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“I don’t think I can do that,” I admit with a shake of my head.
She rolls her eyes at me and huffs a breath.
“Look,” I begin before she can start a rant. “Anythingbetween Hollis and me is a bad idea. It’ll only lead to disaster. I refuse to jeopardize his career if my dad found out—which he would, he always does.”
I rest my elbows on the table and my head in my hands. I stare down at my food for a moment, suddenly not hungry anymore.
She blinks at me, looking at me like I’ve lost my mind. “Who gives a flying fuck what your dad thinks?”
“Kira,” I scold, as we get a dirty look from the older couple sitting nearby at one of the round tables.
“Whatever.” She gives them a dirty look right back. “Anyway, back to our conversation, it shouldn’t matter what your dad thinks. You’re a grown woman—you’re allowed to be with whomever you want and he has no say.”
“It’s about respect,” I mutter.
She sighs. “I understand how much you love your parents, especially your dad, and not wanting to piss him off, but this isyourlife, Mia. Not his. What if you miss out on something great because you fear his reaction? I’m not only talking about Hollis, either.”
I bite my lip, because unfortunately, she has a point.
I was only three when he came into my life. I don’t remember a life without him in it. We’ve always been close, he’s my dad in all the ways that count, I just want him to be proud of me.
“I don’t know,” I answer honestly.
“Think about it,” she pleads.
I nod. “I will.”
It’ll be all I can think about, because it’s all that’s been consuming me anyway.
Entering the studio in the afternoon I stroll to the kitchen area, dropping my backpack on the counter. I grab something to drink before poking my head into the recording room.
My dad claps his hands, grinning from ear to ear, and says, “One more time,” to whoever is in the booth. I glance to the glass and find Hollis. Instantly, my throat closes up. What his voice does to me…
“Do you guys need anything?” I ask the three guys sitting on the couch.
They all shake their heads no.
“I have homework I’m going to start. If you need me, I’ll be out there.” I point over my shoulder like they don’t already know where I’ll be.
I slip from the room before Hollis can start singing again. The last thing I need is to get ensnared by his mesmerizing voice.
Grabbing my backpack from where I left it, I head to the front of the studio and sit on one of the couches, spreading my work around me.
I keep looking up from my work, expecting Hollis to pop into the room, but he doesn’t. I silently curse myself for being disappointed. I want him to stay away, it’s for the best, but when he does then I get like this. It’s pathetic.
I get halfway through my work before everyone’s complaining about how hungry they are. I place an order at a restaurant a few blocks away.
“The food should be ready any minute,” I tell them, poking my head into the recording room. “I’m going to walk over now.”
Hollis clears his throat. “I’ll go with you. You shouldn’t walk alone.”
I open my mouth to protest but my dad speaks before I can.
“That’s nice of you, Hollis.” For someone who’s so overprotective he’s really quite oblivious.
Hollis gives me a triumphant grin. I wish I could smack it off his too handsome face.
He doesn’t say anything as we head out onto the street. We’re a block away before he speaks.
