Jace’s reaction was very telling. He pushed me behind his back and turned to face the threat, making my brother jump back, just in time to save himself from being knocked on his ass.
“Easy bro, the parental unit is in the kitchen, I didn’t think you two were planning on giving them front row seats to the rated R scene you were enacting.”
“You’re such an ass Jared.” I moved to punch his lights out.
“Sian.” Jace pulled me back. “Thanks bro good looking out.” The two of them exchanged some kind of pigskin tribal hand gesture, whatever, before clapping each other on the back like gorillas in the midst. I just rolled my eyes and went back inside.
“Hey dad, hi mom, so Jace is here we’re gonna get going.” You’re not too obvious or anything Sian damn. I kissed mom and moved to kiss dad as well before leaving, but he kept me.
“You know, when I said ask your future husband to get you the Phantom, I distinctly remember saying something about waiting for the next fifty years at least.” Dad whispered conspiratorially.
“Very funny dad, you see, it was fate; we were meant to be. He drives my dream car, the very one you told me my future husband was going to get me. Oh well dad, you fell asleep on the job and look what happened.”
It was fun teasing him like this; it seems in the last few weeks since Jace and I had become a couple, things had been a little strained between my dad and I.
I think it had something to do with that whole daddy’s little girl thing, and I hoped that nothing changed between us, that we find our footing again soon.
This morning he seems to be on his way to doing that. “Do you really love him pumpkin, are you sure? I can’t believe I’m about to say this but, you know you don’t have to marry the first guy you...”
“Gross dad...”
“Okay, okay, I’m sorry.” He held up his hands and backed off with his face red and his eyes to the ceiling.
“You’re such a dork dad.”
“So I’ve heard a thousand times. Morning Jace you’re out and about early.”
“Yeah we have a busy day planned.” He put his hand around my shoulders and I thought he was being a very brave boy, if a little misguided.
Dad did look at that arm for what seemed like forever, before he seemed to snap himself out of it.
“So, what exactly are you kids doing today?” Dad was trying hard to be cool, but I could tell that he was having a hard time with his little girl growing up.
Jace on the other hand didn’t seem the least bit perturbed by any of this, because he kissed my cheek and ran his hand down my hair right there in the middle of the kitchen with my whole family looking on.
What’s more, he did it in such an instinctive way, like it was the most natural thing, something he was accustomed to doing, which by now he was.
There was no hesitation, no nervous energy. Just a guy kissing and caressing his girl without a care in the world, and I had to wonder if it was because of who his family was that he had that air about him.
Though I knew he respected my dad, I couldn’t help the feeling that Jace dealt with my parents as though he were on their level; come to think of it he treated everyone like that.
“Well sir, I was thinking of inviting some of our friends over for a little pool party. Maggie is invited along of course and Jared has already said okay to coming over. I hope you don’t mind Sian I called Belle and asked her to call the others and invite them.”
Wow, he’s good. I could actually see my dad relaxing with every word.
Knowing that his little girl wasn’t going to be spending the whole day alone with the teenage beast had added a little light to his day.
I thought we were just spending the day together relaxing, but this was good too. I couldn’t wait to show off my ring to the girls and who knows, it might be fun.
Chapter 5
TAMMY
I have never been to his house before; in fact I’ve never been invited to anyone’s house, except for Belle’s, and lately Sian’s.
I knew that Shane’s parents were divorced and that he lived with his mom, who was once a leading lady in Hollywood.
His action-hero-playing dad, who was still making blockbuster films, and was still pretty much in demand, lived in the Hills, which wasn’t too far away.
We hadn’t spent much time discussing our families, though lately he’s been asking me more and more about myself instead of just talking chemistry.
Ever since Sian and Jace had become an item, things had changed a lot for me. School was no longer a place I feared, I actually looked forward to going there now, and not for my usual bookworm reasons.
And even though I knew I was making enemies with the popular kids, I didn’t much care. They’ve been torturing me for years anyway, so there was really no change there.
It’s really stupid, but it makes a difference being accepted by the guys. The changes are out of this realm.
Even my dad, a learned scholar seems to have been measuring my success as a teen, by the number of friends I make.
After the sleepover, he was as proud as I’ve ever seen him. When I questioned his reaction he explained to me, that though he was proud of my scholastic abilities, we all need friends and acquaintances to round out a healthy balanced life.
Whatever argument I might have with that assessment, I couldn’t deny the fact that my life had done a complete three sixty in the last month or so. Like today for instance, after we studied we were going to a pool party at the Saunders mansion.
An invitation rumored to be coveted by royalty and some A-listers from our own domestic soil.