Chapter 5
Elyna
My cell buzzed on the counter while I was trying to coax mashed bananas into Braden’s mouth.
Half of it ended up smeared across his cheek, the other half on his bib, but he kicked his little legs and gurgled like it was the best thing in the world.
When I glanced at the screen, Isabelle Thorne’s name lit up.
I almost didn’t answer. If Izzy was calling, it meant Phoenix had said something.
And if Phoenix had said something, then my carefully built wall of I’m fine, everything’s fine was starting to crack.
Still, I swiped to accept and pressed the speaker button. “Izzy, to what do I owe this pleasure? Has Luc gotten himself into trouble again?” I asked, forcing cheer into my voice.
She laughed softly. “You know your brother.”
“Trouble has a way of finding him.” I sighed. “What’s her name this time?”
“It isn’t like that,” she said quickly. “Luc’s trying to stay on the straight and narrow right now.”
I could picture her, probably on her way to class, with that easy confidence of hers. For a second, I envied how simple her mornings must be: no sleepless nights, no crying baby, no drunk father stumbling in at dawn.
“The real reason I called,” she continued carefully, “is because I was talking to Phoenix last night.”
My stomach dropped. My hand tightened on the spoon. “I’m going to kill him,” I snapped.
“Don’t, okay?” Izzy said immediately, concern in her tone.
“Did you tell Luc?” I asked, dreading her answer.
“No,” she admitted. “I haven’t said anything to him. But, Elyna… he deserves to know. You’re a mom now. You need to put Braden first. Having him in a bad environment with your dad isn’t a good idea…” she hesitated, “it isn’t safe.”
I looked down at my baby, his wide blue eyes fixed on me as if he understood more than he should. My throat tightened. “I’m out of options,” I whispered. “I don’t have money for a deposit to rent my own place. I’m managing. Papa isn’t home most of the time anyway.”
Izzy didn’t sound convinced, probably because I did a crap job of convincing myself.
“He’s careless when he’s drinking. You better be sleeping with one eye open,” she cautioned.
I knew that better than anyone as her words dredged up memories I wanted to forget like the time his flailing arm had left a bruise, the pot left burning on the stove, the night he tried to drive to the Frosted Mug wasted.
“I took the keys to his old truck,” I said quickly, defensive. “He has that Betty lady picking him up all hours of the day and night to go to the Frosted Mug.”
“I’m glad he isn’t driving drunk, but you know there’s more to his problem than just drunk driving,” she reminded. I knew she meant well, but I was on as much guard as I could be.
I let out a breath. “I’ll figure things out. Don’t worry.” But my words rang hollow.
“I can’t just not worry,” Izzy said softly. “And Luc would want to know what’s going on with you.” My brother would have a fit if he found out I was living here with Braden when Papa was so unhinged.
“Please don’t say anything to him, Izzy,” I cut in, my panic rising. “He has the championships coming up. He should be focusing on winning and making himself a name. If he knows Papa is on a bender, he’ll be distracted. It’ll hurt his game.”
A pause stretched between us before she finally said, “I won’t say a word to Luc, but see if Phoenix can make some arrangements to free up a cabin for you.”
I gave a weak laugh, trying to sound lighter than I felt. “I’ll try.”
“Thanks,” she said when it should’ve been me thanking her for her concern.
“I should be thanking you,” I said, causing Izzy to laugh. “Say hi to my brother and hug him for me.”
“Will do.”
We said goodbye, and when the line went dead, I looked at Braden, his tiny fist closing around my finger, his face messy with banana. My chest ached.
I could keep pretending I was managing, but Izzy was right. I was running out of time.