Page 82 of Lilly

"He just doesn't like you going to L.A. by yourself. It's a big city. It's dangerous."

I roll my eyes. "He worries too much. So do you."

"Just think about it, okay? The girls would love it if you'd spend a few days with us." He smiles. "And you'll get woken up by Miles and Ethan every day."

"Great," I say, smiling back.

"I'll see you at breakfast."

When he's gone, I call Reed.

"You leaving soon?" I ask when he answers.

"Your dad said it's okay?"

"Who cares what he says? I'm allowed to have friends over and you're more than a friend. So what time can you leave?"

"Lilly, I don't want to get up there and have your dad tell me to leave. Just check with him and make sure he's okay with it, then call me back."

I sigh. "Fine. But I don't know why you're so worried about my dad."

"I just don't want him getting pissed at me for showing up there."

"He won't. And besides, you're not just showing up. I invited you."

"Hey, um, has your dad talked to my dad recently?"

"I don't know. Why?"

"My dad was asking all these questions about him."

"What was he asking?"

"Like if he's gone much. If he travels. That type of thing."

"Why would your dad care about that?"

"I don't know. He didn't tell me, and I didn't ask because he's acting really messed up right now. I've never seen him this stressed. He was up all night. I heard him in the living room talking to himself, or maybe he was on the phone. I'm not sure, but something's going on with him. His stress is starting to rub off on me. I need to get out of here. If I can't come up there, I'm going to go find someplace where I can work on my album cover. I don't want to be around him right now."

"Let me go talk to my dad and I'll call you back."

"Okay, see ya."

I get dressed and go down to the kitchen. Everyone's at the table having breakfast. Abi was telling a story but stops when she sees everyone's eyes go to me.

"What?" I say, glancing down at myself. "Why is everyone staring at me?"

Garret glances away. "We're not. Have a seat. Mom made French toast."

I take the seat next to Abi, across from my dad. Everyone's quiet, even the twins, who are never quiet. But they're focused on stuffing French toast in their mouths with their hands, which are covered in syrup.

"Reed's driving up here today," I say casually as I take a piece of French toast from the platter in front of me. "He'll probably be here in a couple hours."

Garret, Jade, and Rachel all glance at my dad.

He clears his throat. "He can't come up here today."

"Why not?" I ask.

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