Page 20 of Fourteen of a Kind

Willow went over to the window and looked out.

“They’re looking good, and we’re wasting wave time waiting on your dumbass. Meet us down there.”

“Okay. Okay. I’ll meet you down there,” he said.

Willow and I grabbed our boards and put them in the water. Ten minutes later, our brother joined us.

“How’s Gretchen?” I asked him.

“How would I know?”

My brows furrowed. “You’re dating her, little brother.”

“Not anymore.”

“Why?” Willow reached over and slapped his arm. “We liked her.”

“She demanded more of me, and I didn’t like it. She wanted me all to herself and got mad when I went out with my friends. I don’t need that drama in my life, so I dumped her.”

“You’re a jerk,” Willow said.

“How am I a jerk? I’m too young to commit all my time to one girl.” He splashed her.

After we finished surfing, I went home. I grabbed my phone and saw I had missed Lily's Facetime call five minutes ago. Dialing her number, her smiling face answered.

“Why didn’t you answer?” she asked.

“I was surfing with Nicholas and Willow. How’s Paris?”

“It’s amazing as always.” She grinned. “I’m coming home in a couple of days and bringing someone with me.”

“Who?”

“His name is Adrien. Ella, it was love at first sight. Oh my God. I can’t wait for you to meet him.”

“You’re bringing home a French man? Like, he’s moving in with you?”

“Yes, and yes. We met at an art gallery and have been glued to each other ever since. He’s an artist. You should see his paintings. He wants to open an art gallery, and I convinced him that Los Angeles was the best place to do it. When I get back, we’ll talk to Shaun and see what buildings he has.”

“How long have you known this guy, Lily? You never mentioned him.”

“I know. I didn’t want to say anything in case it was nothing. It's been a couple of months, but we’re so in love, Ella. I need you to do me a favor.”

“Anything.”

“I need you to tell my parents.”

“What?” My eyes widened. “Lily, I don’t think?—”

“Please, Ella. You know how my dad gets.”

“You’re a grown woman.”

“All I need is for you to soften the blow for me. That way, it won’t be such a shock when we return to Los Angeles.”

“Why can’t you soften the blow over Facetime?”

“You know the family. Please, help a cousin out.”

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