Second Star to the Right

Chapter 13- Starting Somewhere

“Then what is it? Did we do something wrong?”

“Not exactly.”

He scooted closer to me. “What’s the matter Sammi? We know you don’t like us, so why not tell me the reason.”

Why on earth would I open up to a complete stranger?! But he caught me off guard when he grabbed my hand and said, “You can trust me. I promise.”

I took a deep breath.

Should I tell him?

**************************

I looked up into his eyes and they were full of worry. His stare bored into my soul and I held his gaze until I could do so no longer and looked away. He lifted up my chin from where I was staring at the floor.

“Sammi, I’m not gonna force you to tell me anything, but I want you to know that if you need to talk, I’m here.” Liam said. “I know we met only a few weeks ago, but you can trust me with any secret that you have.”

I gulped and took a shaky breath. “I’m sorry I’ve been acting like such a brat lately, Liam.” I whispered.

“You’re not a brat. I can tell that you don’t like Carmen, and it must be hard for you to see her and your father getting married.”

I nodded. “It is, but that’s not the complete reason I’ve been acting like this.”

“Then what is?”

“Um, w-well, when I was about 2, my mom died. And it’s been difficult having only one parent around. Now, seeing him give all his attention to Carmen... and you... is hard. I know that he’s moved on, and I know not everything is about me, but I feel like he’s giving you guys all his attention and he has no time for me. It probably sounds selfish, but I think that girlfriends will come and go, but Jordi and I will always be here for him.”

“Sammi, I had no idea. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know any of that stuff. If anyone’s being selfish in this situation, it’s us. We’ve been stealing your dad away from you. No one should be able to do that.”

“It’s not completely your fault. Between his record labels, you guys, his other clients, The X Factor, and Carmen, he doesn’t have time for a lot.”

“I’ll make you a deal. Next week, he’s supposed to come with us to lunch after we do a photo shoot. You should come with us and we’ll let you two have lunch together. You could even bring Jordi. The three of you can have some bonding time.”

I smiled. “Thanks Liam. I think I hate you a little less now.” I joked, trying to ease the tension. He might not be so bad after all.

“Good, I’m glad.” He chuckled.

I gave him a quick hug around his neck and he hugged me around my waist.

“Thanks, Li.” I whispered into the crook of his neck.

“For what?” He whispered back.

“For understanding.”

*************

The following week, on Monday, we had made plans to go to Nando’s for lunch after the guys’ photo shoot. Jordi and I were both tagging along, and my dad agreed to spend some quality time with us.

I definitely owed Liam one for setting this up.

I got up, brushed my teeth, put on a simple teal shirt-dress, brown flat shoes, and put my hair in a bun and added a matching teal bandana. (External link)