“No, they’re not. Believe me. My parents want to put me into counseling, I’m sure of it.”
Considering Whizz and Lacey were her parents and the rumors he’d heard about the two of them, that was a shock.
“Why?”
“They told me and I danced. I was so happy.” She giggled. “I know, it’s awful. I’m a horrible person, but I can’t help it. I’m free.”
“Yeah, imagine that. You’re free,” Tabitha said.
Simon looked at his girl, who was staring at Anthony. The two were having a stare-off, and he chuckled. “Okay, now that everything is awkward, let’s go and show you guys off to my boys.”
“You actually have friends that are not us?” Daisy asked.
“Yeah, of course. You think I live my life here wondering about you guys? I can socialize without you.”
Daisy pressed a hand to her heart. “Now you’re killing me.”
Her father’s death hadn’t hurt her at all. She looked happier than he could ever recall seeing her.
Wrapping his arm around Tabby’s waist, he kissed her cheek, her neck, as they headed out. It was cold as fuck, but he didn’t mind. Daisy fell into step with Anthony.
“Are you okay?” he asked, whispering the words against her ear so only she would hear them.
“Yeah, I’m fine. It was a tough trip down is all. Do you have any idea what it was like listening to Mom and Miles argue about who cooks the best turkey? I think I’d had enough.”
“I’m thinking of giving up all kinds of meats this coming year,” Daisy said, suddenly joining the conversation and taking hold of Tabby’s arm.
“Really?”
“Yeah, why not? It’ll be nice to do something different for a change. You want to do it with me?” Daisy asked.
Simon responded with a hell no.
Anthony chuckled.
Tabby didn’t say anything. “Really?”
“Why not?”
“You know it’s going to piss your mom off?”
“Actually, it won’t. Mom’s giving it a try. She’s also getting my dad to eat healthy as well. She’s told him he can be buff all he wants to but she’s now in charge of everything he eats. I think he’s taking puddings from the club, but whatever. It looks like a lot of fun and it will help me lose weight.” Daisy patted her stomach.
“You don’t need to lose weight,” Anthony said.
Simon’s brows rose. The guy could actually speak. He knew he was more than capable but even still, it was a fucking shock to hear him.
Daisy stopped, which made them all stop.
“Thank you,” she said.
“You’re fine the way you are and beautiful. Don’t change that.”
Silence rang out.
Tabby tilted her head back and gave him the biggest smile which he couldn’t help but reward.
“Okay.”
They started walking again.
“I’m still going to give it a go. It looks like fun.”
“Doesn’t your mom suck at cooking?”
“Pretty much. I think she’s trying, you know. What does she have to lose ruining a bunch of vegetables?”
Simon laughed. “You’d be surprised.”
“She’s determined and I support her.”
“Then you know what, I will support her as well. It could be a lot of fun.”
“You’re going to starve,” Simon said.
“You’ll get to come to my rescue.”
“I always knew there was a good deal in it for me.” He pulled her close again, kissing her head, breathing her in.
She always smelled amazing. Like fresh air and hope.
“What do you do for fun around here?” Daisy asked.
“Not a whole lot. At the moment, I tend to stick close to home. Something’s going on with my mom and it’s not pregnancy.”
“There is?” Tabby asked. “You didn’t tell me.”
“I don’t know what to tell. She’s pale, tired, and Dad’s sticking close to home. I don’t think he’s stayed at the clubhouse once. I tend to babysit so they can have a day or two together.”
“I hope it’s nothing serious,” Daisy said.
“Me too.” He loved his parents. Unlike Dean, his friend, his family supported him and Simon knew without a doubt they would never lie to him or force him to be someone he didn’t want to be. They were constant rocks in his world. They took a few shortcuts he’d learned through his time and arrived in town.
It was busy. Shoppers trying to get all the last-minute preparations for Thanksgiving. The library was closed. They made their way around the building, and sure enough, Dean and Eddie were sat there smoking.
“Really, this is your hideout spot?”
“Not all of us have the luxury of the Quad back at home.” He held his hand out, shaking Dean’s and then Eddie’s hands. “My boys, I’d like you to meet my girl in the flesh.”
Tabby rolled her eyes. She held her hands out and gave a little twirl. “Not a ghost, guys. Very much living and breathing.” She even gave a curtsy.
“Wow,” Dean said, getting to his feet. “I thought you were some made-up chick.”
Daisy laughed. “You think Simon’s capable of making stuff up?”
“Harsh, girl, harsh,” he said.