Page 183 of Shy Girls Can't Date Celebrities
I happily take another bite of my dinner, satisfied we muted the mini skeptic.
The chatter throughout dinner is light and breezy, but when Mom starts clearing the dinner plates, I notice a shared look between her and Dad. There’s a definite shift in the air when she returns from the kitchen.
“Casey and Callum,” Mom says, somewhat on edge. “Why don’tyou two go watch some TV before dessert.”
Casey wriggles her eyebrows. “Why don’t you give us dessert now?”
Dad points toward the living room. “It’s not a debate. Just go.”
The twins grumble as they scoot their dining chairs backward and leave the room.
Wyatt and I share a look, having not been excused from the table.
“So, we think we need to discuss something,” Dad says, lacing his hands together on the dining table.
The way he looks at Wyatt makes me squirm. Is he going to say we should cut off all contact? That he doesn’t approve of us being together when Wyatt’s so famous?
Dad shifts in his seat, and says, “Wyatt, we’re really concerned about your relationship with your parents.”
My stomach flips inside-out. First, squirming at the word ‘relationship’ and going on a rollercoaster of emotions by the end of his sentence.
Wyatt gulps. “You are?”
“You’re so young to have such a fractured relationship with them,” Mom says, eyes growing glassy. “We were hoping there was some way we could help.”
“We’re happy to talk to them,” Dad offers. “If that’s something you would like.”
“Uh, th-thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Ba-Bartlett.” Wyatt clears his throat, his browning furrowing. “But it’s really complicated. Like, they changed at some point when my career took off.”
“Doesn’t mean things can’t be mended,” Mom says gently.
“I don’t want to put my parents behind a wall,” Wyatt defends. “But they’re not the same people. I don’t like being a bank for them.”
“You’re more than a bank,” Dad says.
“They were desperate for me to get b-better and go b-back to work.”
“I’m sure they were desperate for you to get better,” Mom says. “Going back to work would’ve been the cherry on top.”
“I appreciate what you’re saying,” Wyatt says, bracing himself. “But you haven’t seen them in three years.”
Mom sighs, wiping the tears from her lash line. “It’s just so sad,” she murmurs. “I hate the idea of you being divided from them. Family is so important for us. We just want to fix it for you.”
Wyatt smiles at her. “Th-thanks, that’s really nice. Considering the adults around me have been en-encouraging me to sever ties with them.”
“Josie mentioned emancipation.” Dad grows rigid in his seat. “I don’t think it was a great idea for you to sign documents when you’re recovering from a neurological issue. I’m worried they’re taking advantage of you.”
“I signed it because it felt like a relief at the time.”
Dad leans forward. “And now?”
Wyatt twists his lips and shrugs. “I dunno.”
“We were thinking we could invite them here,” Dad says.
I wriggle uncomfortably in my seat. “Dad.”
Wyatt swipes the clamminess from his brow. “Look I really app-app-appreciate this, but...”
