Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55667 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55667 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
“A few million to start? Man, it’s too bad I suck at all things sporty. Except hula hooping. I can hula hoop like nobody’s business.”
“It’s a real skill.”
“Too bad hip gyrating isn’t a six-figure job. Although hip thrusting naked can apparently make lots of money. Not really a career path I want to entertain, but still viable for some.”
“Wait. Are you talking about porn stars?” My eyes dart to her chest, which is covered by a t-shirt.
“That’s a land mine topic we should step around.”
“You brought it up.”
“And I’m putting it away. If we end up as stepsiblings we should probably avoid talking about things like porn, unless I’m making fun of the fact that the girls you bring home sound like they’re auditioning for a role in an adult film.”
“That’s fair. And probably accurate.”
We finish up the dishes and Violet and Skye thank my dad for having them over. Skye hugs me and Violet gives me a fist bump. We stand on the front porch and wave as they drive away.
“You and Violet seemed to get along pretty well,” Dad says.
“Yeah. She’s cool. Like super nerdy, and has zero verbal filter, but she’s got good stepsister potential.”
His eyebrows dance on his forehead. “Stepsister potential?”
“You and Skye have been dating for months. You got us together for a family barbeque and bought filet mignon and you’ve been looking at vacations. I can count on one finger how many times that’s happened in my life.” I pat him on the shoulder. “I think they’ll be good for us.”
Dad smiles. “Good. I think so, too.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
JUST THE TWO OF US
Skye
“I can stay here on my own. I’ll be fine.” Violet taps her lip with the end of her pencil, but it almost goes up her nose.
“Honey, you’re only sixteen.”
“Legally you can leave me home on my own at fourteen,” she argues.
“Grandma and Grandpa Hall would love for you to stay with them for the weekend.” I haven’t broached the subject with them, but they love having Violet over.
“Oh, hell no. I have tutoring all day Saturday and there’s no way I’m spending Sunday playing Uno. I love Grandma and Grandpa, but they only watch bad sitcoms with laugh tracks. There has to be another option. What about Miller?”
“His grandparents are going to check in on him.”
“But he gets to stay on his own?” She crosses her arms.
“He’s seventeen, and he has hockey practice on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”
“So why can’t I stay over there? He’s mostly an adult. That house is enormous. It’s not like they don’t have the room.”
I purse my lips. “I don’t know if that’s the best idea.”
“Why the heck not? I’m super responsible. He and I get along just fine.”
“He’s a teenage boy.”
“So?”
“What if he invites his friends over?” It’s a legitimate worry, considering my first introduction to Miller and his friend. Although that friend is in Toronto, getting ready for his first pro hockey season, so he won’t be around to help Miller make bad choices.
“I have pepper spray. And I’ve taken self-defense lessons. I know to aim for the balls and then the throat and eyes. Please don’t make me stay with Grandma and Grandpa. Their house smells like cooked cabbage and farts.”
She’s not wrong. It’s not like my parents are all that old. I was barely in my twenties when I had Violet and they had me in their early twenties, but my dad loves sauerkraut, so the house always smells like bad gas. “Let me talk to Sidney.”
Violet throws her arms around me. “Yay! Thank you. I’m responsible. And if anything goes sideways, I can always defect to Grandma and Grandpa’s.”
“I haven’t said yes yet.”
“Right. Of course. I’ll hold my gratitude until after you’ve talked to your boyfriend.”
“No parties,” Sidney says sternly.
“No parties.” Miller gives his dad the thumbs up.
“No parties.” Violet pushes her glasses up her nose.
“There’s a three-friend limit. And under no circumstances are you to invite Cliff over.”
“I know, Dad. He’s still grounded anyway and probably will be until he graduates.” Miller tucks his thumbs in his pockets and rocks back on his heels.
“There’s money in the junk drawer if you need to order food. I picked up half a dozen pizzas and two of them are lactose free for you, Violet.” Sidney smiles at my daughter.
“Thanks, Sid.”
“And we packed ramen in your overnight bag,” I remind her.
“I remember, thanks, Mom.” She glances between us. “If you forget to tell us something, you can always text. Or call us relentlessly and leave messages. We won’t set the house on fire.”
“Don’t forget to set the timer on the oven if you cook anything,” I say. Violet and I often miss that step.
“Your grandma and grandpa will stop by sometime this weekend,” Sidney warns.
“It’s on the list on the fridge.” Miller inclines his head toward it.