Saving Easton (Oakside Military Heroes Book 2)(35)

He doesn't argue, because he knows it's true. We finish our lunch in silence, until my phone goes off again.



Paisley: Well, Leeland's girlfriend just attacked me at my parents’ house.

Me: What? Are you okay? Attacked you over what?



I look up and glare at him. How can he let this woman be around Paisley constantly? Leeland has dumped girls who said one bad thing to Paisley, but I never could have imagined him letting someone treat her like this.



Paisley: I'm fine. My dad stepped in. And all because I told her she wasn't allowed to go on Leeland's visit to see you. Is Leeland still there?

Me: Yeah.

Paisley: Okay, I'm going to go home, have a drink, and take a hot bath.

Me: Promise you’re okay?

Paisley: Yes. I’ll call you later tonight after dinner, and after I sort this all out in my head.

Me: Okay.



"You know we were friends for a long time, and that means something," I say and Leeland nods. "But Paisley and I are friends now, and she's been my rock. That means more to me. The way you’re letting your girlfriend treat her is bullshit."

"What are you talking about? Was that Paisley?"

"Yeah, it was. She went to go visit your parents without the girlfriend around, and she showed up there, attacked Paisley, and your dad had to step in."

Leeland's face pales. "Is Paisley okay?"

"She says she is, but I don't think so. Said she's going home to sort it out."

He sighs and runs his hand over his face.

"I don't even have your number."

He gives me his phone, and I put it in mine and send him a text, so he has my number.

"Listen, we’re different people, and I get that. I haven't made some great choices, but I’ll own up to it. I'm still here for you, and I'm not going anywhere this time," he says.

"Well, you know where to find me. We can do lunch again."

He stands up hesitantly.

"Normally, I'd go for a hug, but..."

"Please, don't," I say with a bit of a smirk.

He nods. "Lunch next week sound good?"

"Lunch next week." I agree.

I never wished more than I do at this moment, that I could get in my car and go check on Paisley, but I don't think I'd even make it off the Oakside grounds.





Chapter 23





Chapter 23


Paisley





I couldn't sit around anymore and wait for Easton and Leeland's lunch to be over, so I decide to head to my parents’ house. A little one-on-one time with them seems perfect right now.

Dad, still being the only one knowing the full story, gives me an extra tight hug, when I walk in. Followed my mom's hug that always seems to make things better.

"Lee visiting with Easton?" Dad asks.

"Yeah.”

"Well, I have to finish up this email. Why don't you go sit on the porch, and your mom and I’ll join you in a few minutes?”

"Sounds perfect," I say, knowing Mom will make up some sweet tea and find some snacks to bring out.

I go to the front porch and off to the side is a porch swing. It's my favorite place in the whole world. I can sit here under the shade of the porch and watch the whole world go by. Well, at least the neighborhood. Molly climbs up next to me, and I start rocking us slowly, resisting the urge to text Easton again.

I read over our messages from last night, when we were just asking each other silly question after question. Favorite foods, music, bucket list items. I'm so lost in reading the texts I don't hear anyone come up on the porch, until I hear Molly’s soft growls.

"You know you had no right to get between Lee and me," Barbie says, startling me from my thoughts.

"What?" I ask confused, thinking I missed something.

"By saying I couldn't go with him to see Easton. You had no right."

What the hell is this girl’s problem? Why is she so upset over this?

"The men are there, because they have been injured in action. Easton doesn't do well with strangers, and they were best friends growing up. It took weeks, before Easton was okay to have him visit. If you had shown up, that visit wouldn't have happened at all."

"Well, that isn't your call," she snaps.

"Well, actually it is. I’m working with him and Allie, and upsetting him, would push back their care, as well as possibly cause issues with other patients." Even though I know this is a flimsy excuse at best. I might have some pull with Lexi, who might back me up, but that's about it.

Barbie takes another step towards me, and this is when Molly gets down, sits in front of me, and starts growling loud and threateningly. Without words, Molly is telling Barbie to keep her distance.

"Lee and I are together, and the sooner you get on board with that the better," she sneers.

"I doubted Molly once, and I won't do that again. She's a great judge in character or lack of."

"Listen here, you bitch..." She doesn't get to finish the sentence, because my dad steps onto the porch.

"It's time for you to leave, Barbie." He says in his stone-cold voice. "You aren't welcome here anymore, so don't bother coming back."