on a pillow, his eyes closed. Juno is snuggled into Colton on the loveseat, her legs over the arm. Savannah is at the table, scribbling something down with Rome, and Liam next to her, staring at a map arguing about pathways through the brush when Kingston comes over with a bag of chips pointing a greasy finger to a spot and calling them dipshits. Brooklyn is on the phone.
I sit next to her, overhearing her end of the conversation.
“Sedona, I couldn’t just grab you. You need to be there for school. I’m sorry.”
She stares at the phone. “She hung up on me.”
I wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her into me.
“She wants to know why we didn’t grab her and pick her up to bring her home, but she has school and she can’t miss…”
“I can set up a ticket. Does Phoenix want to come home, too?”
Brooklyn looks at me and tears roll down her cheeks. “How did I forget about her?”
“We were busy and in shock.”
She nods, but she’s not appeased by that answer. She gets up and walks outside. I snatch her phone up from where she left it.
* * *
Dawn breaks and I’m the only one who stayed awake most of the night.
Austin stretches on the floor when the stream of light first comes into the room. He kisses Holly’s forehead and slides out from under her arm.
“You up?” he asks. “Coffee?”
“Yeah.” I dislodge from Brooklyn’s body and follow him to the kitchen.
“Any way I can borrow your Jeep?” I ask.
“Why?” He grabs the coffee from the freezer and starts making a pot.
“I need to make a run and my car was a rental that I returned.”
“Sure. I’ll take Holly’s. I’m sure we’re here until we get word.” He reaches over, grabs his keys and tosses them to me.
“HELLO!” a booming voice says before a door slams shut.
“Shit.” Austin runs out of the room, but whatever he tried, it doesn’t work because Grandma Dori effectively wakes everyone up.
“I have a bone to pick with each of you. How do you not tell me my grandson is missing?”
“Because you need your rest and we know eight pm is bedtime at the senior home.” Rome puts his arm around her and kisses the top of her head. “But now that you’re here we need your expert mapping skills.” He pulls out the map they were studying last night. The left side of his hair is sticking straight up, and his pants are almost falling off him.
“What? WAZE isn’t going to get you to him.” She snatches it from his grasp. She finds me in the crowd and points right at me. “And you. You’re a Whitmore?”
Everyone’s eyes shift to me. Brooklyn’s looking around like she doesn’t know how to react.
“Old news.” Rome straightens the map. “So, they say he was here last time they had contact so I’m thinking—”
“You’re a Whitmore?” Austin asks me.
“You knew?” Savannah asks Rome.
Then all their interest moves to Brooklyn.
“I am. My real name is Wyatt Whitmore. My dad had me come into the hotel incognito to figure out how well it was run.”
“That reminds me of this show…” Juno begins, but Austin cuts her off with his hand.
“You knew?” he asks Brooklyn.
She bites her lip and nods.
“And you’re okay with it?” Savannah asks. They have this double team thing down to an art.
She looks over to me. “I am.”
“Okay then,” Austin says.
“Doesn’t that mean you’re rich as fuck?” Kington asks.
I shrug.
“Stop it.” Brooklyn comes over to me, taking my hand in hers.
Everyone watches the act with raised eyebrows.
“Yes, he’s Wyatt Whitmore, but he’s still the Wyatt you all know.”
“Except he’s rich as fuck.” Kingston grabs the bag of chips he had last night and starts munching on them again.
Rome’s phone rings on the counter in front of him and everyone stops.
He looks down at it.
“Answer it,” Savannah says with urgency.
He slides his thumb over the screen, but it feels like it happens in slow motion.
“Hello?”
“This is his brother, Rome.”
“Uh huh.”
“Okay.”
“Yeah.”
We all wait with bated breath.
“Thank you.”
“Bye.”
He hangs up and looks at us.
“Well?” Savannah asks and she looks like she’s about ready to crawl out of her skin if he doesn’t say something soon.
“They found him. He’s on his way to the hospital. One broken leg and they want to check everything else out.”
Once all the cheering and hugging dies down, Austin looks to Rome with a serious expression.
“What about the guy who was with him?” Austin asks.
“Griffin Thorne, Austin. The music producer.” Kingston shakes his head like Austin is the out-of-the-times father. He’s clearly told Austin who the passenger was a few times.
“He’s fine. Completely okay,” Rome says.
“Where are they flying him to?” Juno asks.
“They said they’ll bring him to Anchorage.”
“Let’s go then.” Austin looks to me. “We’ll take Holly’s car. Who else can drive?”
Everyone starts filing out, including Grandma Dori.
“Hey.” I stop Brooklyn. “I’ve got something to do. Mind if I catch up with you?”
She shakes her head. “No. Okay.”
“Thanks.”
I watch to make sure everyone is leaving before I kiss her. We don’t need any more questions about where we stand especially when neither of us have the answers.
“I’ll only be a few hours.”
Her eyes dim but she doesn’t say anything and hopefully once she finds out what I’m up to she’ll be happy again.
Forty-One
Brooklyn
On the way to the hospital in the back of Colton’s truck, I pull up the Buzz Wheel to see what the hell it’s saying this morning. It’s been a while since I got my fix.
The first entry starts with a picture of Denver and Rome. It’s one taken from the Lake Starlight Tourist with the two of them from behind, the sunset and mountains in the background.
We all know this picture. The angelic Bailey twin boys. Yes, they’re a little rambunctious and yes, they bring chaos everywhere they go. But they also bring fun and friendship and they’ve never let anyone struggle with holding something when they’re around. We got the bad news last night that Denver’s plane went down and he’s missing along with the hotshot music producer, Griffin Thorne, who was his passenger. Word is that the Baileys are huddled together at the family home awaiting word.
Please join me in praying for both of their safe returns.
I’ll update as I get word.
The second story is juicier and if it hadn’t been for Denver’s unfortunate accident, I’m not sure when Buzz Wheel would’ve found out. The Wyatt Moore who’s been in Lake Starlight for the past few months working as the new manager of Glacier Point Resort isn’t who he says he is. He’s actually Wyatt Whitmore, heir of Whitmore Hotels. And to top it all off, I heard Brooklyn Bailey accompanied him to a wedding for his sister in New York City this weekend. Due to Denver’s accident, the two flew home on his private jet. Looks like Brooklyn Bailey took a step up from Jeff Brickle. Way to go girl!
I look at the picture of a jet then click the screen off a
nd look out the window.
“When did you find out?” Juno turns around from the front seat.
“He told me a few weeks ago.”
“And?”
“And what?” I cross my arms over my chest.
“Something is obviously going on with the two of you. I mean he kissed you and you snuggled up to him. Come on. Give me the deets. Did you do the deed?”
Her overzealous face reminds me of Myles when he sees Wyatt.
My gaze shifts to Colton.
“Colton, plug your ears,” Juno says.
“Sure, and drive with no hands on the wheel? That sounds safe.” He looks at me through the rearview mirror. “I’d rather not know any details anyway.”
“See, Juno.” I circle my finger instructing her to turn around.
She sits back and Colton turns the radio back up.
A second later my phone dings.
“Really Juno?” Colton asks, looking over at her.
I pull my phone out and sure enough, her name pops up on my screen.
Juno: Did you guys do it?
Me: I don’t know. Has Colton got to second base yet? Oh wait, he hasn’t even gotten to first yet. Never mind.
Juno: Middle finger emoji
Me: Now, now, Savannah.
Juno: I’m just trying to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.
Me: What does that mean?
She huffs from the front seat.
Juno: You know you’re a little… nice.
Me: Something tells me that nice isn’t really what you mean.
Juno: I don’t want to see you hurt.
Me: Well you weren’t concerned when you were ready to endorse your matchmaking skills on the fact that Wyatt was perfect for me.
Juno: That’s when he was Wyatt Moore.
Me: What exactly changed your thinking? The fact that he lied or the fact that he comes from money.
Juno: Come on. Think about this for a second.
Me: Bye.
My phone dings a few more times but I’m not going to listen to her negativity at this point. I finally feel happier than I have in months and she’s ruining it.
“I’m silencing you,” I say after she continues to send text messages to me.
“How mature.”
“What you’re doing isn’t fair. You’re my sister. You’re supposed to be supportive.”
Her head whips around and Colton doesn’t attempt to turn the volume down this time. He’s probably hoping he drowns her out.
“His real name changes everything.”
“How so?” I cross my arms again and stare out the window.
“He’s like…” She looks to Colton. “Help please?”
He shakes his head and raises a hand that says he is not getting involved in this.
“Another level. I have no idea how to explain it, but his dad owns one of the biggest hotel chains in the world. He grew up in New York City.”
“And?”
“It’s different from Lake Starlight.”
“Oh Juno, are you afraid he’s going to corrupt me and push me to go further than I want? News flash, I’m not a virgin.”
She rolls her eyes and turns around, pouting like she always does.
“He’s still the same guy he was,” Colton says, turning down the music. “I like him, and I’ve never seen him do anything but dote on Brooklyn.” He smiles at me through the rearview mirror.
I give him an appreciative smile. “Dote? I like your vocabulary, Colt.”
His smile widens and he winks. Why doesn’t Juno just date him? He’s adorable and gorgeous.
“Well, sometimes that’s an act. Like a too-good-to-be-true act,” Juno shoots back.
“Good thing we’re making a pit stop. Thanks for the wonderful conversation ladies.” Colton turns off the ignition and exits the truck, stopping by the rest of our family hovering by Holly’s SUV.
“I don’t mean to be nosy, but I just can’t see you get hurt again.”
“Relax, Wyatt’s a rebound.” The word cuts me in half because he’s not in the slightest, but I just want her off my back.
“Rebound is not a word that should be in your vocabulary.”
“You treat me like I’m twelve and I’m older than you!” I exit the car, slamming the door.
“Whoa, let’s not take your aggravation with Juno out on my baby.” Colton grimaces.
“What’s the drama llamas?” Liam asks.
I glance at Juno. “Apparently I’m a naive girl who thinks every man is her saving grace.”
Rome raises his hand. “I don’t think that.”
Holly wraps her arms around my shoulders. “I doubt that’s what she meant. Everyone is stressed and worried right now. It was a long night. Let’s go get some flowers, cards, and stuff to keep him busy.”
“I’m getting nudie mags.” Rome starts off toward the store next to the florist.
“Hustler’s the best one.” Liam laughs, joining Rome.
“You know as well as I do, he’ll just pull up porn on his phone.” Kingston’s off to join the bachelor brigade.
“What about you? How do you weigh in on jerk off material?” Holly asks Austin as he walks with her toward the florist shop.
“All I need is you.” He stares down at her.
All us women ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ over Austin’s swoon-worthy comment as we enter the florist shop.
“Hold on.” Grandma Dori comes over and presses her hand to my forehead. “You feel okay. You’re flushed.”
Did she not hear the conversation a second ago with Juno?
“I’m fine, Grandma. I just didn’t realize people in our family were so judgmental, that’s all.” I square my eyes on Juno.
She throws up her hands.
“What’s going on?” Grandma Dori asks Juno.
“Nothing.”
We enter the flower shop, Colton deciding last minute to join the boys in the other store.
“How can I help—”
Grandma Dori stops the polite lady from talking by raising her hand. “We need a big arrangement. No roses. Something manly. The card should say, ‘Get well. We love you.’ Now I need a word with my granddaughters before they start talking about things that should be kept behind closed doors. Thank you.”
The lady laughs, tucking her hair behind her ears. “I’ll get started.”
“Wonderful.”
Then Grandma nails us with her get-over-here-now look so we scurry over to her.
“We are family. We do not fight with one another. We love one another. We’ve had a huge loss in this family before and I thought for sure you’d see how much you need to value the time you have with one another. Denver could have died and you two are arguing about what?”
Neither one of us says anything.
“Put whatever issues you have aside for today. Got it?”
We both nod like scolded children we are.
“Good.”
She steps away and Juno and I go our separate ways in the store, each of us picking out flowers for the big arrangement for Denver.
Forty-five minutes later, Grandma Dori is instructing the poor woman where to put the flowers like she’s the professional florist. I push open the doors, enjoying the warm sun on my face while we still have it.
I take a seat on the bench between the two stores and shortly after, Rome comes out and sits next to me. They probably all texted one another and sent him.
“Did you get all the dirty magazines?” I give him my bored look.
“I left the guys in charge.” He nudges me. “You’re sour grapes. Talk to me.”
“Everyone in this family thinks I’m an idiot.”
“You know what I think?” He leans forward, putting his forearms on his knees looking back at me.
“No.”
He laughs. “I think you’ve developed feelings for Wyatt and it’s cool, Brookie. That’s you. Hell, it’s half the chicks I know. It’s why there isn’t a word for a wom
an like player or playboy. Juno just doesn’t want to see you upset. She’s your sister, and she loves you. That’s all. She doesn’t think you’re naive.”
“It’s the fact she has to warn me.”
He sits back and a hesitant smile plays on his lips. “I get it. I do. This family steps over the line all the time, but that’s us. We love each other too damn much.” He chuckles.
“I’m still not sure about this carnation.” Grandma Dori plucks it out of the bunch as Austin carries the gigantic flower arrangement out of the shop.
“Jesus, he didn’t die G’Ma D,” Rome says.
She shoos him with her hand to quiet him which he surprisingly does, giving me a look to think about what he said.
Juno walks to the truck ignoring me.
How mature.
“And to the hospital we go.” Rome points in the direction we’re headed then nudges me with his elbow and winks.
I follow Colton to his truck.
“Remember, be nice,” Colton says as I reach out to shut the truck door. “Actually, I’ll just shut it for you.”
Right after he shuts my door, Juno slams hers. Colton throws his arms in the air as he makes his way around the vehicle.
I giggle and so does Juno. She peeks around the headrest. “I’m sorry. It’s just…”
“It’s fine. Let’s just let it go.”
“Okay.” She nods.
Colton gets in the truck. “Both of you are riding with someone else on the way home.”
We sit in silence until we pull into the hospital parking lot.
Colton exits to join the family at the entrance, and I grab the balloons from next to me. Juno and I both leave the truck, and she places her hand on my arm to stop me.
“I know I said I was done, but I’m worried and I can’t bite my tongue until you hear me out.”
I wait a second.
“He’s more experienced than you. He’s lived a life of privilege and in my experience men like that don’t think of others before themselves.”
“Let it go, Juno.” I walk away from her, the balloons blowing in the wind while I try to rein them in.