The Road That Leads to Us (Us 1)

“Maddox,” my mom scolded.

“No,” he was adamant, “this was a bad idea to begin with.”

My mom sighed heavily and rolled her eyes. “Honestly, you’re ridiculous. She’s nineteen, she can do what she wants.”

My parents glared at each other in one of the most epic staring contests of all time.

“Ugh,” my dad finally looked away with a groan, “fine. Whatever.”

My mom laughed and turned to wink at me. I raised my apple in salute and wiped the juice from my mouth.

Outside a horn honked and I jumped off the counter.

“My chariot awaits!” I boasted, running to grab my stuff.

“Not so fast!” My dad called.

I skidded to a stop and eyed the door.

So close, and yet so far away.

“Em, why don’t you go wake up Mascen and Lylah. They’ll be upset if they don’t get to say goodbye.”

I knew what my dad was up to. He wanted a moment alone to speak to me.

Frickety frick frack.

As my mom passed me I pleaded with my eyes for her to stay. She smiled apologetically.

Traitor.

“Walk with me.” My dad strolled up to me and slung his arm around my shoulders.

He started to lead me out of the kitchen and I looked back to beg Mathias and Remy to help me, but they were too busy laughing.

Some family I had.

My dad led me back through the house to his favorite room—it was the room where he kept his hedgehogs and knitting supplies.

My dad might’ve been famous, but he was a bit eccentric.

He closed the door behind us and then crossed his arms over his chest.

“First off, I love you,” he started.

“Oh God,” I mumbled, “this can’t be good.”

“I also trust you. But I do not trust that boy.”

I rolled my eyes. “Dad,” I groaned, “you’ve known Dean for like his whole life. Since when is he that boy?” I mimed his tone.

He tilted his chin down, leveling me with an icy glare. “Since he decided to drive my daughter all over the country and he has a penis.”

I snorted and walked over to the chair in the corner. I plucked the pillow off and sat down, placing it in my lap.

“Ah, I see what this is about now.” I couldn’t help but laugh.

“You do?” He seemed surprised.