Page 148 of Girls Will Be Girls
Lou is trying another round ofif looks could killas the pressure in this bubble rises to dangerous levels.
“Otto was just leaving. He has somewhere else to be.” Lou says.
Otto’s gaze lands on Lou, his jaw clenching. “I think I’ll stay, actually.”
They both stare each other down.
“We hear you’re both journalists like our Louisa?” My dad says to Lou.
Lou takes his eyes off Otto, his face warming. “Yes, sir.”
“She’s an amazing writer, isn’t she?” Otto says.
I add my own death stare aimed at him. Maybe if we team up, it’ll work.
Otto’s smile grows. “Lou, what’s your favorite piece of hers?” He says, and my heart rate skyrockets.
Before I can stop him, Lou starts talking. “I think they’re all great, but I’m really looking forward to the ones she’s doing on Lake Tahoe.”
I squeeze my nails into Lou’s hand on my waist so hard he jolts towards me.
My dad scoffs. “Tahoe?” He shakes his head. “Why would you be writing something on Lake Tahoe?”
“I-” I stutter.
“Wait, I thought you’d gone into research now?” My mom says. “I thought you weren’t writing anymore.”
“Well, I-”
“Louisa?” My mom says.
I exhale all the panic into my words. “I don’t work in financial journalism anymore.”
Both of my parents open their mouths in shock, like they’re trying to say something, trying to scold me, but the surprise has silenced them, so I continue. “I work forLure Magazine,” I admit. “I’m a travel and wellbeing writer.”
My mom shakes her head I disbelief.
“Since when?” My dad says.
I gulp audibly. “Three years,” I say so quietly, I’m surprised they hear me.
My mom’s face drops. Her eyes turn watery. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen my mom close to tears.
I’ve been imagining my parents’ reactions to every part of my life. Anytime I do something they disapprove of, there they are in my mind.
But it’s no longer in my head.
It’s happening.
It’s real now.
And it’s so much worse than I expected.
I go to say something, but before I get the chance, my mom storms off toward the front door. I turn to my dad, but he shuts me up with his stare, before storming out too.
I feel a tear drop down my cheek.
“Louisa,” Lou says gently, facing me and dropping to my level. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” He says.
