Page 64 of Chloé

“Nice try. You know as well as I do your dad is crazy about scallops.”

“Especially when wrapped in bacon.”

Pèrechuckled as they continued on down the hall to her dad’s office. As they got closer, the sound of bright, bubbly pop music filtered out the door, and Chloé couldn’t help but smile.

No matter how stressed or in her head she might be about something, she could always count on her dad to make everything feel better. He was such a positive force of nature, one who always had a way of making everything in the world seem that much brighter.

Pèreopened the door, and as they stepped inside, the song hit a particularly high note, and Dad closed his eyes and had the hand out moving up and up and up with each octave.

Really, the performance here was on a whole other level.

“Princesse?” Père’s voice must’ve somehow made it through a pause in the beat, because her dad’s eyes opened and focused on the two of them. “While we hate to interrupt your dress rehearsal for your upcoming tour—”

“Very funny, Jules.”

“Our daughter has created something I think you might want to try.”Pèrewalked around the desk and slid the plate across it.

Dad looked at the dish, his eyes brightening. “Scallops?”

“Roasted Maine scallops.”

“My favorite.” He took the fork fromPèreand dug in. When he slipped the first bite into his mouth, the expression on his face made Chloé’s indecision even greater.

“Oh my God. Chloé,” he said, bringing his fingers up to cover his mouth. “This is delicious.”

“You think?”

He finished off his mouthful and nodded. “Mhmm. What’s in this?”

“It’s an onion soubise, peas, and wild mushrooms.”

“Wow.” He took another bite and then another, and when she turned her attention back to herpèreand saw pleasure sparking in his eyes, she felt her heart swell with pride.

Ethan and Zayne were right. It didn’t matter how this test or evaluation went—her fathers were already proud of her. This was about furthering her career, showcasing what she could do, and knowing that—nothing was going to hold her back.

Dad’s cell phone lit up on the desk, displaying his parents’ number.

“Ah, it’s your nonna and pop.” He smiled and hit answer, and Chloé decided to stick around so she could say hi.

“Hey Ma, how are— Ma? Calm down. I can’t—Ma, what’s wrong?”

Dad’s smile from seconds ago vanished. He fell silent and listened to the phone.

“Ma? I need you to slow down a little. I still can’t— He what?” Dad’s face went ashen, as whatever Nonna was trying to tell him finally got through. But all Chloé could hear were sobs on the other end.

Pèrecrouched down by Dad’s seat and placed a hand on his arm, and a very distinct ringing sound began in Chloé’s ears.

“I don’t understand. When?” Dad shook his head as though what he was being told made no sense, as a tear escaped and rolled down his cheek. “Who’s there right now?”

Another pause.

More crying.

Then—

“I’m coming up there.” Dad shoved to his feet. “No, Ma. I’m not leaving you alone. I’m coming up there now, tonight.”

He looked toPèrewho immediately nodded, no questions asked. It was clear something was very wrong, something to do with her pop.

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