He’s right about that. Storm and I tried to convince him that marrying Gwen would be a big mistake, but he doesn’t want to hear it.
He wants to give his kid everything…because he had nothing.
“I know. Which is the only reason I’m not telling him about the convo I overheard.”
Not only would Memphis shrug it off, it wouldn’t change anything. His mind is already made up.
Chandler’s relief is tangible. “I appreciate that. And really, Phoenix, I’m simply doing what’s necessary. Josh already did a number on Skylar. She shouldn’t have to play second fiddle to another woman and child. You may not agree with my methods, but I promise I’m doing what’s best for both of them. Sometimes applying pressure isn’t enough to stop the bleed…you have to cauterize the wound.”
He’s not wrong.
I’ve watched Memphis battle his demons over the years, but his biggest one by far is that he’s been secretly pining over his brother’s girl since they were kids.
But now he’s finally moved on.
While I personally can’t stand Gwyneth, he deserves to be happy.
So does Skylar.
The last thing any of us want is for history to repeat itself and watch her bleed out over another guy who can’t put her first.
The two of them together would be the equivalent of an atomic bomb and we’d all suffer the fallout.
But while I agree with Chandler, I also know his motives aren’t as virtuous as he claims.
“I get why you did it. But a word of warning?”
His brows lift high. “What’s that?”
“Memphis lost Josh, but he still has two brothers left. Don’t ever let me catch you pulling the strings behind his back again. Same goes for the rest of us.”
He swallows. “I give you my word.”
“Good.” I stub my cigarette out on the wall next to his head. “Now that that’s squashed, get yourself cleaned up so you can formally hire Lennon back.” I snap my fingers. “Oh, and one more thing…”
“Yes?” he grits through his teeth.
I pat his cheek. “Throw in an apology too, while you’re at it.”
CHAPTER 65
LENNON
“What the hell is taking the ambulance so long?”
One moment I was packing, and the next Storm was carrying a hysterical Quinn in here.
“I don’t know,” Storm says, although he doesn’t appear to be nearly as worried about Quinn’s ruptured appendix as I am.
Or Skylar, who’s been pacing. Or Memphis who’s…what the hell is Memphis doing?
I look across the room. He’s drinking a beer and smoking a cigarette. Lovely.
Quinn grips my hand so hard I’m positive she fractured it. “It hurts so bad.”
“I know, sweetie. I know.” I sweep my uninjured hand along her forehead. Poor girl is in so much pain she’s sweating and thrashing on her bed. “They’re coming, okay? Just hang in there.”
“I don’t think I can.” Tears leak out the corners of her eyes as she stares up at the ceiling. “I’m gonna die. I feel it.”
My stomach bottoms out. Holy shit.
“You’re not going to die, Quinn.” Panic claws up my throat and I look at Storm. “She’s gonna die if we don’t do something.”
“You just told me I wasn’t,” Quinn wails.
Crap.
“You’re not,” I assure her before I regard Storm again. “Call the front desk and ask if there are any guests who are doctors. Tell them it’s an emergency.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary.” Storm glares at Quinn. “Are you sure this isn’t just a stomachache from all those waffles you ate today?”
Quinn sniffles. “I’m positive.” Clutching my other hand, she peers up at me. “Will you tell my brother I love him?”
Oh my god. This can’t be happening.
Storm’s jaw tics. “Dial the dramatics down, Juvie.”
Storm isn’t the warm and fuzzy type and I know Quinn annoys the shit out of him, but that’s just plain heartless.
“What the hell is the matter with you? Her appendix burst. Do you have any idea how much pain she’s in?”
“So much,” Quinn cries out.
Considering her father beat her to a bloody pulp and she never so much as batted an eye, this has to be excruciating.
“I know, baby. I know.” I look around. “Where the hell is Phoenix?”
“I already told you,” Storm grunts. “He’s taking a shit.”