Page 62 of Starcrossed Colorado

Even my dog was getting attached to our life here. I just didn’t know if that was the wisest thing.

In short, I was freaking out a little bit.

Outside, we aimed in the direction of Main Street while I texted Dixie. It wasn’texactlytrue that I’d already agreed to swing by her place. She’d suggested we have dinner one of these evenings. Why not this one?

She texted back that she was free, so I told her I would pick up some food. After placing an order at the Italian place, I had fifteen minutes to kill before our pasta would be ready. So I grabbed a bench around the corner in a quiet spot.

And I called one of my best friends. My stepmom, Madison.

“Emma! So youdohave phone service out there in Colorado.”

Just hearing her voice soothed some of my nerves. “Ha ha. I’ve sent a million texts.”

“But that doesn’t stop your dad from complaining that he never hears from you. He’s out with Kelsea. They’re having a daddy-daughter day. Thompson’s with me, and he’s,erg, really squirmy.”

“That’s fine. I just wanted to hear your voice. And maybe get some advice?”

“Hold on, I’m going to put your brother down in the playroom so he can smash some toy trucks together.”

My sister Kelsea was five, and Thompson was two. I loved spending time with them whenever I got the chance. I’d started teaching Kelsea piano, and she’d caught the music bug like me. But she was Madison’s little girl, so she was also sporty, blond, and loved wearing anything pink and covered in glitter.

Maisie would probably adore her.

“Emma?” my stepmom asked. “Are you still there?”

“Uh, yeah. Sorry. I zoned out.”

“Something on your mind?”

“A lot, actually.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to wait until Nash is home? It should only be another half hour or so.”

“It’s not that kind of conversation.”

There was a pause. But I knew Madison had her thinking face on.

“Babe, I would do just about anything for you. But if you’re about to tell me something important is going on with you, you know I can’t keep that from Nash. When it’s pillow-talk time, things come out.”

Curse their perfect marriage. My inner teenager was sticking her tongue out in disgust because, ew, my dad.

This was why I hadn’t told Madison the real reason I was transferring.

“What if it’s about a friend?”

“Okaaay. What’s happening with this friend?”

Neither of us were buying my friend story. But at least she was going with it.

“She met a guy. A very sexy older guy who has a daughter.”

“This is sounding familiar.”

“Can you stop bringing up my dad?”

“I can’t help it. You saidsexy older guy.” Madison laughed. “Sorry. How much older is your friend’s guy?”

“He’s thirty-four. A year older thanyou.”

---