His Guilty Pleasure

Chapter Twenty Nine

Its like a party. A family party. Mom, Davie, Dad, a blonde headed woman, Joe, Luke, Davie's parents, some cops, and finally the star; Me.
Mom runs to me, pulling me into her arms. She's crying and I try to pry her off of me.
"Ma'am, next time, please contact your guardians. They were worried." A female officer says to me, winking. I smile and nod my head.
"Next time? There won't be a next time, she's grounded!" Davie says, too loudly. Grounded? This is getting better by the minute.
"Who are you to ground my daughter? Joan, handle your husband." Dad spits. The blonde woman grabs his arm, protecting him, I guess. The cops give a final wave, walking out. I finally push mom off and she looks a little sad. A little heart broken, that's how I felt. She's been pushing me away since Davie arrived.
"Well..where were you crazy woman?" Luke says, laughing. I punch him and we laugh together.
"You think this is funny?" Mom spits.
"No mom, I think it's crazy that I had to leave to get your attention." I shrug, plopping down. I don't make eye contact with Joe. I can't.
"Well hello Dad." Dad says, thumping my head.
"Hello father. Who's she? She looks like you mom." I say. The lady fidgets with her fingers and mom glares at me and dad. Dad snickers, "This is Leanne. This is my daughter, Danielle."
"Nice to meet you." We say together. She laughs musically and I laugh too. She has an elegance to her that mom used to have. Mom lost it.
Davie stomps off and Luke gives me a small wave before leaving.
"Good day, Joan. Stay out of trouble, Danielle." Joe says, following suit.
I want to follow Joe and tell him I'll try a little harder, he wants the best for me. Being good has never been easy for me.
"I'll grab my homework and get Luke to tutor me." I say, standing up. Mom just nods her head. I guess she's too embarrassed to talk to me.
"Actually, we wanted you to join us for some shopping and food." Leanne says, smiling. I look at mom for approval but she looks heartbroken.
"Mom? You okay?" I ask, stepping towards her. She turns her back, leaving the living room. Maybe she'll talk to me later.

•••••••••••••

Leanne is nice. She talks a little too much and answers questions that aren't directed to her; I guess annoying comes with nice. Dad spends money like it's nothing.
"Want that? Grab it." Is all he says. I dont grab much when I want to grab everything. I watch them whisper and laugh while I eat. How extremely annoying. I don't want to ruin this for Dad so I just smile.
"How's the food, kiddo?" Dad says, chewing.
"Just ask!" Leanne says, bouncing in her seat. Maybe she's hyped up off drugs.
"Danielle."
"Dad."
We stare each other down and eventually he blinks. I stick my tongue out, swimming in victory.
"You want to move back?" He asks, smiling.
Now, I have to break another heart.