Chapter 29
The drive was nerve-wracking. Leona didn’t know what to think, or what to say. However, she wanted her parents to know, and the more she thought about it, the more she realized she probably should have brought it up before then.
Too late to worry about that. Pulling into the driveway, she parked and checked her phone. Nothing from Luke, but it had been less than an hour since he called. And Instablast gave her a headache every time she checked in to see all the crazy there.
Three different pictures of the three of them together, at different times, so now at least it was obvious they were together.
And really, while he was out of the country, she couldn’t imagine anyone coming to bother her. She was just an author, and sure, she had a little popularity, but she wasn’t one of those huge names everyone knows off the top of their heads, even if they had never read anything from them.
Sighing, Leona climbed out of the car and made her way up to the door.
Her mom threw it open and grinned. “You and Luke Chance?”
She winced. “How do you know?”
“It was on one of those celebrity gossip shows you hate so much. There are actually quite a few pictures of the two of you together. So, he’s the reason you stayed in California so long?”
“Uh, yeah.” She gulped. “You don’t think it’s too soon, do you?”
“Oh, hell no. Russell turned into a slimy little ass. I’m glad you’re over that douchenozzle. And Luke, my, my, my, he’s so yummy. Those dark smoldering eyes, his dark hair.”
Leona held up her hands with a wince. “Stop there, I don’t want to think about you fantasizing about my guy.”
Laughing, she shook her head. “How did it all happen?”
“Mona dragged me to a club I didn’t want to go to. We met. Some truly gorgeous blonde broke up our dance, and I left before he could send her away, fully expecting him to go for her. I figured he was only interested in the fact I had just sold the rights to Midnight Daughter: Legacy.”
“He was interested in a lot more, wasn’t he?”
“Yeah, he is.”
“As long as he makes you happy, I’m ecstatic.”
Dad came running down the stairs. “Going for the younger guys now? Allana will be jealous.”
“If she even remembers watching that show. That was ten years ago,” Leona countered.
“Hey, he’s what, twenty-five? He’s not a baby. There are six years between your mom and me. You’re both legal.”
Shaking her head, Leona started toward the kitchen. “Please tell me there’s coffee ready.”
“There is. And your sister is here,” Dad added.
“Where’s her car?” Leona asked.
“In the shop,” Naydene called. “I’ll have it in a few hours.”
Leona came around the corner and grabbed a cup of coffee. “You tell Allana yet?”
“Just found out when Mom squealed about Luke. And wow, he really grew up from that kids show.”
“Um, yeah, but we were all kids once.”
“Oh, I know, but the first thing I thought of when Mom said something was when he was like twelve.”
“You came with Mona and me to the Wild Side of Dance and were drooling along with the rest of us.”
Her mouth dropped open. “Oh my friggin’ God, that was Luke Chance? Holy shit, he’s a damned sex symbol.”
“Uh, yeah.” Luke definitely deserved that title, not that she was going to say it in front of her mother.
“So, yeah, he’s in Italy filming. We were on the phone for hours last night.”
“Oh?” Mom asked.
“Yeah, look, it could really be something. Try not to jinx it, please.”
“So, can I punch Russell next time I see him?” Naydene begged. When she’d found out about Russell and Mindy, she lost it. Leona had to drag her sister out of the restaurant and into the car. That had been fun.
When Naydene asked why she wasn’t doing anything, Leona answered, I’ll do this legally and leave him. Simple as that.
“How about we just ignore him. No need for you to land in jail.”
Naydene booed. “You’re no fun.”
Rolling her eyes, Leona smiled. “So, what have I missed?”
“Not much. Same old, same old. What about you? I know they’re turning your book into a movie, but beyond that.”
“Going to talk to a real estate person. I’m going to get rid of the house. Want to come along?”
“Sure. But you’re really going to sell the house?” Naydene asked.
“Yup. Don’t want to be surrounded by memories. I’m leaving all that in the past. Figured I could rent a lake house, and when Luke comes back, we’ll figure something out.”
Mom perked up. “You may move to LA?”
Leona shrugged. “Way too early to say what I’ll do. That’s why renting seems the best choice for now.”
“You may move in with him? After just two weeks?” Dad asked. “I mean, I’m happy for you, but that’s extremely fast.”
“I didn’t say that. I’m leaving things open. I don’t know anything yet. I don’t know where we’re going.”
“As long as you’re happy.” Dad hugged her.
Mom joined him. “By the way, you two look amazing together.”
Shaking her head, Leona muttered, “Thanks. See you later.”
Naydene hugged her parents and they headed out to the car.
“So, what happened to the car?” Leona asked.
“Just maintenance stuff. Nothing major.”
“How’s my niece?”
“Good, her father has been around lately. Jack is a dick, but she doesn’t see that yet because he’s only an ass around me. Maybe he should hang out with Russell.” Naydene nudged Leona.
“Maybe. Ready for a day with your big sis?”
“Sure, let’s have some fun. And get some things done.”