Page 204 of Shy Girls Can't Date Celebrities
“Does it feel right to you to cut off your parents?” Devon asks.
“Well, no, but they’re not the same people I remember.”
Devon gestures at Wyatt. “Do you remember becoming famous? Of course, they seemed different. They’re used to having finer things. Dang it. They used your memory loss against you.”
“No, my parents...”
“Your parents are scared of losing you,” Devon says firmly. “Theyalways have been. But they push you into work because they think it’ll make you happy. Erika and the others drove the wedge, telling them that you’ll cut them out if they don’t encourage you to keep working.” Devon sighs. “Ugh. It’s such a mess.”
Wyatt winces, rubbing his temples. “My head hurts. I don’t know what to believe.”
Dad moves beside Wyatt, patting his shoulder. “You should go to Ashworth Estate and hear Tom Ashworth out. At least, when it comes to contracts and the like, he has the expertise to clean up this mess. You’ve got your doctors and us to help clean up the emotional side of the mess.”
Wyatt smiles and pats Dad’s hand. “Thanks.”
Mom moves closer and leans down to hug Wyatt. “You’ll be okay. Somehow, things will work out.”
Mom and Dad move aside, and Wyatt scoops me into a hug. He sighs against the nape of my neck, and I melt into him, rubbing a circle on his back.
“How do you feel, remembering the day of the accident?” I whisper.
Wyatt sighs again, and the forlorn tone tells me all I need to know.
When we pull out of the hug, Devon nudges toward the front door. “Are you ready to go?”
“Is it possible to say no and yes at the same time?” Wyatt asks, standing up.
Devon nods. “I’ve had that feeling since they forced me away from you.”
I stand, gripping Wyatt’s hand. “I can go with you.”
“No, you can’t,” Dad cuts in.
I stamp my foot, turning in his direction.
“I’m sorry,” Dad says matter-of-factly, “but I’m not risking your safety again. I need you home right now.”
“I’m not disappearing from Wyatt’s life,” I argue.
“I’m not saying you have to,” Dad says, linking arms with Mom. “But, right now, I don’t want you being part of Wyatt figuring out his next step. I’m not letting this management company use you as a pawn, an excuse, or a scapegoat. You’re staying here.”
Wyatt squeezes my hand and kisses my cheek. “They’re right, Joze. You gotta stay here.”
“But...”
“I’ll call you,” Wyatt’s quick to say. “I won’t leave you out of the loop.”
I pout. “Don’t forget me.”
Wyatt grins. “I definitely won’t forget you.”
Devon and Wyatt leave for the limousine. The driver came to our door, asking to collect Wyatt’s things. It feels so final, seeing Wyatt’s duffle, guitar, and walking cane being taken away.
“It’ll be okay, Josie,” Mom says, pulling me into a side-hug as the limo pulls away. “I mean that.”
I lean into her. “For you to be saying that, you really must believe it.”
Mom smiles. “I do. Now, don’t fixate on Wyatt all night.”
