Page 31 of Fast

Mom’s impossibly strict rules didn’t help, they were the ideal catalyst for all my anger and frustration.

There’s a beat of silence in the small living room.

Mom breaks it first. “The last two years have been rough. I didn’t know what to do. You’re so similar to your father that sometimes that scares me. Remember how when you were little we called you John Junior because you said you wanted to be like your daddy when you grew up?”

I remember that. “I know,” I whisper. “I’m sorry.”

Mom shakes her head. “Don’t be. I focused on moving on, but I should have been more understanding of how much you missed your father. I divorced him, not you. In my defense, I was just trying to protect you.”

I nod, a lump forming in my throat. “It must have been hard, Mom.”

“We both made mistakes,” she says softly. “But I’m the parent between us. I knew you were angry, and I take responsibility for allowing you to grow distant from me. You’re about to start college and I’m getting married to the man of my dreams. The fact that they’re both in Star Cove seems like a sign. Our chance for a fresh start. I know I’m asking you a lot, but give it this year. Move in with me in Scott’s house. Let’s be a family. If you aren’t happy, I promise that next year I’ll help you get your own place on or off campus.”

Two years ago, I would have stormed out of the room. I’d have called Dad crying. But I feel like I owe this to Mom and to myself, because I really missed her.

I’m nervous about moving in with complete strangers, but I’m going to try for Mom. Besides, she canceled my dorm application, so I have nowhere to go.

“Ok,” I exhale a shuddering breath. “I’m going to try.”

Mom squeals, pulling me into a tight hug. “Thank you, Zara. I promise you won’t regret it. Where are you going?” She asks as I stand and walk to the living room door.

“I was planning to go see Wren and David next door.”

She stands up, running her palms over the denim of her short overalls. “You can always come back another day, sweetheart. Star Cove isn’t far. The house is all packed. Like I told you earlier, most of this stuff is being donated or going into storage. The extra boxes of stuff you shipped from school are already waiting for you in our new home. Scott is expecting us for dinner.”

“We’re moving right now?” It’s impossible to hide my shock.

Mom wraps her arm around my shoulders, walking me to the door. “No time like the present, baby girl.”

Chapter 8

Home Sweet Home

CHANCE

Lev catches the puck and throws it back at me.

My phone buzzes with a text message and I look at the screen, distracted. The puck hits me in the face. Thank fuck this is a plush toy in the shape of a puck to play indoors, or it would hurt like a motherfucker.

“Looks like they’re about to arrive.” I bite out.

My best friend barks out a laugh. “Are you excited? You get a brand new sister.”

I throw the puck back at him as hard as I can, annoyed by the dig. “Stepsister.”

He shrugs. “You know what I mean. But you never know, maybe she’s hot.”

This time I’m prepared and I catch the puck easily. “Maybe.”

Lev must have put some thought into it. “I bet she is. Not to be weird, but your stepmom to be is a total MILF.”

It’s my turn to laugh. “You’re right about that. Kelly is hot. I should have known my old man would tap that when he hired her as campaign director.”

He catches the puck and spins it around on the palm of his hand, rather than throwing it again. “I don’t blame him.”

“Me neither,” I sigh. “I just wish he had waited a little before making it so official.”

Lev considers my words. “Yeah, they went for a short engagement. But older people tend to get married fast.”

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