Page 174 of Shy Girls Can't Date Celebrities
“Will you pick us up at the airport?”
“Yes, of course, I’ll come and get you.”
“Us, Mom. Wyatt’s coming with me.”
The line goes quiet.
“Mom?”
“I heard.”
My back stiffens. “Is this okay?”
“I just... What does this mean?”
“There’s no team coming with us. It’s just me and him. So you need to keep it on the down-low.”
“You make it sound like he’s running away from home.”
“Essentially, he is.”
“Is Wyatt okay? He’s not in any danger, is he?”
I sigh and lower my voice. “We need to get him away from these people. It’s totally toxic.”
“Do his parents know he’s coming with you?”
“Oh, I haven’t filled you in on the emancipation document, have I?”
“Oh, dear.” Mom gasps. “This does sound like a mess. Ever since you told us about the broken relationship with his parents, your dad and I have been concerned about him.” Mom takes a minute, composingherself. “Look, if Wyatt needs to get away, to feel safe and supported, then yes, he can stay with us for a few days.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“I don’t know what this means long term. If he’s not working, what’s his plan to support himself? Or is he going back to work after a certain amount of time off? Or...”
“Mom,” I cut her off. “Please don’t spiral. I’ll text you our arrival time. I can’t wait to get home.”
“Me too, darling. We’ve missed you too much.”
Twenty-Seven
“Mom!” I cry out, running toward her in the small arrivals lounge.
I drop my overnight bag onto the floor and she wraps me in a tight embrace. “Oh, darling, I’m beyond happy to have you home.”
I sigh out in her arms. “Me too.”
She smooths a hand over my curls. “How was the flight?”
“Long. Wyatt slept most of the way, and I wrote to pass the time.”
Mom pulls her arms from me and there’s a distinct shift in her stance. I follow her gaze over my shoulder, turning to find Wyatt walking over to us.
With his duffle bag hanging over his shoulder, he waves. “Hi, Mrs. Bartlett.”
Tears spring in Mom’s eyes. “Oh, Wyatt. Look how you’ve grown. It’sso good to see you.”
Wyatt awkwardly combs his fingers through his hair. “Ah, that’s good to hear. I really appreciate you letting me stay with you.”
