Page 70 of One Sweet Lie

“My mom’s first high-profile interview.” She beamed. “She’s officially a season regular onThe Best of Us, and she also landed a role in a movie next year. She’s coming to get me after they finish filming the next season, and I’ll be living with her.”

“Don’t fly away without telling me goodbye.”

“I would never.” She jumped up and made sure the popcorn and candy bowls were leveled.

Charlotte crawled over my feet, and I placed her next to me.

“Shhh!” Olivia turned up the volume. “It’s starting!”

Her mother, a beautiful redhead with the same stunning green eyes, smiled as she sat across from a morning show host.

Her stage name, Magnolia Blake, flashed onscreen before dissolving into flower petals.

“It’s exciting to watch your star rise, Magnolia,” the interviewer said. “I can’t help but believe we’re all witnessing the making of a true Hollywood powerhouse.”

“Thank you very much. I can only dream of becoming one someday.”

“I know your biggest projects are ahead of you, but how does your family feel about your growing success?”

“They’re all very, very proud. They want me to achieve all my dreams.”

“Do you ever have to shield your children’s eyes from the screen during the steamy moments inThe Best of Us?”

“Oh, no.” She laughed. “I wouldn’t even let them watch it if I did. I don’t have any kids yet.”

“Oh my god, sorry!” The interviewer shook her head. “I’m so sorry for assuming!”

“It’s okay.” Magnolia smiled. “Once I’ve achieved a few more things on my career dream list, I would love to start a family.”

“Onto the next question?—”

Olivia kicked the sweets bar to the ground and rushed to her room. She slammed the door so hard that two paintings crashed to the floor.

Pierce and I jumped up at the same time.

“I’ll handle it,” he said. Then he kissed my forehead. “Stop second guessing whether you should be around for things like this, Harlow. You’re part of this family, too.”

THIRTY

PIERCE

Olivia cried a river against my chest.

I knew better than to tell her things would be okay or that her mother was coming back for her “soon.”

I stopped believing that lie long ago.

“She’s calling me.” Olivia sniffled, holding up her phone. “Should I answer?”

“No.” I took it. “Allow me. I’ll be back.”

I stepped out of the room and headed to my office. “Hello?”

“Hey Big Brother from another mother! Did you see my live interview?”

“The first part.”

“Was there a signal interruption?” She sounded upset. “Did local news come on with some bullshit storm warning?”

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