Rocky Start (A Rocky Start)

As soon as the sun is up, I’m at it again and on the phone with Bennett and his lawyer.

“So what do you want to do?”

“If it dies down and they retract it? I don’t want to do shit. I want to marry Darcy, and I don’t want this to linger in our lives. If this goes on, it’ll be in our lives forever.”

“You’re right, and it will most likely be big news if they ever do a biography or biopic on you.”

“Exactly. I don’t want that for us or our future kids. I love my privacy, and I want to have time with Darcy without dealing with people getting in the way, prying into our lives.”

“We’ll go with whatever you want. I’ve demanded a retraction and with the photos yesterday and Cole’s statement, we’re all good. If anything, it should all disappear by tomorrow.”

“Good. By the way, I’ve texted you Lydia’s number so you can go over the manuscript.”

“Great.”

“I’ll get back to both of you regarding any new information. Let’s hope it wraps up soon. I’m leaving today, so I’ll be able to check on your dog.”

“Good. They’re taking good care of him, but I’ll be there soon to see him.” I end the call and check my messages, shooting a text to Lydia.

This is Sean McFadden. Bennett told me you had a book you wanted me to look at. If you want, please send it over and I’ll let you know if I can help.

You want to get closer to my sister don’t you?

Maybe.

Okay. Well, it’s not edited, and I need to finish two scenes today before I can send it.

****

I read the report in front of me, and not only am I a bit confused, but I’m also pissed off. Is this why she has trust issues? Did she learn of this later in life? How can I make it better? Something isn’t adding up and I want answers, but I’m not even sure if they know. What if she doesn’t know? Maybe she has an ex-boyfriend that caused that emotional damage. Either way, I’m going to put my Georgie together and let her know I’m here for her. Always. I’m not going anywhere, and even though we’re apart, I’m still watching over her.

My plan is already in motion, and it really helps that Lydia is a stellar author who will be a star with the help of an incredible team behind her. I’ve already contacted a bunch of people and while I’m in Chicago, I’ll be meeting with some of those people.

Sitting back in my favorite chair, I remind myself to add it to the list of things for the movers to pack.

Chapter Four

Georgie

We’ve been home a couple of days and have packed up Darcy’s room. Soon we’ll pack up Lydia’s things. I can’t believe they’re both leaving me, but I suppose that’s how it is, given that they’ve found their loves. All I want is for them to be happy. It’s why I still haven’t mentioned what I learned about my parents because I refuse to ruin their happily-ever-after moments. They seem so thrilled that I’d hate for them to become skeptical like me.

“How’s the book coming?” I ask Lydia, dancing into the living room with a bag of popcorn and a drink, ready for our fun movie night.

“Are we watching a movie tonight?” she asks, intentionally avoiding the question like I knew she would.

“Yes, ma’am. I think we need some sisterly bonding time before you run off with that sexy sheriff. Now, stop avoiding the question. Answer me.”

“What question?”

“The book?”

“It’s going great. I’ve managed to finish it and sent it off to Sean this morning,” she says, looking at me nervously.

“Sean? You’ve spoken to him?” My eyes turn to slits as I stare at my sister.

“Yes, I have. He’s shopping my book around.”

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.” I cross my arms in complete freaking disbelief. Of all the people that she had to work with, she had to work with Sean.

“Well, you wanted nothing to do with him, so I didn’t think it was a big deal.”

“It’s not a big deal that you work with him, but that you thought I couldn’t handle you telling me.”

Lydia arches her brow at me and then scoffs, “You mean like you are right now?”

She’s got me there, but I’m so tired of everyone keeping secrets from me. Granted, I have a big one that I’m not ready to share. “Whatever. I’m fine. I don’t care that Sean hasn’t bothered to contact me.”

“Okay. Sure. I love you, Georgie.” Lydia grips my shoulders and says, “I have to tell you. He has asked about you.”

“Are you serious?” My heart’s thumping wildly in my chest.

“Yes. He doesn’t have your number,” she says. I wonder how he got her number. Another shot of jealousy hits me deep in the chest, knowing that he’s in contact with my sister instead of me.