Page 85 of Reckless Encounters

But he doesn’t feel like that anymore.

And as far as my grandparents go, I’m pretty sure they call his phone now more than mine. According to my grandma, “Parker never misses her calls.” I give them a hard time, but I love it more than I could ever say. We are all going to Paris for Thanksgiving to celebrate with my Aunt Samantha, and I can’t wait for Parker to meet her.

So far tonight, my grandpa finally got the dance Quinn has been promising him, and the guys are all talking shit about who is going to bust their ass snowboarding in Vermont next month.

“It’s official, Wes and I are going to see Braxton for another tattoo next week,” Sloan says, and Quinn pipes up.

“I love his girlfriend. Can we invite her to the next girls’ night when I’m in town?”

I look over to where Olivia stands, talking to Mr. Bryant. She’s been on cloud nine all week, finding out that Parker gave her the promotion she deserved, as his attention is going to be in Hudson Valley for a while to come.

“Yes, absolutely. She kept me sane when I first started working here. I adore her.”

“Speaking of staying sane…don’t turn around. But did you know your parents were coming tonight?” Sloan has me freezing in place.

What??

“Like, you are sure it's them?” I ask in disbelief. When I called to invite them a few weeks ago, I never even received a call back.

“No doubt, and they are approaching quickly,” Quinn mumbles under her breath.

“Darling, there you are.” I hear my mother’s high-pitched voice as her hand lands on my back.

“Hi, Mom… Dad. What are you guys doing here?” I try my best to sound welcoming, even though my hackles are up, wondering what they are truly doing here.

“We were over on this side of town for a business meeting and wanted to come see the cute little hotel you are working at now.”

I practically hear Quinn grinding her teeth behind me from the cocktail table she and Sloan are leaning against. I guess it had nothing to do with the voicemail I left inviting them to tonight, or the phone call I’m sure my grandmother made on my behalf.

Holding my head high, I respond proudly, “Actually, I designed this whole hotel with the help of the investor and project managers.”

“Oh, that’s right, and we are so happy to hear you are dating the investor now. Mother told me,” my mom says, and I instantly hate she makes it about his money.

“You two should come to the event we are hosting next month.” My dad’s voice sounds almost unfamiliar to me at this point in my life.

I know I should be kind in this moment, but I’ve taken the high road a lot with my parents. More than anything, I want them to understand.

“Honestly, Dad, I would if it wasn’t for the fact this is the first time I’ve heard from either of you in weeks. Any conversation we have is about money or social events. I just want my parents to check in on me from time to time and not have another agenda.”

I can tell I have shocked both of them, but it was time I said it.

“But I do appreciate you stopping by tonight, and I would love for you to stay. Meet Parker, have a drink with Grandma and Grandpa, and look around at all the design details I am so proud of here in this hotel.”

I feel Parker approach as his hand finds my lower back.

“Hello,” he says, and I can tell by his voice he is trying to read the room.

“Parker Cole, these are my parents. Russell and Elizabeth Pierce.”

Parker reaches out his tattooed hand, shaking both of theirs.

“Thank you for coming. You should be so proud of Ava. She put such a special touch on this hotel. And it’s all everyone can talk about tonight.” His arm pulls me into his side, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

Apparently, he read the room very well.

My mother speaks up this time. “We are proud of her. It’s beautiful in here.”

I hope she means it, and a big part of me will always wish for that from my parents, but then I think about all the others surrounding me who support me without question and that’s what truly makes all the difference to me.

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