𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 │ 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧

𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓

EMBERLY JUMPED TO HER FEET IN the stands, cheering as Spencer made a touchdown. Beside her, Layla, Olivia, and Evelyn joined in, rooting enthusiastically for the Eagles. Spencer stood up from the ground, removing his helmet, and glanced in their direction. Emberly waved at him but quickly shook her head, signaling "no" with a subtle smile.

Layla noticed the exchange and nudged Emberly. "What's that about?" she asked.

"Coop was supposed to be here, but she didn't show," Emberly replied, brushing it off.

Spencer had mentioned his concerns about Coop pulling away lately, spending more time with Shawn. From what he'd told her, Shawn wasn't a great influence, and Spencer's worry for Coop was obvious.

"Too bad she missed it," Layla said, nudging Emberly again. "He looks good today."

"Don't," Emberly said firmly, cutting her a look. She wasn't in the mood for Layla's matchmaking efforts.

"What?" Layla asked, feigning innocence.

"The last time we tried to play matchmaker," Evelyn interjected, "she ended up in a hot tub with Olivia's almost-brother."

"He's not Olivia's brother," Layla countered.

Emberly's voice was sharp as she replied, "You and I both know trying to set me up with Spencer is more about you than it is about me."

Layla opened her mouth to argue but stopped short, her expression briefly guilty.

"I don't like Spencer," she said after a beat, her voice defensive. "I have Asher."

Emberly wasn't convinced. Anyone could see Layla's feelings for Spencer, and she suspected Spencer might feel the same. The real mystery was how Asher hadn't noticed—or if he was simply pretending not to.

"Hey, Princess." Layla's dad, JP Keating, approached with a warm smile. A rare sight, as his work as a big-time producer kept him away most of the year.

"Hey, Dad!" Layla stood and hugged him tightly.

After exchanging a few words, JP turned to her friends. "Hi, girls," he said, flashing a polite smile.

"Hi," they replied in unison.

A woman standing beside JP chimed in, "How's it going?"

Layla's polite demeanor faltered for a moment before she recovered, hugging the woman stiffly. "Hi. This is Olivia, Emberly, and Evelyn—" She stopped mid-introduction as the woman sat between her and JP. "Oh. You're sitting here. Cool."

Emberly stifled a laugh, hiding her amusement behind a quick sip of her drink. Layla's dislike for her dad's companions was no secret, and Emberly sympathized. Losing a parent made it hard to accept anyone new stepping into that role.

JP's phone buzzed, and he stood abruptly. "It's the publicist. Gotta take this," he said, walking off. The woman followed, murmuring, "I'll come too."

"How long is he in town?" Olivia asked.

"The usual—a couple of days. He's here to promote China's new album," Layla replied.

"You don't like her, do you?" Emberly asked, catching Layla's expression.

"No. She's... she's fine," Layla said, the words stumbling awkwardly.

"You almost choked on that 'fine,'" Evelyn teased.

Layla hesitated, glancing back at the game. "She's just not his type. She's nothing like..." Her voice trailed off.

"Your mom?" Emberly finished gently.