Saving Easton Read online

  "Hey, Easton. How are you liking that book?" Noah asks, walking up.

  "Pretty good, and I’m about halfway done with it. There’s another in the series, I guess?"

  "There are five in the series, and we have them all in the library. I can bring them to you later," Noah says.

  Easton nods, and then we turn back towards the hallway. He takes a deep breath, and we start back to his room.

  "So, I won't be in tomorrow. I have a family dinner at my parents’ house, and my brother and his girlfriend will be there. My mom doesn't know it, but I'm taking Molly. I don’t like his girlfriend and neither does Molly."

  "Why not?"

  "It's hard to put into words. One, I always trust Molly's instincts, as she’s trained to read people. Two, she never says anything too mean, but she always finds ways to insult me. I get this feeling she’s using my brother for something, but for what, I have no idea. He doesn't have any money, he's not famous, and he's lazy and kind of a slob. I know she doesn't love him just by how she acts, so I really have no idea."

  "Have you told him how you feel?"

  "He knows, and I haven't hidden that I don't like her, but until I can voice exactly why, I've kept it to myself," I say.

  We get to his door, and he looks over at me, and the corner of his mouth tilts up just the slightest bit.

  Without thinking, I say, "You know, Easton, if I didn't know any better, I'd say this felt like a date."

  I instantly regret what I said. My face heats in embarrassment, and I look away. He heads into his room and sits in his chair. I take a few extra minutes to find Molly's treats in my purse, before sitting down.

  "You know, in school I had the biggest crush on you." He says, shocking me.

  "Really?"

  "Yep, but you’re Leeland's little sister and strictly off limits. Well, then at least."

  I slowly walk over and hand him a treat for Molly. He takes it carefully not letting our fingers touch.

  Sitting down, I admit, "I had a crush on you, too. It's why I'd spend so much time around you guys."

  His eyes are a stormy gray and intense, as he looks at me. I'd give anything to know what he’s thinking, but the heat in his eyes is making me uncomfortable, too. He's always been hard to read because he's good at keeping his emotions in check. I guess that's why I had no idea he liked me that way growing up.

  I clear my throat. "So, am I still not telling Leeland that you're here?"

  "If you don't mind. I promise, I’ll talk to him, but I'd like to have made more progress before I do. Your brother was always pushing me, even when I didn’t want to be pushed, so I feel I need to be stronger first."

  "Oh, trust me, I know. At one point in my life, I had to have it out with him, because he was in a phase where he thought he knew what was best for everyone, and really he didn't. He barely has his own life together. He's gotten better, but not by much," I say.

  "So, will I see you the day after tomorrow?"

  "Yes, I’ll be here, if that's okay?"

  "Paisley, I want you here. So, whenever you can be here, no notice required is fine by me."

  "Good. Then yes, the day after tomorrow."

  As I’m leaving, I pass Lexi and Noah at the front desk.

  Both smile at me, as I walk up.

  "You got him out of his room again." Lexi squeals.

  "He's doing a little better each day. I think the key is not to push him; he can push himself. He just made a comment about not wanting to see my brother just yet, because my brother always pushed him too hard. So, just go at his pace. It might be slow, but I think we’ll get there."

  "Thank you seems too insignificant," Noah says.

  Mandy walks up from downstairs. She’s the charity coordinator and handles all the donations, fundraising, and all that. She started here as an intern when they were just getting off the ground, and Lexi brought her on full-time, when they opened.

  "Paisley, everyone is calling you the miracle worker," she smiles.

  "What?" I ask.

  "You’re getting Easton out of his room. I think you’re giving Dr. Tate a complex that he couldn't figure out how to do it first."

  At that, I laugh. "Well, I have one thing he doesn't."

  "Boobs," Mandy says dead serious.

  Lexi and I start laughing, causing a few heads to turn.

  "Okay, two things. I was going to say I have a history with Easton. I think that has been a big help."

  "Well, whatever it is, keep doing it," Lexi says, and they all agree.

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 10

  Easton

  I'm really beginning to not like the days that Paisley doesn't come to visit. I know she’s at her family dinner today, so I've been trying to read, but I keep getting distracted with thoughts of her.

  I set the book down, get up, and then pace the room. I find the more I do this, the easier it is to walk to the lobby with her. There we go, another thought of Paisley. I sit back down and try to read, but I can't.

  When there’s a knock on my door, I look up to find Noah.

  "I found the rest of the books in the series." He looks a little hesitant.

  Noah has always respected my boundaries and never wanted to push me too far other than to make me come here. Which I think was a great idea.

  "You can come in," I say, and he looks relieved. He sets the books on the coffee table, and then slowly comes to sit in the same chair Paisley does.

  "Almost done with the book I see." He says, nodding towards the book in my lap.

  "Yeah, it's pretty good. I was never much of a reader."

  "But with nothing else to do on deployment, you learn to like reading," he says.

  I nod in agreement.

  "So, how are you doing? You keep pushing your limits, and I want to make sure you're okay."

  "I'm fine. Paisley makes it easy to step outside my comfort zone."

  Noah gives me this look like he knows something I don't know.

  I sigh. If I consider anyone a friend, it's Noah. Really, I should confide in him more than I just did, because he deserves it. He's helped me more than I can ever repay.

  "I had such a crush on Paisley growing up, but she was my best friend’s sister, so it was never an option. But when things got bad... it was her that pulled me out of it. She’s the reason I was able to keep going. The feelings I had for her, they haven't gone away, and if anything, they’re stronger now."

  "She's who you want to get better for."

  I nod.

  "For me, it was Lexi. She was my reason to push. I know without a shadow of a doubt, if Lexi hadn't been there that day in Germany, I would have given up and would have died there," Noah says.

  I know a little of Noah's story about his then fiancé, Whitney. She came to his bedside in Germany and screamed at him, saying he was selfish, because he was burned, and then shouted how he ruined their wedding pictures and broke it off with him right then with him lying in the hospital in critical condition.

  Lexi was there and went off on her, defending Noah. Then, Lexi told Noah to fight for her, because she wasn't going anywhere. Noah thought at first it was just her being thankful he had saved her brother, but it developed into so much more.

  By the time he got out of the hospital, he moved in with her and ran full steam ahead on getting Oakside up and running.

  "But my feelings for Paisley, feel like a betrayal of my friendship with Leeland. He always told his friends that his sister was off limits. I respected that. Joining the military, was a big draw to get out of town and away from the temptation."

  "Maybe, you should talk to Leeland. After all, you’re both adults now. Explain how you feel. I bet his feelings have changed now that everyone is grown up. We both know how boys are in high school. They have one goal. Sex, but as adults, things change."

  "We haven't talked in years. We lost contact during my first deployment when he was at school partying." Noah looks at me, like I just lost a million dollars on that
game show because I said the sky was green.

  "Then, is it really a betrayal if you date Paisley? Sounds like you guys aren't much of friends anymore. Paisley is here for you, and she’s here now. She can make her own decisions because the Paisley I know is strong willed and independent. She doesn't strike me as the type of girl who would be okay with someone else making decisions for her."

  "No, she isn't." I agree.

  Noah reaches into his pocket and pulls out a phone, handing it to me.

  "What's this?"

  "It's a phone. See you press here to turn it on..."

  "I know what it is, smart ass. Why are you handing it to me?"

  "It's included in your plan here. I programmed in Lexi’s and my number, along with your doctors. There’s a messaging system for your nurse that’s on duty. I also took the liberty of putting in Paisley's number." When he says that, it catches my attention.

  I take the phone and look up at him, as he has a smirk on his face.

  "You should text her. She how her day's going. Let her know you're thinking of her. When I got a phone in the hospital, it was a game changer. There are books on there, and there’s also the Internet, so you can get on social media and look up support groups. Even find a new hobby. It's all right there. But being able to talk to Lexi anytime I wanted or needed, it changed my life," he says.

  As Noah gets ready to leave, he stops at my door. "I have to make the rounds, but I’ll come by again before I leave."

  I stare at the phone in my hand. If I text Paisley, it changes things. It's me taking the first step, instead of her always coming to visit me. Is that a step I'm ready to take? I think I am. I have to push out of my comfort zone, right?

  After our last conversation, where we admitted we had crushes on each other, that was pushing it, but this step feels like more.

  Maybe, it's time for more.

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 11

  Paisley

  This family dinner sucks. But let's be fair, any family dinner my brother invites his girlfriend to sucks. Molly doesn't like her, and I don't blame her, but Molly makes it known she doesn't like her. She won't let her near me and is constantly growling at her, and any time she laughs, Molly barks.

  Mom has asked me not to bring Molly, but I told her Molly is part of the family, unlike Bimbo Barbie. Her real name is Barbie, and that got me a glare when I asked her if that was her stripper name. Maybe, that’s where we started off on the wrong foot? I have no idea.

  But here I sit in my parents’ living room with Molly at my feet, and I can feel her vibrating growl against my leg, even though no one can hear it. Barbie flips her pin straight, bleached blonde hair, and Molly finches, like she does, when I bring out her favorite toy and wants to play, but she knows she can't.

  I stand up. "I'm going to go help Mom in the kitchen.”

  "Oh, I'll go help, too," Barbie says, standing.

  So, I sit back down. "Then, I guess I'm staying here." I cross my arms and pout, like a five-year-old.

  Barbie shoots me a mean look, before going to help Mom in the kitchen, and I know what's coming next.

  "You could be a bit nicer," Leeland says.

  "Or you can date someone who actually gets along with your family. Dogs are the best judge of character, and Molly has been one wrong move from attacking her all night," I say.

  "Then don't bring the dog."

  "Don't bring the girlfriend, and I won't bring the dog." I glare at him.

  Just like that, we’re locked in a staring contest that ends, when my phone goes off.

  Unknown: Hey, it's Easton.

  Despite everything, I smile at that, and then I save his number.

  Me: When did you get the phone?

  Easton: Today from Noah.

  Me: That's why he asked if it was okay to give you my number.

  Easton: I know you’re with family, but I just wanted to give you my number.

  Me: Actually, you just saved me from a huge fight with my brother.

  Easton: About what?

  Me: His girlfriend, what else?

  Easton: What did you use to ask your mom for? An SOS call?

  Me: YES! To get out of dates that were duds.

  Easton: Do you need an SOS call? Just give me the word.

  I laugh at that and look up to find both my brother and my dad, staring at me.

  "I like you smiling like that. Do I get to meet who is making you so happy?" My brother asks.

  "Maybe, but it's too soon," I say, and he nods.

  Me: Not yet, but the night is still young. How's your book?

  Just like that, Easton and I talk, and it seems like it's easier to get to know him this way. He isn't actually having to talk out loud. It's only a few minutes later, when my mom pokes her head out of the kitchen.

  "Dinner's ready," she says.

  We all make our way to the kitchen to help carry something to the table, and then we take our seats. Molly sits down right next to me, knowing I’ll feed her some food, especially the Brussels sprouts. I hate Brussels sprouts, even the ones drenched in butter my mom makes, and that Molly eats for me. My mom and dad pretend not to notice I do it, so it's all good.

  "Why is the mutt at the table?" Barbie asks.

  "I don't know, Leeland. Why is your mutt at the table?" I sass back, knowing my mom is going to call a truce.

  "Okay, enough. It's time to eat and be polite." Mom says in her stern don't mess with me voice.

  "So, what's new at Oakside?" Mom asks. It's how we start every dinner.

  "Not much. Molly has made friends with some of the men. They meet on the back porch to throw a ball with her. She's favoring one guy, who was a prisoner of war, and she seems to really be helping him."

  Dinner continues with a little light chitchat, and they ask about my brother, and how things are going at work for him. He does something financial with one of the historical homes in Savannah. I can never quite grasp it, because he can't explain it without using all technical terms.

  When there’s a lull in the conversation, I decide to go for it.

  "Hey, Lee. You remember Easton?"

  "Of course, we were best friends. Haven't seen him in a long time."

  "What happened with you two?"

  "Well, he enlisted after school, and it wasn't long after that he got stationed, and then he was shipped out on his first deployment. I was a freshman in college, and though we exchanged a few letters, they got fewer and fewer, but then just stopped. I checked in with his mom before she passed to make sure he was okay. She said he was, and that was the last I really heard of him."

  Wanting some clarification, I ask, "So, you were best friends, and you just what, drifted apart?"

  My brother cringes, "Yeah, I was young and stupid, and by the time I pulled my head out of my ass, I had no clue how to reach him. His mom had moved and retired to Florida and has since passed away, and that's all I was able to find out. I think he's still in the military, but I can't find him on social media, so I don’t know. Why?"

  "There's a guy at Oakside that reminds me of him is all, and it got me to wondering." I brush it off.

  After dinner, as I'm helping Mom clean the dishes, I shoot Easton a quick text.

  Me: Barely survived the meal. Now, I want to try to get my dad alone to talk. Wish me luck.

  Easton: Talk about what?

  Me: Honestly? You.

  I wait and don't get an answer, so I tuck my phone away and go to the living room.

  "Dad, can we go for a walk?"

  Barbie shoots me another dirty look. She knows it's because I want to talk to him without her around.

  "Of course, P. Let's go."

  Molly loves taking walks around my parents’ neighborhood because there are all sorts of new smells in their yards. So, she walks happily in front of us, stopping every so often to make sure we’re still following.

  "What's on your mind?" Dad asks.

  "I need some advice, but you have to swear not to
talk to Leeland about this, and probably not Mom. At least, not right now, because it isn't just me involved.”

  Dad looks over at me. I rarely ask him to keep secrets from Mom, but when I do, it's pretty big.

  "Of course, I won't say a word, until you do."

  "I asked Leeland about Easton because I ran into him... at Oakside.”

  I let it sink in. Easton was over at our house all the time and almost like a second son to my parents. I know they hate that Leeland lost contact with him, because I've heard them say so before.

  "He was injured?" Dad asks.

  "Yeah, he’s the guy who was a POW that I mentioned that Molly has taken, too. It's Easton." There’s a sharp intake of breath, and my dad stops and closes his eyes.

  "He's okay now, but he’s trying to deal. He asked me not to tell Leeland just yet. Easton is still... very jumpy. He doesn't like people in his room, and he doesn’t leave his room. Well, he's just still trying to deal." I say again.

  "But physically, he’s okay?"

  "From what I can tell. He’s always wearing long pants and long sleeve shirts, so I'm guessing he's got scars he's hiding, but I haven't seen them. He won't let anyone, but his doctor and nurse touch him and only when needed."

  It all sinks in, and my dad starts walking again.

  "You’re torn about him not waiting to tell Leeland?" He asks.

  "A little, but not as much as I should be. The thing is, I had a huge crush on him growing up, and recently, he admitted he had a big crush on me, too. It's completely selfish, but without Leeland in the picture, there’s nothing stopping us. As soon as Leeland shows up, the 'don't date my sister' rule he pushes is back."

  "You’re torn between wanting Easton and wanting to let your brother know he's okay?"