They are my idols, and I look up to them in so many ways.
“That had better be a joke, young lady,” Mom says, finally letting Reeve go. Her vibrant green eyes pin me in place, and I know she’s semi-serious.
It’s not a joke though. Those events can get crazy, and Reeve and I always found a way to sneak some champagne. As we’ve gotten older, my parents have let us drink on special occasions, but it’s strictly one glass. I’m sure they know we drink when we’re out with our friends, but they don’t hassle us about it too much.
My dad squeezes Reeve on the shoulder as he offers his congratulations. I give Mom a quick hug. “Thanks for doing this.”
“Has he even called him?” she whispers.
I shake my head, and she sighs. “Felicia would be so disappointed in Simon,” she adds, careful to keep her voice down so Reeve doesn’t overhear. “This is a big milestone in Reeve’s life, and his father should be here.”
“He should, but I can’t say I’m surprised. He always lets him down.”
I hate Simon Lancaster.
I really do.
Even when he is around, he’s absent. He’s cold and selfish, and Reeve is usually an afterthought to him. Simon is a few years older than my mom but a few years younger than my dad, and he’s still a very handsome man. As head of Studio 27, one of Hollywood’s most reputable production studios, Simon Lancaster is a busy man and a desirable catch. If he’s not burning the midnight oil, he’s bumping uglies with his latest fuck buddy. I haven’t mentioned it to Mom—as I’m fearful she would stop me from staying over at Reeve’s—but we have regularly run into naked women roaming the house at all hours.
It disgusts me and upsets Reeve, and anyone who upsets my love is an automatic addition to my shit list.
“A toast,” Dad says, drawing Mom and me back into the conversation.
I walk to my boyfriend, wrapping my arm around his back as his arm encircles my shoulders. My parents mirror our position, and we raise our glasses. “To Reeve. May your star shine bright and your career ascend dizzy heights.”
We all clink glasses.
“We’re so proud of you, Reeve,” Mom adds. “Not just for winning such a prestigious role but for the man you are becoming. It’s been a pleasure watching you grow up.”
A messy ball of emotion clogs my throat as my parents shower my boyfriend with love.
I definitely won the parent lottery, and I couldn’t be more grateful for all the ways they have nurtured and protected me while still giving me space to make my own choices and decisions. More than that, they have set the best example in the beautiful way they love one another. My whole life, I have aspired to a love like theirs, and I know I have found that in Reeve. It’s remarkable in any situation, but especially with the industry we’ve grown up in where constant affairs and quickie divorces are the norm.
My parents are true role models, and I love the relationship I have with them. Sure, they piss me off at times, all parents do, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
“Thank you so much,” Reeve says, his voice sounding choked up. He waves his hand around. “Not just for this but for everything.”
“You’re family,” Dad simply says, running a hand through his brown hair. Strands of gray have appeared lately, and I love that he’s not hiding them. It only makes him look more distinguished, and more handsome, though I could be biased. Some of the staff carry steaming plates of food into the room as we talk. “You’re as much our son as Vivien is our daughter. There will always be a place for you at this table and in our home.”
I swipe at the errant tears leaking out of my eyes, while Reeve steers me over to the table.
“Can I adopt your parents?” he whispers, holding my chair out for me. “I don’t think I can wait until we’re married to make it official.”
I smile, kissing him softly before claiming my seat.
“I’m hearing a lot of buzz about your movie,” Mom says a few minutes later when we are all seated and diving into a gorgeous steak dinner.
“Me too,” Dad says, in between bites. “It’ll be interesting to see how the public at large engages with a darker young adult movie.”
“It’s going to push boundaries, for sure.” I take a sip of my sparkling water. “I hope they remain true to the books. They are so good.” When Reeve first auditioned for the role a couple of months ago, I bought all the books in the Rydeville Elite series, and I literally could not put them down.