Page 42 of Engulfing Emma

“Well, what wouldyoucall it when you have random men over and then kick them out before they can so much as cuddle?”

“I’d call it being responsible by not giving my daughter the wrong idea.”

“That is so ass-backwards, I don’t even know where to start dissecting it,” Jordan says.

“Huh?”

“Sleeping with random men is not responsible.”

“That’s not what I meant. I don’t want Evelyn seeing me with a man and thinking I’m going to have some happily-ever-after relationship.”

“Well, why the hell not?” he asks.

“Because despite how much two people love each other, not every relationship ends up that way.”

“I think you’re using what happened to your dad as an excuse not to have a mature adult relationship,” he says.

Becca hits him in the arm.

“What?” he says. “You know we’re all thinking it.”

“Do you mind if we talk about something else?” I ask.

“You mean something other than the hot, hunky fireman?” Michelle says. “What was his name, anyway?”

“Brett Cash,” Becca says. “LieutenantBrett Cash.”

Michelle snickers. “God, Emma. Even his name is sexy.”

I know it is.“Whatever. Come on, guys, let’s order a few pitchers of margaritas and plan an epic wedding.”

Chapter Fifteen

Brett

“You’re the first person I wanted to call,” Brianna excitedly screams into the phone. “Can you believe it? I might be the next backup singer for White Poison. Oh my God, Brett. I’m going to meet Adam Stuart and go on tour with him. Well, if I make it that far. I mean they told me there’s like a hundred girls up for the gig. But still, there’s a chance, right? Do you really think I can do it? Eeeek!”

I laugh. “Of course you can do it, Bria. What a sensational opportunity for you.”

“This could be epic. Can you imagine the kind of exposure I’d get, being on stage with White Poison? It’s the break I’ve been waiting for.”

“I’m so proud of you,” I say.

“Don’t be proud yet. I might not make it.”

“It doesn’t matter if you make it or not, I’m still proud of you.”

There is a long pause. “Do you think Mom would be proud of me?”

“Hell yes I do. You’re going after your dreams, Bria. Not many people have the courage to do that.”

“But I’ve done so many things that would have disappointed her.”

“All bumps in the road, little sister. What doesn’t break us makes us stronger and all that.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I know so.”

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