Once Upon A Starr

Chapter 13: Thank You's and Pounding Hearts

Starry's POV

"You're home early," I stated as I gave her a hug.

"Well, your dad has an emergency meeting tomorrow in Hawaii so we had to cut our vacation short. It's rather sad, actually."

I chuckled at her pout and replied, "That's alight mom, and you can continue your vacation in Hawaii. There are a lot of things you can do there. There's this snow cone something I saw on TV."

She beamed at my idea and smiled, "You're right. I'll tell him later."

She turned to the person behind me and eyed me meticulously, "So, aren't you going introduce me to your friend, Sweetie?"

Right! I forgot that I invited Tyler here. I mentally face palmed myself.

"Oh, right.. Mom, this is Ty.."

"Hi Ma'am! I'm Tyler Thompson. I'm currently staying at Mrs. Cuevas' cabin for a few weeks. And no, I'm not related to her. I was told that I don't look Spanish enough," he stated with a chuckle as he glanced towards me and offered his hand to my mom which she gladly took to shake and chuckled herself.

"Starry invited me in for dinner but I could leave if you wish," he continued.

"Don't be silly! You could stay as long as you want," my mom replied dismissing Tyler's offer.

"Thank you, Ma'am," he said with a smile.

"Hush! Call me Aunt Suzzie and this is my wonderful husband, Tony," she slightly scolded Tyler and introduced my father as he joined in.

He eyed me with curious eyes as he offered his hand to him. "Tony. Tony Ash," my father finally spoke up with superiority in his voice.

Tyler was slightly taken aback but shook my father's hand firmly, "It's great to meet you, Sir. I'm Tyler Thompson."

I saw my father smirk which made me roll my eyes at him with my mouth twitching into a smile. He loves to show this big bad wolf persona but he is actually the opposite; he's sweet, kind and funny. He's a cool dad. The best ever!

"A Thompson, eh? How are you related to Andrew Thompson?" my father inquired.

"He's my father, Sir," he proudly replied.

"Oh! Well, then, it's great to meet you, son," finally giving away that goofy smile which Tyler gladly reciprocated.

Son? My mouth hung open when my father easily put down his walls.

I can see the delight in my mom's face when my father gave in, "how about we have some dinner now?"

"Oh, yes. I'm starving! Care to join us Tyler?" my father asked.

"Of course, it would be my pleasure," he replied with a smile.

"Good to know. So, let's go then," he said to him and faced me after, "please call your sister. She's at the library with Alex."

I rolled my eyes and he eyed me pointedly which made me sigh in defeat, "fine."

"Good girl," he smiled and kissed my forehead before heading to the dining room with my mom.

"Shall I come with you?" Tyler asked.

"Oh, no. Please proceed at the dining area over there. I'll be back in a minute or two," I answered him while walking backwards to the direction of the library.

By the time I got to the huge double door, I took in a huge breathe and turned the knob. There I saw Steffi's standing in a round platform in the middle of the room while Alex is sitting by the coffee table with wedding magazines at hand. I was about to open my mouth until I saw Josh taking Steffi's measurements and on instinct, he looked at me.