Page 105 of You and Me, For Real
Luke clears his throat. “That’s actually a great idea.”
Both our heads swivel in his direction.
“Thanks to Wren, people connect you with big names like Griffin Ford, Wren Reynolds, and the Rhodeses. You’re in the inner circle now. People will jump at the chance to get tickets to the gala knowing you’re connected to them. Animal lovers will go for the cause, but now you’ve also provided another reason for people to go—to rub elbows with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.” He leans into the couch cushion and rests his arm along the back. “You should capitalize on this. Put out a teasertoday; keep them plugged in. Once we have the venue nailed down, we’ll make a formal announcement.”
Her face darts to mine. “I don’t know…there’ll be so much to do. I still have work at the shelter, plus finding a place to live…I don’t know how I can manage all of this.”
“I’ll help,” Luke pipes in.
I rub my hands up and down her arms. “You know I will too. I guarantee Wren would love to help.” I dip my chin to her eye-level. “Let me hire someone—a party planner? I bet I could even get the name of the one Scarlet’s father used for his party.”
She scrunches her nose and sticks out her tongue.
I laugh. “Okay, maybe not that one. But another one? I’m sure there are plenty available on short notice for the right price.”
She crosses her arms and takes a step back, oscillating between looking at me and Luke. “Fine, but I don’t want you funding any part of the event. We’ll use the money I raised at the party last night.”
“Fair enough.”
“And if you’re going to help me, then you should both be on my board along with Lynn and me. If you’re going to be this invested, then you should get some credit for the event, too.”
I smile, enjoying this take-charge version of Ashton. It’s a good look on her. “Works for me.” I turn to Luke. “Luke?”
He inhales and stands, grinning. “I’m in.”
She bites her lip. “Okay, then, let’s do it!”
I yank her into a hug. “That’s my girl.” The words are out of my mouth before I even realize what I’ve said.
Her eyes widen and her lips soften, tilting upward at the edges.
I meant it. In my mind, she’s mine. At least, I want her to be. When the time is right. I realize I come with…complications, but when all this mess with Scarlet is over, I want to date Ashtonfor real. Make it official. Make it public. Put my stamp on it. Whatever. I want the whole world to know I’m crazy for this girl.
I nearly open my mouth to tell her just that, but the doorbell rings.
I walk to the entryway and open the door. “Dad?”
“We need to talk.” He holds up his phone, freeze-framed on the video from last night. His tight expression indicates this will be anything but an uplifting conversation. He pushes past me and into the entryway.
“Well hello, Dad. Come on in, please.” Roxy rounds the couch, barking for the first time ever at a guest in my house. “It’s okay, girl.” I pet the top of her head, and she stays steady at my side, her hackles still raised.
“I don’t have time for your sarcasm, son.” He gives a cursory glance to Roxy. “I can’t believe you actually kept the beast.”
I ignore his comment. The faster I can find out what he wants, the better. “Did you come by for a reason?”
“Yes, for you to explain this video.” He holds up his phone. “Why you’re withthiswoman andnotyour girlfriend at your girlfriend’s house?”
I shove my hands into my pockets, wishing my dad would treat me like his son, instead of belittling me like an errant teenager. He missed that window.
“It’s not some stranger. It’s my friend, Ashton. You know—” I almost say, “your girlfriend, Edith’s daughter,” but bite my tongue. Now’s not the time to argue about it.
Instead, I straighten, matching his height. “I’m helping her organize an event for the nonprofit rescue she’s getting off the ground.” I lean in closer. “A rescue I intend to serve on the board for.”
“Excuse me? We haven’t discussed this.”
“You’re my agent, not my boss. Pretty sure I can do whatever I want with my free time.”
Dad scoffs. “Except when everything you put your name on comes with millions of witnesses. You can’t just go investing your time in things without discussing them with me first. There are repercussions.”
