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Despite hoell Jean and I have been getting along the past month, I am cautious to tip the balance Besides, I don’t know if I can hide low from them “No thanks Finance dropped off papers for Beck this et them in order for hih; I appreciate the invitation” The thought of anything with red sauce turnedback?” Jean’s voice is way too sweet, and I know part of it is she wants an excuse to be up here, but their white pizza does sound good to me

I try to match her tone, if not for her sake, for my father’s “If it’s not too much trouble, Jean, their alfredo deep dish pizza would be a downstairs or have it sent up”

She pro back their personal size deep dish pizza and run it up on her way back to her office “Maybe even an Italian soda? You like their grapefruit one, right?”

I agree and thank her before hanging up the phone It’s so weird being nice to her, not referring to her as the Step-Monster Iarea and call Tasha to tell her about the lunch plans Putting lass coffee table, I lean back to look out the s and soak up a bit of the sunshine It’s been too many days since I last saw it

“Hey, Lia What’s up?” Tasha is busy driving but assures hs as I tell her about Jean, and we joke about the research depart “I should mention that to my dad” Tasha swears, and I hear a car’s horn blare repeatedly “Mother fucker! That ass wipe tried to cut me off, and I al, and e slip-ups during high school

“Dad’s plane is landing soon He said he was going to call and let you know” Tasha and Beck have a ritual of her picking hiether to catch up on their weeks apart It surprised me at first to find out that he didn’t pay to leave a car there or have one of the co father “Oh, he did call,” I answer It was quite the call…

I’d be lying if I said knowing he’s near doesn’tto play it cool, I still want Beck Thoughts of seeing him, of what our reunionwill be like, fill me with butterflies It’s a different sort of nausea than what I’ve felt with his absence I haven’t been sick enough to throw up, but I just feel funky E habits catching up to me The cafeteria at work et out the door in ti in the doorway until he sees that I’ve opened my meal and taken a bite It’s as if Beckcare of me in his absence Not that anyone would ads to allery has been great at pro me talk to the local radio station about what it’s like as a local artist who has come home to make art here I did throw up then thanks to o to the doctor next week if I wasn’t sleeping better and feeling back to my old self He threatened to co that two dads could keep me in line

“You are still planning on co over to keep her company often the past et her there “Chris is welcouy Tasha was right in thinking Chris isn’t exactly the type her father would want her dating, but I have faith that Beck would give hihter to be happy, and anyone can see that Chris treats her well

“Absolutely I’ll be there when the doors open so I can make sure you don’t hide in the back corner until it’s all over There’s e into the trunk I’ll see you tonight Love you lots!” The line goes dead before I can reply