Page 3 of Love On and Off Set

“That’s great. Honestly, Uncle, you’ll love him like I do. He’s just…loveable, you know.”

No, I was quite certain I didn’t know. Nothing about having a twenty-something I didn’t know in my house appealed. If it turned out disastrously, I would find the young man some form of accommodation somewhere and quietly pay. God knew I had enough money. I rose. “All right. Well, best of luck with the marriage. I look forward to hosting your little clan one night when you’re back.”

Kristoff stood as well. He made his way over to my side of the table, then, uncharacteristically, pulled me into a hug. “Thank you, Uncle, for everything.”

After a moment, I returned the hug. He hadn’t pointed out the fact I didn’t have a lot of physical contact, but that reality faced me starkly. Maybe I would try dating again. Once you’ve settled the new boy. “When do you want Dade to move in?”

“Next weekend?”

Today was Sunday, so that gave me a week to set everything up. “And do you want me to send your things to your new home?”

Kristoff blinked. “Could you do that? I’ll box it up tonight. I don’t have much—”

I waved him off. “Whatever you need, just ask, all right?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Before he could hug me again, I headed to my room.

What have I gotten myself into?

Chapter Two

Dade

Ieyed my new stepfather. And grinned inwardly. I loved Kristoff. He made Mom so freaking happy, and he was good to the rest of us. Celina, my younger sister, thought he was cute, but in a platonic way. Bobby, our middle brother, was proving a harder nut to crack. Still, I had faith that if anyone could win him over, Kristoff could.

“It’s temporary. Well, for as long as you need.” Kristoff pointed to my desk chair.

I nodded, then plopped my ass onto my bed. “And he lives in one of those fancy luxury towers?” I’d seen them, of course. They littered the downtown skyline.

“Yes. The building’s about fifteen years old. He’s lived there since the beginning.”

I cocked my head. “You said he’s forty-one?”

Kristoff nodded.

“So, like, he bought the condo when he was my age?” I might’ve squeaked that.

“Yes, I guess so.” He scratched his chin. “I’d never thought about it that way.”

“But you’ve been living there for almost nine years.”

Laughter burst out of my new stepfather. “Yes, I see your point. He’s always…felt old to me. He’s unbelievably successful in business. He might’ve been a junior executive for, what, about ten minutes? Pretty quickly, he moved to the C-suite.”

I cocked my head.

“Oh, the executive suite. For the top people. He’s the CEO of a major petrochemical company.” My horror must’ve shown, because he continued. “Not oil and gas. That’s mostly done out of Alberta. No, his company makes plastics.”

“Do you know how much plastic is in the ocean? Single-use plastics are slowly choking the ecosystems—”

Kristoff held up his hand, effectively cutting off my tirade. He’d heard it all before. “Look, Dade, you might have your head in the clouds about some things, but you’re also an adult and can be a realist. I’ve found you a place where you can be independent. You just have to heat food, load dishes into the dishwasher, and keep an eye out for anything the extremely competent cleaning staff might’ve missed.” He leaned closer. “And he’ll never admit this, but he really appreciates when you make him an egg-white omelet in the morning. But you’ve got to be up at six-thirty to do that.”

My head ached. “Yes, I’m a realist.” And if this was my only realistic opportunity to move out while not having to sell a kidney, I’d take it. I adored Kristoff. Loved my mom, Bobby, and Celina with my whole heart. I also could admit when the time to grow up and move on had come. “I’ll also look for another job. One that allows me time off to go for auditions and days when I’m an extra.”

Kristoff smile. “Because you might always be plucked.” He leaned over to ruffle my overlong hair. “I love your optimism.”

I shrugged. “Despite having a shitty father, I’ve had a damn good life. I’m just not ready to give up on my dreams.”