Not If I Date You First

Chapter 7

I suppress an eye roll. I turned eighteen months ago, but he insists on acting like I'm a child.

"Huntley didn't sell those shots. It was someone else."

Mom and Dad stare at me, waiting for an explanation. I sigh, launching into the story of what happened this morning with Liam and Mia. I tell them how I got shots of the whole thing and how someone snapped pics of me in the process, then sold them to the press—along with a bogus story.

"Whoa," says Aiden, "that's, like, the most intense first day ever. Is Mia Harlow hot in person? Please tell me she's hot in person."

I glower at him, "Could you stop being a sleaze weasel for five seconds?"

My parents both frown, clearly not happy about the situation.

"Look," I say, pleading, "I'm sure the rumors will blow over by tomorrow. Besides, no one can even tell it's me in those shots. I'm barely recognizable."

This is a small exaggeration. Anyone who knows me will be able to recognize me. But the worry lines forming a "v" between Mom's eyebrows smooth the slightest bit, and Dad's fists start to unclench. I might not need their permission to do what I'm passionate about anymore, but I also can't afford to live on my own in New York. Life will be easier for everyone if they get on board with this.

The timer on the oven beeps. Mom pushes a strand of her short, blond bob from her eyes. "All drama aside, we're celebrating your first day. I made lasagna." She hurries into the kitchen.

Thank the Hollywood stars for that. After the day I've had, I need a good carb load. But when Mom sets the dish on the table, and I lean in to take a whiff of the cheesy goodness, I stop short. "What is that?"

"It's lasagna made with zucchini noodles and Daiya cheese. It's vegan. Very healthy."

That sounds like the worst thing ever, but Mom looks so proud of it. I can't bring myself to hurt her feelings.

"Great." I plaster on a smile and glance over at Aiden and Dad. They seem about as thrilled with this development as I am. Aiden's nose is scrunched up, and Dad's face is stiff like he's trying not to show what he's really thinking.

Mom's a criminal defense lawyer with a firm downtown. She works a lot of hours, and her job gets super stressful. Her blood pressure was high when she went for her checkup last year. Ever since then, she's been on a health kick. Now she's all into yoga, mindfulness, and eating whole foods—whatever that means. She's always trying to get me to go jogging with her or join her meditation group that meets along the Hudson River waterfront. She even painted all the walls in our brownstone in tranquil blues and greens so we'd be more 'zen.'

"Smells great." Dad smiles, but it's more like a grimace. Mom dishes out the lasagna. I pick up my fork and start poking at it warily.

"So," Dad turns his attention back to me, "are you dating this Liam Anders guy?"

His question catches me so off guard the fork slips through my fingers, clattering to my plate.

"Dad! Are you serious?"

"What? There are stories all over about my daughter dating some actor, and I can't ask?"

I stare at him, unable to think of words to explain how ludicrous it is that he'd think Liam and I could ever date.

"They just met today, dear. I doubt they've started dating already," Mom says, as though she's the voice of reason.

Ugh. Parents. My head flops back against my chair. "We are obviously not dating now or ever. And we didn't meet so much as yell at each other."