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“Yes!”
“And then my mom cleared your name,” I conclude. “You went back to Hollywood.”
“Nope. I graduated with your mom and our friends first. Then I started my adult acting career. Some weddings happened and a few births, and then this one popped into our lives.” He ruffles Willow’s hair.
“Dad,” she groans.
He just laughs again. Then he turns to Liam. “What about you?”
Liam shrugs. “Nothing much. Just hanging in there.”
“He’s so modest,” Lily says. “He’s going to compete in the Young Chefs of Tomorrow teen cooking competition. Winner gets a scholarship to culinary school.”
Asher’s brows shoot up. “You serious? Liam, that’s amazing.”
His cheeks grow a little red. “It’s no big deal.”
“Of course it is. You go in there and you wow them with your sick skills. I know you’ll knock it out of the park.”
“Thanks.”
“What about you, Asher?” Ava asks. “Willow told us you’re taking a break from acting to spend time with your family.”
He nods. “Yeah. I’ve been booking jobs like crazy the past few years, and I felt like I was missing out on my wonderful kids’ lives. So Charlie and I decided I was going to take it easy until the summer. There’s a movie that looks promising, and they assured me it won’t take too long to film it. And Mia might have a role as well.”
“Willow told us about it,” Lily says. “It’s so exciting. Will there be romance in it?”
Asher chuckles. “If I say no, will you watch it?”
“Yes, but only because you’re in it.”
“Thank you. I’m so honored.”
We spend a few more minutes catching up, and then he leaves. The five of us start our homework.
After we’re done, Lily, Liam, Ava, and I gather our things and Willow walks us to the door. As we pass the kitchen, we find Asher and Charlie making out against the counter.
“Oh, great,” Willow grumbles as she marches to the front door. “They’re at it again. Don’t people ever get sick of making out?”
“No!” Lily and Ava exclaim.
Willow holds up her hands. “Sorry I asked. Thanks for coming over, guys. I’ve missed it.”
“Yeah. We need to have more sleepovers,” I say.
“Once I’m done with my freakin’ app, we will. Promise.”
We all exchange hugs.
“Don’t stress about Derek Chen,” she tells me as we pull out of the hug. “I know you’re super nervous to talk to him tomorrow, but if it’s meant to work out, it will.”
Lily presses her hand to her chest. “Are those words coming from Willow Park? I thought she doesn’t like the mushy stuff.”
Willow laughs. “I’m fine with it. I just don’t think kids our age should be so obsessed with boyfriends and girlfriends and relationships when we’re so young. Most high school relationships don’t last. Well, other than you guys, Ava and Lily. And I guess our parents.” She shrugs. “I just want Chloe to have an open mind when she talks to her secret admirer. Try to give him a chance, okay? You might get the happily ever after you’ve been dreaming about.”
I hug her again. “Thanks. I’ll try my best.”
Lily wraps an arm around Willow. “Try not to pop any blood vessels as you work on your app.”
