“I’m not much into signs but it sort of feels like that means something,” Harrison suggested.
“Yeah, maybe.” He shook his head. “I don’t know. Constantly having cameras in our faces because of Carter and Kristen makes it hard to figure out what’s real and what’s fake.”
“The cameras aren’t always on you.”
“That’s true and those times are the ones that matter. We have to see where things are after the Carten wedding but I gotta admit…” He paused, then smiled. “This doesn’t feel fake anymore.”
Neither did I. Or rather, I hadn’t really let myself think about it because living in the now had felt so good lately. But from the way he was talking, it sounded like he really saw the potential for a future for us.
And if he wanted that, so did I.
21
DREW
“First to arrive, last to leave,” I said to Harrison as we did a back-slapping hug on the front step. “Might be a new record.”
“Hey, we had a lot going on tonight. You guys basically saved the party. Thank you.”
“Hardly,” Emilia laughed. “But I’m glad it worked out.”
We’d said our goodbyes to Gwen earlier since she was exhausted after the excitement of the night and had gone to lie down.
“Want me to drive?” Emilia wiggled her eyebrows at me.
“Nope. Never again,” I joked. “Besides, it’s not like you know where we’re going.” It was too long of a drive to do both ways in one day, so we were staying the night in my condo here in LA.
Harrison peered past us. “Damn, nice car. He let you drive it, Emilia? I’m in shock.”
“Under duress,” she said. “And honestly, it was nerve wracking. That thing is a space ship inside.”
I noticed that we all seemed reluctant to part ways. Despite the drama of the Candace scenario we’d all managed to have a great night. But I had to wonder if this new woman in my dad’s life was going to undermine our efforts to find our way back to each other as a family.
Practically as soon as we were settled in the car, I was asking Emilia’s opinion. Even if we didn’t always agree, I knew she’d have an interesting take.
“I like her,” Emilia stated bluntly. “She’s a phenomenal woman. Retired surgical oncologist who’s now a medical consultant, so she’s brilliant and driven. Oh yeah, and beautiful.”
It was exactly what Ididn’twant to hear, even if I knew she was right. It would be so much easier to talk my father out of getting involved if the woman in question was an obvious gold digger, or just some ditz.
“But what’s her end game?” I asked.
Emilia laughed, and despite the fact that she seemed to be laughingatme, I liked the sound of it.
“Who said she needs an end game? They’re two grown adults who are enjoying getting to know each other. It’s as simple as that.”
“But I have to wonder, is she angling to get married? Like, move in and take over his life?”
“Angling?” Emilia turned so she could better see my face. “What are you trying to say here?”
“I don’t trust her,” I spat out.
“And why not?” Emilia asked.
I started to answer then paused, so I could make sense of my racing thoughts.
“I can’t put my finger on it. It’s just a feeling. She’s too … perfect. Like she molded herself to be just right for my dad.”
Emilia laughed at me again. “Oh, okay. What you’re trying to say is that they’re well-matched. They have stuff in common. They’re both high achievers easing into their golden years, and they’re looking good while doing it. Yup, that’s super suspicious.”
