Page 114 of Cougar

Max and I exchange a look and shrug before following Liam down to the dock overlooking the lake.

“What’s wrong?”

He barks out a maniacal laugh. “This fucking family is what’s wrong!” he yells. “When did you turn into a bunch of liars?”

“Liam, keep it down, man,” Max chides. “It’s Thanksgiving.”

“What are you talking about?” I ask.

“Why is that girl living in your house?”

“Because she’s Jay’s friend. She’s alone and has nowhere else to go.”

“Did you know she works at a gentleman’s club? She’s one lap dance away from being a stripper.” Max chokes beside me. I hadn’t told him about Harper’s previous employment. “You really want your daughter hanging out with a girl like that?” Liam adds before turning to Max. “You want your son dating a girl like that? What about Willow?”

“Don’t be so judgmental, Liam,” I snap. “There’s more to her story than you know.”

“She’s one of the best servers at Mac’s,” Max adds. “She’s a sweet girl who’s been dealt a shitty hand.”

“Then why the secrets?”

“Her story is complicated.”

“Sure it is.” He rolls his eyes.

Max runs a hand through his hair, frustrated. “Harper’s sister was Willow’s mom.”

“What?” Liam’s eyes bug out.

“She’s also the Averys’ granddaughter,” I add.

“Jesus,” Liam bristles, shaking his head in disbelief. “This shit is going to blow up in your faces.” He brushes past us and starts back toward the house. “Thank fuck I live three thousand miles away from all this bullshit,” he calls over his shoulder.

“A little heads up about the gentlemen’s club job would’ve been nice.” Max raises his brows.

I wince. “Sorry. I was planning to tell you. I swear.”

He points a finger at me. “I know you’ve got a lot of shit you’re holding onto but don’t keep secrets from me, Emerson, or I won’t be able to back you up when the shit hits the fan.” And with that he turns and heads back to the house.

Well, that was…niceof him. I think.

* * *

Cam

Hysterical laughter and cheers drift over a Bruno Mars song playing from the great room.

Jay and Harper are dancing with Mimi. Willow is beside them, giggling and rocking from side to side. Everyone is laughing, and Emerson has her phone out recording the whole thing.

“Ella, what in the hell are you doing?” Mac exclaims, startling everyone.

“I’m twerkin’ with my granddaughter, Mac. What does it look like?” she explains as she bends her knees, arches her back, and begins thrusting her hips.

I slap a hand over my mouth and shake my head in disbelief and amusement.

“That’s your godmother,” Zach says with a chuckle.

“It looks like you’re having a goddamn seizure. I thought I was gonna have to call for an ambulance,” Mac teases, turning to Emerson, who has her phone aimed at him. “She’s finally done it, Emi bear. Your mother has lost her mind.” He shakes his head in mock disappointment and then heads out the back door with a giant turkey in his hands.

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