Page 44 of Sangria

“When we get to the pond, we’re going skinny dipping.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

He nips at my skin and laughs. “I’m sure you know what will come next.”

“You?” I say, turning slightly to give him a wink.

levi

Twenty-Four

There area few things I can do without in my life. One of them is Los Angeles traffic. The constant bumper-to-bumper, horn-honking congestion is what keeps me grounded in Tennessee. Besides, it’s home. I never really understood what Iris loved so much about this area, but could grasp that she needed a change. Living next to me, in my shadow and whatever else she threw at me when she left, had to be hard.

I was foolish to think that I could keep Zara free from the media and fans if we were wandering the streets of downtown together. It was dumb of me to bring her out, only days after her ex entered rehab. She’s very recognizable, especially among the younger crowd. I guess that’s the beauty of L.A. for me because no one knows who the hell I am unless I make myself known.

Pulling up the driveway, I shut the rental off and glance out the front window. I have every intention of putting this house on the market, to finally be done with it, but the more I think about it, the more I feel like I should keep it. If Stormy’s career flourishes, she’ll need a place to live or we will as a family when we have to come back here for her work.

The front door opens, and my mother stands there, resting against the door jamb. As soon as I’m out and around the vehicle, she closes the door behind her. I can tell by the look on her face that she has news that I’m not going to like.

“Hey, Mama.” I pull her into a quick hug and kiss her on her cheek. She has been a rock for the girls and me, dropping everything to come out here and stay with them, to help me out so I could take Zara to Nashville. Of course, I failed to inform her that my relationship with Zara turned a page.

“You have news to share?”

I grimace and shake my head. It’s not that I don’t want to divulge what’s going on between us, it’s that I’m not entirely sure. Given the chance, I’ll stand proudly and tell everyone that Zara Phillips is my girlfriend, but is she? Does she do labels? Hell, I know I do, but she and I are different, and what I may think is the appropriate way to handle something may not be her way.

Granted, she doesn’t have the best examples. Her publicist is the epitome of the devil as far as I’m concerned, and mine. . . while I love Barb, her distaste for Zara is already wearing thin on me.

“Stormy is very upset,” my mother says. “You promised her that you and Zara were only friends and now people are telling Stormy that the only reason she got the lead in the video is because you’re sleeping with the lead singer, which honestly, I find laughable.”

“Why would that be so funny?”

“Because you’re you and she’s. . . we’ll she’s not what I expect to find on your arm, that’s all.”

“Looks don’t define a person, Ma.”

“I’m just sayin’ y’all are different, is all.” My mother fumbles through her words, trying to right the wrong she’s done. I pull her into my arms and give her a hug, letting her know that it’s okay.

“Here’s the deal,” I say, pausing to run my hand over my hair. “I like Zara, and she likes me. In the time we’ve known each other, we’ve grown closer.”

“But Stormy?”

I look at the front door and wonder if she’s on the other side, listening in. I know I would be, but knowing my daughter, she’s probably sulking in her room or plotting my demise.

“Mama, Stormy’s career is her own just as my personal life is mine.”

She shakes her head. “She doesn’t see it like that.”

“Ma. . .” but my plea falls on deaf ears as she walks back into the house. Thankfully she doesn’t slam the door in my face, but walking into the house feels anything but welcoming.

“Daddy!” Willow screeches as soon as I step into the living room. She launches herself into my arms and hugs me tightly. I’ve gone months without seeing her when I was on tour, but knowing that she’s coming back home to live with me has made me miss her even more than before. “I’m all packed.”

“That’s good. We’re leaving tonight.”

“I don’t want to go.” Stormy’s voice breaks the moment between Willow and me. I set her down and kiss her forehead.

“We’ve been through this, Stormy.”

“Well, that was before you decided to suck face with Zara. I mean, really, Daddy?” She turns down the hall and slams her bedroom door. I sigh and glance down at Willow who has a beaming smile on her face.

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