Page 54 of Kissing the Debutant
“Yeah, maybe to old people.”
“I think you’re funny, dear.” Cara sent her husband a look full of so much love Lillian had to glance away.
“See?” Mr. Butler jabbed a thumb her way. “Your mother has good taste.” He leaned around Jack to kiss her.
“Ew, gross.” Jack reached for the pizzas. “I’m going to take them before you guys drop them in your sappy reunion.” He jerked his head toward the kitchen, telling Lillian to follow him.
Wyatt and Lexi attacked the pizzas almost as soon as Jack set them down. He slid plastic plates toward them, but they ignored them.
Jack’s arm slipped around Lillian’s waist as he pulled her to him. “Sorry about them.”
She lifted her eyes to his, never wanting him to be embarrassed of a family who loved him. They were so different from her own. Both his parents were tired from long days of work, yet it seemed all they wanted was to be with their kids.
Lillian couldn’t remember the last time her mom had a job other than fundraising for some charity. And yet… she only wanted her daughter around when there was something in it for her. The social status that came with her daughter’s debutant year or with her ballet talent.
“Don’t apologize for your parents, Jack.” Tears gathered in her eyes. “Not ever.”
“Hey.” He wiped a tear from her cheek. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She shook her head. “Just… thanks for bringing me here.” For giving her a normal night among people who didn’t want anything from her except her company.
He pressed a kiss to her lips, smiling against her. “I like having you here.”
“Gross, my eyes.” Mr. Butler pretended to run into the fridge as he covered his eyes, making Lexi and Wyatt giggle. “Kissing is totally gross.” He tried to sound like a teenager, but it only came out sounding ridiculous.
Lillian pulled away, but Jack didn’t let her get far. He shot his dad a playful scowl. “Get lost, old man.”
“Now, now.” Cara walked around them to get to the pizza. “Let’s sit at the table and eat. I didn’t raise a bunch of heathens.” She sent a pointed stare to her two youngest children who stood using only their hands to eat, grease dripping down their fingers.
As if she was the only person anyone in the family would listen to, they all made their way to the table and served pizza onto plates.
“Mom.” Jack stared at her cutting a piece of pizza with a knife. “Are we only acting civilized because Lillian is here?”
She frowned, but Lillian could tell she wasn’t really unhappy. “Oh, fine. Just eat, ya barbarians.”
It was like her permission was the last thing they needed before all hell broke loose. Lexi and Wyatt sword fought with pieces of cheese pizza while Mr. Butler egged them on.
Cara sent Lillian a smile. “So, my son.”
Lillian stared down at her plate. “Yeah, look, I’m really sorry about all of that. I shouldn’t have told you—”
Cara reached for her hand to cut her off. “I’m glad. I don’t know you very well, Lillian, but I have watched you sit in my diner staring at food you refused to eat. I’ve listened to you speak about dance. But that day with Mia… when you told me about the boy you liked, it was the first time I saw more than determination in your eyes. You were happy. I’m so very glad it was my son who could bring that out in you.”
Jack’s hand found hers under the table, and she wondered if he’d heard his mom’s words, but he was lost in conversation with his dad.
Mr. Butler finished whatever he was saying and fixed his eyes on Lillian. “So, Lillian, tell us about you. I’ve got to admit, I was a bit surprised to find a girl here with my son. He never brings girlfriends home.” Jack elbowed his dad, but his dad only laughed. “What, son? Want me to lie to her?”
All eyes turned on Lillian, expecting her to say something, to tell them who she was, what she liked. But that was the problem, wasn’t it? She didn’t know.
“Lillian is a dancer.” Jack’s eyes met hers, and she sent him a silent thank you. “She’s preparing for a competition.”
“That’s wonderful.” Mr. Butler smiled. “I always thought Jack should compete, but he never agreed to it.”
Lillian knew why. Competitions were expensive, and Jack would never ask his family for anything for himself. “He’s a brilliant choreographer. If I win my competition, it’ll be because of him.”
His parents smiled, pride shining in their eyes.
Jack squeezed her hand.
