Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
He interrupted me. “Your hips and butt are in perfect proportion to your waist, your height, and everything else.” He met my eyes. “You know that. Why are you suddenly upset?”
“Los Angeles,” I stressed the words. “Tinseltown, where everyone is glamorous and thin.”
“And fake,” he added, taking a sip. “You are beautiful, natural, and you don’t have to change a thing.” He met my worried gaze. “Not a thing.”
I smiled, letting my shoulders relax. My dad always told me how perfect I was. I loved him for that.
He leaned forward. “So, two weeks? That’s faster than expected.”
I nodded. “The studio moved it up. It’s only for a short time then off to BC. I’ll spend some time there, then head home.”
“So you’ll be gone how long?”
I furrowed my brow, tugging the foil-covered plate closer and lifting the lid. I could smell the blueberries and lemon. “I don’t know. Three weeks, maybe? Four tops, I would think. Depends how long they want me around for.”
I used my spoon from my coffee and cut off a bite of pie. The filling was thick and rich with blueberries. Sweet and tangy. The crust melted in my mouth. “Oh God, so good,” I mumbled.
Dad leaned on his forearms. “Did you want Mom or me to come with you?”
“No,” I scoffed. “I’m not a child.”
“But the idea of going is making you nervous.” He tapped my cheek. “You’re pale.”
“Yes,” I admitted. “But I’ll be fine. Andi will be there.”
“I’ll let Richard know you’ll be close. He’ll pop in and check on you.” Dad grinned. “Probably sit down and tell them how to market the movie properly too.”
“Dad, he’s in Victoria. I’ll be in Vancouver. It’s a three-hour drive, at least. He can’t just ‘pop in.’ Besides, we are only there a short time, then they’re doing some filming in Toronto.”
“He’s partially retired. Katy will probably thank you for getting him out of the house.”
I had to laugh. Richard VanRyan was a force unto himself. I could only imagine him on a movie set. He’d probably be discovered and have a second career as an actor. I said that to my dad, who threw back his head in amusement.
“You’re probably right, Mila.”
“I know I am.”
“Seriously, if you need us, we’re there.”
I covered his hand. “I know.”
“And if anything happens—”
I held up my hand. “It won’t. It hasn’t for a long time. Almost a year. I know how to control my breathing and stay focused.” It didn’t always work, but it helped.
“Your mom and I can be there in a few hours,” he finished, ignoring my words.
“I know, Dad.”
He nodded. “Now, you gonna share that pie?”
“You’ll have to get your own spoon.”
He grinned and snagged mine, slicing off a big hunk and chewing it. “I used to eat off your plate all the time. Nothing’s changed.” He grinned and cut off another piece, offering it to me. I let him feed me, smiling.
I had the best dad.
CHAPTER TWO
MILA
Sunday was our usual family brunch, and I walked toward the Hub, enjoying the nice day. The sun shone, and things were blooming, the houses all looking pretty with the bursts of color. Liam, Aiden’s son, was an award-winning landscaper, and he always made sure the yards and common areas looked good. My uncles had bought this property, then added more and turned it into what they called the BAM compound. All the BAM men and their families lived there and many of us, the next generation, as well. But even those who didn’t live here came and went all the time, and Sunday brunches were open to anyone who wanted to drop in. I never knew who I would see there.
Opening the door, I stepped inside, inhaling deeply. I could smell the coffee, the scent of bacon, the rich tang of cinnamon. Laughter and conversations were taking place. My brother Reed was talking with my parents, his wife Heather beside him, and I crossed the room, stopping for kisses and hugs with a few people. Reed stood, enfolding me in his embrace.
“Hey, Shortstack.”
I hugged him back, grinning as he pressed a kiss to my head. “Stop it.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “I swear you get shorter every time I see you.”
I sniffed, sitting beside my dad. “I’m the same height I was last month, last year, in fact since I was fifteen and stopped growing. I highly doubt at thirty-two I have much chance of that changing. Besides—” I sniffed “—not my fault you’re so full of manure you sprouted that high.”
He chuckled. “Manure?”
I shrugged. “Manure, bullshit, all the same.”
Everyone laughed, and Dad ruffled my hair affectionately. “You go, Pumpkin. Put him in his place.”
Reed winked at me, and I smirked at him. I loved teasing him.
Aiden and his wife Cami came over, joining us. “Did I hear Mila say bullshit?” he asked, his eyes wide. “Can’t be.”