Page 83 of #Moonstruck

“He’s my dad.”

“I know. But look at what he’s put you through. The sacrifices he forced you to make because of his bad decisions. You can’t make the music you want. You can’t do the kinds of shows you want. You’re stuck. You need someone who will fight for you.” Although I didn’t say his father was not that person, I hoped my implication came through loud and clear.Bah.Screw implications. “You deserve better.”

Ryan nodded and squeezed my hand. He stayed quiet, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Like he was considering what I’d said, and I gave him the space to think about it.

We arrived at the restaurant, and Fox told us to stay in the car while he scouted the place. A minute later he returned to let us know we were okay to go inside. I watched as the hostess eyed my boyfriend and tugged on her shirt to give herself more cleavage.

I also watched as my boyfriend totally ignored her advances. Which gave me the strength to not trip her as she showed us to our table.

Ryan helped pull out my chair, which I thought was so sweet.

Then I reconsidered my not-tripping decision when the hostess bent down in front of him and said, “My name is Anna. I would be happy to help you with any of your needs. Your server is Jordan and should be over shortly.”

Ryan didn’t even seem to notice her flirting, and I tried not to gloat when she left, disappointed. Instead, he beckoned Fox over with his hand. “Have a seat.”

“A seat?” It was like Fox had just realized that we were at a table with four settings. So much for those keen detection skills.

“We insist,” I told him, clamping my lips together to keep from ruining the surprise.

But he stood behind Ryan’s chair, hesitating.

Then Angie came in wearing a baby-pink sheath that made her look stunning. As Fox’s expression made perfectly clear.

Ryan stood when she got to the table. His mother and aunt had certainly raised him well. My mom would have loved his manners.

Angie said hi to us and seated herself before either man could move. With a dazed look on his face, Fox took the seat next to her. I reached over to grab Ryan’s hand, excited as Angie and Fox said hello to each other, both surprised.

Our waiter, Jordan, came over to get our drink order and see if we wanted any appetizers. Ryan ordered theempanadas de tasajofor the table. Jordan left, and Ryan told us to order whatever we wished; tonight was on him.

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly let you—they have lobster tail?” Angie said, going from demure to giddy acceptance in less than five seconds.

I asked Ryan for his recommendations, and he told me what he liked best. They were mainly vegetarian or low-carb/low-fat options. I decided to pick something he hadn’t listed.

And to ignore all the fiery tingles he caused by leaving his hand on my knee.

The server returned with our drinks, took the rest of our order, and promised to be back with the appetizers shortly.

Ryan had a greenish drink that smelled disgusting. “What is that?”

“A bunch of stuff. Mostly spinach and acai berry.”

“Gross. I’m not kissing you after you drink that.”

“Yeah, you will.” He was right. I would. “I’ll have you know that acai berry is a superfood.”

“Is its superpower that you can’t drink it without getting sick?”

He laughed and kissed the tip of my nose.

“So, Ryan, are you excited for the US Music Awards this week?” Angie asked, and I immediately felt guilty that we weren’t being very attentive to the couple across the table.

“Excited might be a strong word. I love performing, but it’s work.”

I put the linen napkin on my lap. “Angie, you’re still coming with me to the rehearsals tomorrow, right?”

“Yes! I’m so excited. It will be a lot of fun.” She turned her attention back to Ryan. “What award are you up for?”

I wanted to laugh. Like Angie didn’t know exactly what Ryan was nominated for, who his competition was, and the odds of each one winning.

---