Up on screen, I get shot. A crimson blossom appears on my shirt, and the visual reminds me of Paige’s bleeding.
A small jolt runs through me. We can’t do anything more than cuddle right now. We still don’t know what caused the bleeding, and the last thing I want is to jeopardize her pregnancy. She’s already suffered so much because of me. Those memes…I’ve seen my share of ugliness, but they still stunned me.
But the counter-attack has started. I already called the editor-in-chief at Lifestyle and told him in no uncertain terms that the attacks against Paige, even if left by the users of the site, will be taken personally and I will never allow their magazine near me or my family again. I don’t have enough influence to keep my family away from Lifestyle to be honest, but the threat was enough to make the guy jump. He swore to me that what they did was against the site’s terms of service and that all their accounts will be banned immediately and the hateful comments scrubbed.
I make a mental note to talk to my team about how best to deal with the problem. I’m not having her cry again because of the assholes of the world.
Chapter Fifteen
Paige
I get up late. I don’t know if it’s the emotional exhaustion from yesterday or staying up later than I would’ve liked, but I don’t hear the alarm go off.
When my eyes finally open, it’s already nine thirty. But for some reason the room’s still really dark. Frowning, I pull the curtain back and see flat, gray clouds and sheets of rain coming down hard.
I shower and put on a conservative navy blue top and a pink skirt. Since it’s going to be wet, I put on boots. I need to hurry if I’m to make my appointment with Dr. Silverman.
“Damn. Look at that,” Ryder mutters, shaking his head, watching the weather out the window. He lowers his hand into a small bowl of shelled walnuts. A t-shirt that says I Heart My Life wraps around his big, muscular torso, and he’s in dark jeans and boots.
“Just a little rain,” I say, grabbing a green smoothie from the chef, who offers it with a smile.
“A little my ass. It’s like Noah and a bunch of animals are going to be floating by any minute.” He actually looks worried. “Maybe we should reschedule,” he says. “Or ask Dr. Silverman to stop by.”
I take a sip of the smoothie. It’s amazingly good, with a hint of mint giving it a refreshing aftertaste. “Ryder, didn’t you ever learn to drive in the rain?”
He shakes his head. “I’m a man of many talents, but not that one.”
“I see. Well, then, I’ll do it. I’m not bothered by a little water.” I start drinking the smoothie faster.
He growls. “But do we trust the idiots on the road?”
“Don’t be mean,” I tease. “I got mad skills.”
He snorts, then chuckles. “Maybe you do.”
“Come on. We’re going to be late.” I put the empty cup on the counter and start toward the foyer.
The housekeeper has already set out umbrellas. I take a bright pink one, while Ryder chooses black.
We take the Mercedes. It’s the one Ryder insisted that I drive during my shopping spree with Josephine. The pricey car was there to ensure that people didn’t gossip about me. Back then I thought he was being overly image conscious, but now I appreciate it, especially with Bethany having to take my car. It’s also a very solid vehicle, more protection against wet-weather LA drivers.
And sure enough, the Los Angeleans are driving like the road is frozen solid. It’s just some wetness, but they can’t seem to relax. Cars inch forward, then brake, inch forward, then brake like three-legged turtles in a race.
“This is the only time I really miss Sweet Hope,” I say, resting a hand on the wheel.
“When it rains?”
“Well… I miss Mom and Simon, but not the town itself.” I hesitate, then add, “It has too many gossips, you know? Nothing better to do than get in other people’s business. And all those ‘friends’ who just can’t wait to be the first to tell you something bad.”
Ryder nods. A moment later he asks, “How come you always call your stepdad Simon?”
“Well, that’s his name. And he isn’t really my dad.”
“You miss your biological father?”
The question makes me pause. “Yeah. I do.”
“When did he pass away?” Ryder’s voice is sympathetic.
“Before I was born. We never even got to meet.” I let out a self-conscious laugh. “It’s so silly to miss a man who never even held me. But…he was my dad, you know? I feel like my childhood would’ve been different if he hadn’t died in a car wreck. Mom told me he was a good man, and wanted the best for me. Growing up without him was hard, but knowing that he was watching over me like a guardian angel helped.” I sniff, then scratch the tip of my nose. “Pretty stupid, huh?”