I wasn’t about to point out that my mom’s full-time job was redecorating our family home—the one she didn’t even sleep in anymore. “What about Dad?”
“He’s very stressed. He would love it if you would move back home. So would I.”
“Mom…let’s not go there. I’m happy out here in LA.”
“Are you seeing anyone?”
“I don’t need a man to make me happy.”
“So that’s a no.”
I rolled my eyes. But then I realized my mother was probably the only person on the planet who understood my situation, and I could talk freely with her. It might be good to discuss how to handle things with Wes. So I took a deep breath. “There actually is someone I’m interested in.”
Mom’s eyes sparkled. She tucked her feet under her butt and leaned in. “Tell me all about him.”
“Well, he’s handsome and smart, has a good sense of humor.”
“Sounds amazing so far. What does he do for work?”
I chewed on my bottom lip before answering. “He’s a bodyguard.”
“Ooh, interesting. For someone famous out here in Hollywood?”
“Not really.”
“Someone with a lot of money then?”
“Definitely not.”
“Why does the person need a bodyguard if they’re not rich or famous?”
I met my mother’s eyes. “Because her father is a kingpin.”
My mother’s brows dipped, and then her eyes grew wide. “You and Wes?”
“Well, there isn’t really ame and Wes.” I sighed. “But yeah. I’ve grown feelings for him.”
“He’s a real looker.”
“And he wants nothing to do with me—at least not in a romantic way.”
My mother looked offended. “Why not?”
“You know why…”
Mom frowned. “Oh. Of course. I wasn’t thinking. Your father must’ve given him thetouch my daughter and diespeech. I bet it was the same one he gave poor Evan Roberts.”
“Evan Roberts? My prom date?”
Mom nodded. “I was so mad at him for pulling a gun on an eighteen-year-old.”
My eyes flared. “Are you kidding me? Mom, I had no idea Dad threatened Evan. You know he wouldn’t even dance with me at the prom, and he ditched me the minute it was over. All these years, I thought he didn’t like me.”
“How could anyone not like you?”
I shook my head and blew out a big breath. “Whatever. But yeah…Dad told Wes I was off-limits.”
Mom patted my hand. “I’m sorry, honey. But it’s probably for the best.”
