Dare to Play (Dare Nation 3)

“I’m sure she didn’t care once she heard there was no money,” Hannah muttered, picking at a pilled piece of her comforter.

Reaching out, Macy tucked a strand of pink hair behind her ear. “I think your mother has a lot of work to do on herself before she can think about being a parent. But I told her if she wanted a relationship, it was up to you whether or not you wanted to see her again.”

Hannah blinked in surprise. “You’d let me see her?”

“I never wanted to keep you away from your mother. I just wanted you in the best place possible.” She paused. “I also don’t want you to be disappointed if you don’t hear from her. Lilah is unpredictable.” And selfish but Macy opted not to pile on the negative comments. “Are you okay?”

Hannah nodded. “What about the custody suit and the judge? And the letter?” Guilt crossed her pretty features.

“Here.” Macy reached into her purse and handed Hannah the paper Lilah had returned. “This is yours.”

Hannah looked at her signature and tears welled in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I was just so excited that Mom wanted me in her life again I didn’t think about you.”

“Honey, in many ways, your mom is like a child herself. She’s impulsive, doesn’t think things through, and I’m sorry to say she’s manipulative. It served her purposes to give you freedom and leeway and to make me look like the strict, bad older sister so you’d want to stay with her.” Drawing a deep breath, Macy told Hannah the truth. “You were used as a pawn.”

And Hannah was too young and emotionally vulnerable to see it happening. “None of which means Lilah doesn’t love you. It means you need to be careful about trusting her motives.”

Hannah held up the paper and ripped it into pieces. “I want to stay with you.”

“And you will.” Macy held out her arms and Hannah slid over for a hug. “I think you’ve learned a lot of lessons this weekend, so we’re going to start over. But no parties, no friends without asking, no sneaking out of the house. Got it?” she asked in as stern a voice as she could muster.

Hannah nodded. “Thank you.”

Macy rose to her feet. “I’m going to make coffee.” She started for the door when Hannah called her name. “Yes?”

“Can I go to Holly’s? Her mom’s out doing an errand and said she could pick me up.”

Apparently Hannah had gotten over her upset with her mother. That or she wanted to talk her feelings out with a friend.

“Sure.”

Hannah grabbed her phone and her fingers flew on the keys. Her friend must have answered quickly, because within seconds, Hannah was up and out of her bed and in the process of a clothing change.

Leaving the now calm and happier teen to do her thing, Macy headed for the bedroom, where she knew Jaxon would come through to shower after he finished working out.

She settled cross-legged on the bed and was about to lean back against the pillows when her cell rang. A glance told her it was Bri.

“Hi!” she said, answering quickly. “You would not believe the day I’ve had so far.”

“Umm, I think I would. And you’re okay?” Bri sounded concerned.

Huh. Maybe she’d spoken to Jaxon and knew about Lilah and Hannah’s situation. “Now that I set Lilah straight about the fact that Hannah wasn’t a walking trust fund and we agreed she’d be staying with me, I’m great.”

“That must be a relief,” Bri agreed. “And Jaxon’s probable trade? How did you take that news?” she asked.

“Trade?” Macy asked, stomach twisting at the mere mention of the word.

“Oh, shit. You don’t know yet.” Bri cursed up a storm on the other end of the phone.

“Know what? Was Jaxon traded and if so to where?” Her heart rate picked up speed at the possibility.

“I shouldn’t have called. I’ll touch base later. Sorry!” Bri disconnected and Macy stared at the phone in her hand.

She didn’t know what had happened, but whatever was going on, it wasn’t good.

* * *

Jaxon wiped down his face with a towel and climbed off the treadmill on which he’d run hard and fast. Too bad he couldn’t outrun the facts of his life. Traded to San Antonio. If he wasn’t married, a part of him would be excited to have a shot at a World Series win. Instead he had to tell Macy their marriage was over, something he was not looking forward to doing. Something his heart didn’t want to happen. But it was for the best.

He saw Hannah leaving the house as he headed to shower. She waved on her way out.

He strode into the bedroom, surprised to see Macy had returned. She sat on the bed staring at her phone.

“Hey. How’d it go with Lilah?” he asked.