Page 148 of Grounded
She's standing beside me, and even with the shoes giving her a three inch advantage, I tower over her. The magnetism is a reminder I would do anything in my power to protect her.
"Yep, after you."
When I find a parking spot, Amelia exits the vehicle and announces, "I'm not drinking tonight, by the way."
"Any reason why?"
"I need a clear head. I can't be buzzed and slipping that—"
"I've given you two types of orgasms?"
"Shh, yes. That. Exactly that. I'm not taking that chance."
"Fair enough."
I find my mom right away, even before she starts waving her arms in the air to signal their location.
"She's so embarrassing sometimes," I mumble under my breath as we walk toward them.
"You should have seen the little dance my dad did when he found out I was coming tonight. Talk about humiliating—hi guys!"
The transformation from shit talker to sweet stepdaughter is effortless and comical. Bruce reaches out a hand as my mom gives Amelia a hug.
I give him a firm handshake similar to one I would offer a potential boss.
My mom, Bruce, and Amelia are doing most of the talking, so I sit back and speak up when necessary.
"So, did you ever connect with Seth?" my mom asks.
"Yeah, we’re getting drinks."
"That was his best friend growing up," she tells Bruce. "The reunion was fun? Get any good gossip about your classmates?"
"Did Amelia tell you that—" Before I can complete my sentence and mention how her ex-boyfriend made a cameo with his fiancée, the heel of Amelia's wedge stomps my foot.
Why doesn't she want her dad knowing this?
"He won the raffle and got two free nights there," Amelia interrupts.
"Did you reconnect with any old crushes?" my mom asks.
"No, one girl gave me her business card. Hannah. That's about it."
"What? You're telling me a good-looking man like yourself didn't leave with a handful of dates on your calendar?"
"Daaad," Amelia whines. "That's kind of personal."
"I'm sorry, I figured you'd be fighting them off with a stick."
My mom laughs at his compliment as unease creeps into Amelia's features.
"I'm not interested in dating. Timing doesn't feel right," I admit as Amelia checks a text alert.
"Hey, no phones, please. Molly and I finally get some time with you two—"
"Oh my God!" she blurts out.
We all wait for the shocking news that could be anywhere from a celebrity dying to Roasted catching on fire.
