Page 71 of Flipping the Script

The back patio door slid open, and Jonah and a crowd of people I didn’t recognize came into the house.

“I should go say hi to your dad. Back in a bit,” I said to Quinn, slipping past him.

Jonah was deep in conversation with two men but beamed a big smile when he saw me approaching. “Sebastian! I’m so glad you could make it.”

Something in my gut twisted. My own family didn’t even greet me with that kind of enthusiasm. What did it say about me that my little sister’s boyfriend’s family liked me more than my own parents?

“I wouldn’t miss it.” I shook his outstretched hand. “Happy birthday.”

“Thanks.” He glanced at the two men he’d been speaking with. “I’ll be right back.”

They nodded.

Jonah put his hand on my shoulder and led me over to a quiet corner. “How are you doing?”

“Good.”

“How is it being back?” he asked.

I paused. I wasn’t crazy close to Jonah and Patrick like Hannah was, but they’d been a part of my life since I was eight. They’d welcomed me into their family, even with all the crap between Jesse and me.

“It’s been a bit rough,” I said honestly.

“I can imagine,” he said sympathetically. “It’s a big change going from life on the road to being back in your hometown.”

“Yeah.” I scrubbed my hand through my hair. “I forgot there’d be a transition period. I guess I thought I could just comehome and be Bas again, you know? That everyone here would see me as the kid I was before I left, and I could just put all that crap behind me.”

“That hasn’t happened?”

“Not really. Not yet, at least. It will. Eventually.”

“That didn’t sound very convincing.” He smiled.

“It’ll get easier.” My smile fell a bit. “Hopefully.”

“I know this isn’t the advice you want, but I’m going to give it to you anyway because that’s what dads do.”

My chest squeezed a bit. I couldn’t remember the last time either of my parents had asked me how I was doing and actually meant it. Or when my father had given me advice that wasn’t “Quit music and take over my business like you’re supposed to.”

“Be kind to yourself. I know that’s cliché, but this is a huge change, and it’s going to take time for you to process everything.”

I nodded slowly, taking in his every word.

“You’re also young. Being in the entertainment industry ages you. It makes you grow up way too fast, and it matures you before your time.” He flicked his gaze to Quinn, who was talking animatedly with Jesse. “Just remember that you’re only twenty-five. I know that feels ancient when you’ve left the career you’ve spent your whole life working toward, but it really isn’t. You’ve got time to figure out who you are now and what you want your life to look like.”

“Thanks,” I said, my voice gruff with emotion. “I’m trying to remember that.”

“It takes time. And you’ll get there.” His expression went serious. “I know you and Hannah don’t have the best support at home.”

I couldn’t stop my little snort of derision.

“But you have people in your corner. You don’t have to do everything alone.”

“Jeez, Mr. Miller. You’re going to make me cry in the middle of your party.” I blinked a few times.

“You haven’t called me Mr. Miller in years.” He patted my shoulder in that way dads did. “And Patrick and I are in your corner too, not just Hannah’s,” he added pointedly.

“Thanks.” I cleared my throat. “That means a lot. You guys…”

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