Page 43 of Thick Girls Take Chances

“Tally.” His eyes shifted between us. “What are you doing here?”

“Max and I had something to discuss and he wasn’t answering his phone.”

“Must be pretty important. You haven’t stepped foot in Seaside in more than three decades.”

“Just offering him an opportunity he can’t refuse.”

“But let me guess, he did refuse.”

“He did, but I’m confident I can convince him.”

The two were talking as if I wasn’t here, like they used to do when I was a child. Before Pop could answer, I spoke.

“You won’t convince me. I haven’t wanted to be a part of that world since I was fifteen.”

“Max, it’s one show.”

“It’s a limited series. For now.”

She didn’t deny that so I’m guessing that if this limited series they’re planning does well, they’ll want another one. Or God forbid, plan a whole reboot like so many shows are doing nowadays.

“I can’t talk to you when you’re being so unreasonable,” she said. “I’m staying at The Seaside Hotel. Call me when you’re ready to talk.”

I was about to tell her that will never happen, but there’s nothing my mother likes more than a challenge. So I kept quiet just so she’d leave. She disappeared down the stairs and a few seconds later, I heard her pull out of the driveway.

“I told you ya should’ve answered the phone.”

Rubbing my hand against the back of my neck, I fought to get my temper under control. I don’t want to lash out at Pop. He’s not the source of my aggravation.

“She would have just showed up anyway when I didn’t agree to do what she wants.”

His answering grunt told me he agreed.

“So what are you gonna do now?”

“I don’t know.” I looked around my apartment. “If she tells everyone where I am, it’s gonna get crazy here for a while.”

“What about with Eve?”

“I don’t know about that either.” I looked over at him. “What can I do?”

He shook his head.

“I’m not an expert with women, but it seems to me you need to give her some time to cool off,” he said. “Then go tell her everything you should have said at the beginning of the summer.”

As far as an I told you so, that’s pretty mild.

“I’m gonna take a shower, then I’ll head over to Winnie’s to see if Eve will talk to me.”

“I think you should give the girl more time. How about we go out to breakfast and then you go to Winnie’s?”

Chapter Eighteen

Eve

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked for at least the fifth time.

“It wasn’t my story to tell,” she said. “Besides, I didn’t think it would matter.”

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