Chapter 17

Austin

"Hey Stacey, mommy, Emberlynn, and Auntie Austin are gonna have a little thing called girl talk. That means no boys allowed, and whatever we say, stays between us, you got it?" Cadee tells her daughter.

Then she turns to me and gives me a look, "Why didn't you tell me that Declan is basically a copycat of Jax from that show? I mean, look at me. I'm in this raggedy t-shirt and no makeup. I look like a mess. Give a girl a heads-up next time a fine ass man is coming over.”

"Cadee, it's okay. Declan found you stunning. He prefers a natural look over someone who's always dressed up," I reassure her. I don't understand why she's so upset.

"Why are you so worked up, Cadee? He's not your boyfriend, and he lives far away in Ohio," I ask, trying to make sense of her reaction.

"I don't know why I'm freaking out, to be honest," she says, pacing and flailing her hands.

"Cadee, have you been on a date recently?" I inquire, as her behavior suggests she hasn't had much experience with dating.