Page 48 of How to Love a Rockstar

I giggle.

“But today wasn’t all bad. I talked to my mom. She’s doing well. She got a promotion at work. And my sister Stevie phoned. She got an A plus on a test.”

“Do you talk to your sisters often?”

“At least once a week. We’re close.”

“Must be nice.”

“You don’t have any siblings?”

“I do. Two half-brothers.” Two half-brothers I wish I’d never met. I haven’t spoken to them since I left the house at eighteen.

“Half-brothers?”

“Same mom, different dad.” What a relief. I wouldn’t want my step-dad to be my real dad. Although to his sons, he’s nice enough.

“Do you have a relationship with your dad?”

“He died when I was young.”

“I’m sorry.” He reaches across the carpet to squeeze my hand. “Why didn’t you tell me before when we were discussing my dad?”

“Because we were discussing your dad.”

“You’re a very considerate person.”

“Except for when someone humiliates me in high school.”

“I am sorry. I didn’t mean to humiliate you.”

I squeeze his hand. “Not what I meant.” I inhale a deep breath. “I’m sorry I was a total b-word to you.”

“B-word?” He chuckles. “But seriously, you weren’t a b-word or a c-word or any other word in the alphabet. I hurt you and I forgot. I still can’t believe I don’t remember you from high school.”

“There isn’t much to remember. I was a mouse.”

“You’re not a mouse,” he grumbles. “Stop calling yourself one.”

“I’m not the one who came up with the nickname.”

“Teenagers are assholes.”

As are step-dads and step-brothers.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t friends with you in high school. I would’ve stopped all the assholes from calling you mean names.”

“I know you would have.”

“Hey! Look who’s here.” He releases my hand to capture Harry who’s sniffing his armpit. “I just took a shower little guy. I promise.”

He cuddles Harry to his chest before crawling out from underneath the bed.

That settles it. If Harry isn’t afraid of Dylan, he has my stamp of approval. The next time he asks me out, I’ll say yes.

“Come on, Harry. I’m sure your momma has a treat for you somewhere.”

I wiggle out from under the bed and follow them to the kitchen. “He can have a bit of banana.” I peel a banana and hand Dylan a small chunk.

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