Page 175 of Shy Girls Can't Date Celebrities
“It’s really no trouble,” Mom says, scooping an arm behind Wyatt’s back. “We have a lot to discuss.”
Claire brings Wyatt’s cane and guitar into the arrivals lounge, and wishes us a safe trip home. Mom takes the items, anxiously muttering about whether Wyatt should be walking without the cane. I give her a stern look, wishing for her to cool it as we walk to the car.
I offer Wyatt the front seat, but he opts for the back. Probably a good thing, the way Mom is already spiraling. On the drive home, I stare out the window, and the knots in my stomach ease.
I’m home.
I’m really home.
I look over my shoulder at Wyatt and we exchange smiles.
Wyatt’s finally home.
We pull up at the house and I’m relieved Dad and the twins aren’t waiting out front. It’s Sunday afternoon, so maybe they’re at the park.
I cross my fingers. Please be at the park.
As I open my car door, the house front door opens.
Dang it.
Callum races out of the house, bolting toward the car.
I stand in front of the car, holding out a hand like a stop sign. “Slow down or you’ll hurt yourself.”
“Callum!” Dad’s voice calls out like a warning shot.
I buzz at the sound of it, watching the doorway until Dad appears. I squeal at the sight of him, and then Callum latches onto my middle. I hug my little brother back, walking him backwards as I move toward Dad on the porch.
“Hi Josie, darling,” Dad says, beaming. “So good to have you home.”
“So glad to be home.”
He moves off the porch, giving me a hug while Callum is strapped to me.
I giggle at the beautifully awkward exchange, and pat Callum’s head when Dad releases me. “How you doing, bud?”
Callum hugs me tighter. “Good, now that you’re home.”
My heart bounces with glee. “Where’s your sister?”
Callum clicks his tongue. “In a mood, as usual.”
Dad has moved past me and I turn to see him shaking Wyatt’s hand. “Good to see you, Wyatt. I hope you’re doing better.”
“I am, thanks,” Wyatt replies. “Getting less headaches, walking better, and not st-stumbling over my words.” Wyatt frowns at himself. “Dang it.”
Dad chuckles, patting Whyatt’s shoulder. “You’re human, son. Good to see that fame hasn’t changed you.”
Callum unlatches from me, eyes bugging at Wyatt. “I can’t believe you actually know the famous guy. I really thought you were making up more stories.”
I scoff at him. “Where did you think I was all week?”
Callum shrugs. “Living in make-believe.”
“You think Mom and Dad let me have a week off school to play pretend by myself?”
Callum stares at me blankly. “Casey said you could have psychological issues.”
