Grown ups (Book 2)

The House

Zaylia Higgins smiled brightly as she set her last support of boxes in her new living room. Her dad wiped his hands on his pants before turning to the girl with a bittersweet smile.

"I'm going to miss you trashing the house" He mumbles as he pulls her into a tight hug. Zaylia scoffs playfully and rolls her eyes.

"Yes because trashing the house is actually considered picking up your takeout that was left on the table from the night before" The girl accused in amusement. Marcus tugged on her hair and she gasped dramatically in pain.

"Oh, shut up" He laughed and she gave her best glare but it was hard considering she loved him too damn much.

"Alright, yep that's the last of the boxes"

The two Higgins turned at the sound of Zaylia's boyfriend walking into the room. He smiled adoringly at the blonde and walked up to place a gentle peck on her lips.

"This shouldn't be happening. I was at your fifth grade dance recital last week" Marcus sniffles and Zaylia pouts.

"Don't act like you weren't just there for the hot teacher" She replies and her dads mouth falls open.

"What..." He says guilty. But he remembers being so proud when Zaylia did her first back bend. They almost threw up from eating so much ice cream that night. Father of the year award.

"You better take care of her" Marcus shakes Dylan's hand and pulls him in for a quick hug, patting each others backs.

"Of course, wouldn't do any less" Dylan beams at the girl. They were starting their new journey in life.

"Dad you can visit anytime. You live 15 minutes away" Zaylia snorts at his dramatics. Leaning her head on top of his. Now that she was 21, she had grown slightly taller than her dad and she never let him forget it.

"That's too far" He frowns. Dylan pats the man's shoulder. His mom was the same way when him and Zaylia were packing his stuff at home. His parents were so proud of him with his new job. He helped his dad with managing the agency, but he was currently going to school for Law. Zaylia was doing modelling with Roxanne's company. The woman adored her maybe even more than Dylan, she taught her everything she knew, recommended her to other agencies and she has an offering in New York after summer. But she was also going to school for business, hoping one day she could own her own company. Safe to say, things were going good for the couple and they were more serious than ever.

"Hey, speaking of dance recitals, I promised my favourite girl I'd watch hers, so we'll see you there with everyone else" Zaylia spoke, smiling at the mention of Becky.

"Yeah, see you there. I guess I'll-uh, leave you two to settle into your home. I'm happy for you guys. Truly" Marcus smiled genuinely at them. He had something else he needed to tell the blonde, but he was scared shitless out of his mind about what she'd think of him. So... he decided he'd tell her later. A time where there's...not a box labeled "cutlery" where the steak knives were.

"Thanks, dad. Love you" Zaylia hugged him one last time.

"Love you too, Z"

"See you later, Marcus" Dylan pats his back and he nods.

"See ya, kid"

The couples walked Marcus to the door. Zaylia felt tears begin to weld up in her eyes at how much the realization hit her that she wouldn't be living with her dad anymore. Dylan wrapped his arms around Zaylia's torso and buried his face in her neck, planting ticklish kisses. Zaylia squealed quietly and laughed.

"I love you" He whispers as she turns to face him.

"I love you" She whispers, her eyes flickering between his own chocolate orbs. Dylan pulled her to his chest and kissed her deeply.