Page 64 of Baby for my Daddy's Best Friend

Lilly’s face twists. “God, that’s awful. How come they never say that to a man when he’s seen with a woman?”

“You know why.”

Lilly rolls her eyes, “Gross. It’s just words on a screen, though, Quinn. I know you’re stronger than that.”

She squeezes my hand, and it’s nice to have someone on my side for a change.

If the people online only knew about the sacrifices I’ve made in my career to get to this level, they’d think twice. It’s unfair that they’re quick to point fingers and discard everything I’ve worked to build.

“Let’s do a quick selfie.” Lilly points her camera at us and sticks her tongue out. “I’ll post on my story. This one’s for the haters.”

I laugh and the camera shutter clicks. I’m slowly beginning to get my confidence back.

Lilly and I strike up some conversations with some of the other influencers. I can see curiosity burning in their eyes, but no one is crass enough to ask. I’m grateful for that. At least there is some shred of decency left in the world.

I’m in the middle of a conversation when my phone rings again. It’s my dad.

“You’re still there?” he growls. “Didn’t I tell you to come back?”

“First of all, I’m an adult, you no longer have the right to “tell me” to do anything. This is my job and my life, so back off.” I’ve had enough of him treating me like a child. “I told you I’ll be back soon.”

“Bullshit. If you’re meeting with Enzo again, then I will tell you—”

“Stop, Dad.” My voice is firm. “I know you’re mad about what happened with Enzo, but like I said, I’m an adult, and in case you forgot, I’m here for business.”

“You’re the one who forgot that, Quinn. Not me.”

His words sting, and it’s a low blow.

“I thought we agreed that you weren’t going to bring this up again.”

“When you get home and block and delete his number for good, yes,” he says. “But as long as you’re there, you will get held accountable.”

“Accountable?” I shake my head, “Dad, you’re acting like I committed some kind of a crime.”

“You were irresponsible and—”

“Listen, I no longer have to answer to you, but just so you know, it’s my last day here, and I don’t want to spend it being scolded like I’m ten years old. We can talk when—”

He hangs up on me. If he only called to make me feel bad about myself, then he’s succeeded.

The crowd begins to feel too much, and I retreat to a quiet corner of the pond, hoping to settle my thoughts. It’s short-lived as a gentle tap lands on my shoulder.

"Mind if I join you?" It’s Luciana. Her stance is too welcoming for someone who’s been caught hooking up with her dad. Which makes me think that she hasn’t seen the video yet.

“Sure,” I croak. “Why not?”

“It can get too much, right?” She laughs. “The constant socializing. I can see you’re tired from it, too.”

That’s not why I am tired, but I don’t correct her. “Yeah, it’s nice to have a moment of peace.”

“I’ve heard nice things about you from Valentino. He says you’re quite passionate about your craft. You have to excuse me, though, because I don’t really keep up much with social media. But I believe him.”

I nod, easing up. This only confirms that she hasn’t seen the video.

“It’s the only thing that helps me find meaning in life, having a passion.”

“You know, we haven’t gotten a chance to talk a lot, but you remind me a lot of my mom.” Luciana smiles. “She used to say the same things, and wine was one of her biggest passions as well.”

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