“Do you really have a friend named Julie?”
Oh, here we go. “I do.”
“Did she really break up with someone?”
“She did.”
“Are you staying with her?”
I decide not to lie. “I’m going to stay with Billy for part of the time. He’s got an extra bedroom and bathroom.”
Dad scoffs.
“Don’t, Dad. Believe it or not, Billy and I have become friends. I like him. He likes me. And none of that has anything to do with Gisele. I have options. Julie already offered her couch to me, so if things with Billy get weird, I’ll stay with Julie.” I place my hand on Dad’s shoulder. “Okay?”
“Yeah. Okay.”
I lean in and kiss his cheek. “Cut Mom some slack. She needs you and you need her. The only thing you can do is give Gisele advice. It’s up to her to get help. Don’t let your marriage suffer because of your stupid kids.”
“My kids aren’t stupid. Misguided, yes, but definitely not stupid.”
“Well, this misguided kid needs to go. I love you, Dad.”
He wraps his arms around me and pulls me into a big hug. “Be sure to get the medicine for your eye and face. It can easily get infected.”
“I know. I will. I’ve got the prescription in my purse.”
After kissing him on the cheek one more time, I turn and step out into the cold Christmas night. I feel like crying, but I choose a stiff upper lip instead. I’m about to set out on a new adventure, and I’m excited about it.
Chapter Twelve
“This can makeor break our relationship,” Billy says solemnly.
“The music I have on my music streaming app is going to make or break our relationship?”
“Absolutely. I mean, what if you like country?” He shivers. “Or worse, boy bands.”
“Well, what if you like death metal, huh? I’d tell you to just drop me off at the next gas station. Ooh, or what about jazz?” Now it’s my turn to shiver. “Please. Not jazz.”
Billy chuckles and chuckles and chuckles. When he stops, he looks at me and winks. “I have an eclectic music taste, but jazz is not one of those on my list. Neither is death metal.”
“Phew,” I say as I wipe my brow. “You’re so lucky.”
“And you?” He arches a brow.
“I’m not into country, no. I do like some crossover people though, like Taylor Swift.”
He groans. “Did I forget to mention her?”
“What?” I cross my arms in front of me and harrumph. “She’s awesome and a great role model for girls.”
“She is that. But what about boy bands?”
“I don’t listen to boy bands.”
“Thank fu—”
“Much.”
