Three long years of no interaction.
No nothing.
The thing is, I love my dad. No, I adore him, actually. I’m a self-proclaimed Daddy’s girl. When he’s around, he is the best father in the world. I know he loves me. There’s never been any doubt about that. It’s just he’s hardly there for any of us, and that made it extra tough growing up, especially when I am the eldest of three siblings, which includes my brother, Clef, and sister, Aria. Back then, it was the three of us against the world.
Being the eldest meant I had to step up. I was their caregiver. Their proxy mom. Their proxy dad. Their cook. Their cleaner. The one who would put Band-Aids on their boo-boos. I was there for it all, while my parents were way too busy touring the world to worry about their children.
My father is Stylo Griffin, lead singer ofSavage Riot, the world-famous ’80s rock group, who is still performing, amazingly still together, and incredibly still going strong. Some say they’re in the same league asKissorBon Jovi.
They grow old but nevergetold.
They just keep on going.
Mom?She’s the band’s manager, so while the rest of the band’s families grew up with their mothers around, our mom was away on tour with Dad’s band. We are the onlySavage Riotkids who have had to fend for ourselves. Sure, we had nannies and help along the way, but eventually, they all quit, so I took on more of the roles and responsibilities of a parent. I’m not angry or bitter. It’s just how it was. I missed out on a normal childhood, an everyday life.
I guess it’s why I’m where I am,a florist.
Life for me now is entirely away from the industry because I’ve seen what the music business can do to families, andIdon’t want that. I’ve never wanted any of it for me.
Can I sing?Yeah, sure.
But that life,the fame game,I’m just not interested in it, unlike my siblings, who are in their own bands and totally taking after my father.
My family is all famous in their own right.
Then there’s me, Lyric Griffin, a florist living in Laguna Beach while keeping a low profile.
Just as it should be.
Just as I want it to be.
Pulling up at Love and Lavender,I hop out of the truck quickly, while letting out a long exhale to calm my racing thoughts. I don’t know what it is about busy days like today, but they seem to mess with my emotions. Get me thinking all kinds of stupid things. Flowers are a symbol of love, of giving love, and of receiving love.
And yet, I have no one in my life to celebrate love with.
Not anymore.
I cringe thinking about Zane, my ex, before a shudder runs right through me. It’s just another good reason to be rid of the music industry.
Zane Ross.
Lead singer ofHazardous.
Breaker of hearts.
Manipulator of women.
Asshole of the universe.
Yeah, come to think of it, Ihategetting sentimental and emotional.
I am stronger than that!
Who needs a man anyway?
I unlock the tailgate of my pickup, and the rear falls with a crash before…
What the frick is going on?
