Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 66431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
“Yeah, well, not everyone has the good fortune of coming from amazing families as you and I do. Like our girl does. You can’t punish the child for the mistakes the parents made. You’re better than that. And you and I both know that Liv didn’t chase after this kid because he’s famous.”
“No, I didn’t,” I agree as I walk into the room, and both of them turn to me. “In fact, I’m seeing him despite who he is. And judging him because of his parents is a dick move, Dad.”
His eyes narrow, but I keep talking.
“I’m sorry that I didn’t say something to you sooner and that you found out that I’m seeing Vaughn because of a photo. That wasn’t right, and it should have come from me. I intended for it to.”
“You asked your mother to lie to me,” Dad says slowly. “That’s the part that really pisses me off.”
“I just asked her not to mention it to you before I could,” I clarify. “You two are a team. If I were in danger, she wouldn’t keep a secret from you for me, and you know it. I’m not in any danger. I’m just dating a celebrity.”
“Same difference,” Dad mutters darkly.
“I had a really nice time in LA,” I say softly. “I got to see Christian and Jenna, and Vaughn was a perfect gentleman about introducing me to people and staying with me. I thought he was a cocky jerk at first, but he’s not that at all. I think you’d like him.”
“I don’t dislike him,” Dad says and shoves his hands into his pockets. “But I want you to be careful. Mindful. You may see your mom and me as old, but I know what it’s like to get caught up in falling for someone—the consequences be damned. To be blind to anything but that person. Jesus, I’m still blinded by her.”
“Okay, that’s kind of sweet and…gross all at the same time.”
Mom laughs and wraps her arm around Dad’s waist, fitting herself against his side as if they were two pieces of a puzzle made for each other.
Because they are.
“I think that would be my advice to you, no matter who the man is, Livie. To enjoy yourself but be aware of any red flags, and be smart. I know you’re intelligent and that you won’t sit back and take any behavior that isn’t healthy. No matter what Vaughn’s last name is, just be careful.”
“I am. I’m not under any illusions that this is a fairy tale. That’ll be Chelsea someday, not me.”
“God, help us,” Dad murmurs. “Come on, let’s get ready for dinner.”
“You’re not mad?”
He pauses and then reaches for me, pulling me into one of his big hugs where I feel as if it’s the safest place in the world, and he’d protect me from anything.
Because he would.
“I’m not mad,” he says. “I’m not even disappointed.”
That makes tears spring to my eyes. The last thing I ever want to do is disappoint my dad.
“I’m…concerned. But your mom’s right. I’d feel the same way, no matter who the guy was—because no one will ever be good enough for you. You’re my baby.”
“I’m twenty-five,” I remind him.
“You’ll be sixty and still my baby,” he says before kissing my head. “Come on. I’m hungry.”
“Me, too.”
When we return to the living area, I see Keaton has joined us and is washing his filthy hands at the kitchen sink.
“Do you have to do that here?” I demand. “We prepare food in there.”
“It’s a sink with soap,” he says with a shrug.
“You have your fingers in grease all day,” Haley reminds him. “I don’t want to see that in the kitchen sink.”
“Why are girls so damn picky?” Keaton demands and reaches for a clean towel to dry his hands. “All they do is nag, nag, nag.”
“I’m gonna slap, slap, slap you right into next week if you don’t get out of this kitchen,” Haley says and nudges our brother away with her hip.
The doorbell rings, and Chelsea hurries over to open the door as I frown at my mom.
“Is someone else coming over?”
Mom smiles innocently just as I hear Chelsea sigh.
“Did my mom get me Vaughn Barrymore for my birthday?”
Vaughn laughs, and I jump off the stool I’d just sat down on to hurry over to the door.
“I wasn’t expecting you here.”
“Your dad invited me,” he says with a smile. “Hi.”
“Hi,” Chelsea says and fiddles with the ends of her blonde hair.
“Oh, for God’s sake, move.” I nudge her out of the way and gesture for Vaughn to come in. “We’re just hanging out in the kitchen while the girls cook. Do you want something to drink?”
“Water’s great,” he says and leans down to kiss me on the forehead. “You okay?”
“Yeah. I’m great. You talked to them?”
His green eyes warm as he nods. “Earlier today. I’ll tell you about it later.”