Page 58 of Y'allywood Billionaire

“It’s okay, bugsy bear.” It’s been years since my dad’s called me that, and right now, I need that more than anything. “What happened?”

“Just the usual online trolls.”

“Oh, the hell with them.” When I pull away, he says, “I was coming by to see if you wanted to join me for dinner.” His voice is uncharacteristically soft. By his expression, tense jaw, and pursed lips, he’s hurt. I know that look anywhere.

“Why?” I ask, because although I’m glad he’s here, I need to understand what changed.

“You’re engaged. You didn’t tell us.”

I hadn’t thought about that because in my mind, it isn’t real. But then again, even if it were, I probably still wouldn’t have told them. “I didn’t know you guys would care.”

“Look, honey.” My dad lets out a sigh. “It was a difficult pill to swallow—finding out that your only child is getting married from the news.”

I’m happy my dad’s missing me, but I can’t help but think about the entire reason he’s become distant. “What does Mom say?” I scowl.

“I haven’t talked to her about this. She and I are not the same person, and I’m tired of being lumped together. If you two don’t want to have a relationship, I understand that. She has issues. But I don’t want that for you and me. I miss you. I love you. And I’d like to hear how everything happened with your fiancé.” My dad’s voice is shaky, something I’ve only heard once before, when his father died. “Please.”

I stand frozen, stunned. My dad just said, “Please.” I’m quite certain he’s never done that before. I also have no idea what I’m supposed to tell him. That Maddox and I aren’t really together? Except, now, it seems we are. I think?

Dad sighs. “Your mom. She hasn’t been good to you, Riley. But I just wanted you to know that she’s considering getting therapy. I truly hope she does.”

“Me too.”

After a hesitation, Dad smiles. “It’s Wednesday, and Cafe Fromage has a great happy hour menu.”

I have nothing on the calendar for tonight, and the way Maddox is acting, it seems like he could use some space. Honestly, so could I. Skye and Billy still have Farmer tonight—his last night of medication—so maybe it’s meant to be. The mental gymnastics I’m going through right now has my brain in a pretzel, but I say, “Okay.”

Then I send Maddox a text, letting him know I’m not coming back to his place.

# # #

19

Beneath the Facade

Ihad an enjoyable time with my dad last night, and it was healing. The space it gave Maddox and me was much needed. Tonight, when he and I walk into his house, Farmer greets us, and I’m so happy to see him, I cuddle with him for a while.

Maddox joins me, giving the dog some love. But then he stops, smiling at me. I notice his eyes are bloodshot and tired when he looks at me. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” He’s been acting distant, so I’m guessing that’s what it is, but I want him to tell me himself.

“I kinda freaked out. On set, when Smith said our scenes were off. And it’s taken me some time to realize why.”

“Okay.” I scratch Farmer behind the ears, which makes him thump his foot. Speaking of the dog, he no longer needs medical care, but I’m not bringing that up. Maddox doesn’t seem to be planning on taking him anywhere, and that’s peachy fine with me.

“I’ve never dated a co-star because I couldn’t let my personal life affect my work.” The words come rushing out.

My stomach tightens. “And our work was affected by what happened between us in Scotland.” I finish his sentence.

“Maybe. Yeah.” His crystal blue eyes are so dark they almost look like my sapphire ring. “You have to understand, Riley. I can’t be a bad actor, especially not as Billy Road’s son.”

“Right. That’s a lot of pressure.”

“I care about you. More than I’ve ever cared about anyone. And because of that, you affect me on set. Lines get blurred. It’s complicated.”

“You mean separating business and pleasure?”

“Yeah.”

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