HORRIFIED, Sloane. Remember that.
Dad simultaneously rolls his eyes and, like the good, jealous dad he is, gently scolds Mom. “Kat…”
“What? I think it’s a lovely assignment.”
“It’s aprofessionalassignment. Period. Don’t put ideas in her head.”
My heart drops.
If only Dad knew the truth…
Would he still see me as his sweet little girl?
I shove pancakes in my mouth out of pure stress.
Not the ideal move considering I have a yoga class coming up…
But hey, I’m Sloane. What were you expecting? Wisdom?
I just want to be that little girl with pigtails sitting on her dad’s broad shoulders again…
“I think it’s time she moves on after Joe,” Mom says, eternally optimistic.
“I never liked that guy,” Dad growls.
I know.
Oh, Iknowhow much he hated him—and how badly he wanted to kill him after finding out how he treated me.
I sigh, swallow my breakfast, and try to redirect before they spend their rare free time worrying about my trainwreck of a love life.
I plaster a bright smile on my face. “What about you two? Mom, you took the day off, right?”
Mom and Dad exchange a look. Dad places a hand on her arm. They still seem weird.
Mom nods, and they answer in unison—way too awkwardly:
“We… uh… have plans.”
Fantastic.
I don’t have time to unpack their suspicious behavior because my phone vibrates.
Cohen-pain-in-my-ass:Can’t wait to see you in your little yoga outfit ??
May I be struck by lightning.
11
Yoga Outfits are Too Sexy
Cohen
Breathe? Stretch? Avoid looking at your “coach’s” ass?
Yeah, I think I’m going to fail spectacularly on that last point.
The room is bathed in soft morning light. It smells of wood, lavender, and punishment.
