Book 2: Chapter 3

Chapter 3

"So it was you!" I yelled, pointing my finger at him.

Jeremy was constantly meddling in my business. It didn't matter how big or small he was going to find a way to solve my problems for me. Only this time, I couldn't be too mad at him. He helped Jay find me so we could reconnect. If it weren't for the fact that our conversation went well, I'd be chewing him out. This time I was grateful.

Jeremy shrugged, not seeing the problem. He and my mom have been doing great since the date I planned for them. Marriage wasn't in the works since it's only been a year. They've been enjoying each other's company which is more than anyone could have asked for.

"Aren't you happy he came?" He raised his brow at me.

I sat down at the kitchen island, rolling my eyes. "I mean, yes, but-"

"Then I did the right thing." He cut me off so that he could say he was right.

Having him as a stepfather was something I never thought would happen. Ever since I met him, he's looked out for me and continues to. No one could ever replace my dad because that was my father. Jeremy was a great stand-in, and there's no other way I would have it. Our connection since being in Sunbury grew as he spent more time here with us. He still worked for the Hadids yet somehow managed to make time for our little family. The only thing is, he was still trying to win over Summer, who wasn't caving in.

Speaking of Summer, she came to sit next to me, giving me a tight squeeze. Ever since I moved out, she's been missing my company. I tried to see her every day and even got a room just for her in my apartment. Jeremy moved them into a house that wasn't too big but the correct size. Summer loved the place and having a big-sized room, but that still didn't give Jeremy enough brownie points. Even when he cooked her an excellent hot breakfast in the morning and a delectable lunch for school, it wasn't enough for her. I'm sure it had something to do with our father, but she won't admit it. Not even to me.

"Summer, did you sleep well?" Jeremy smiled at her. He tried to be proactive, but she was always short with him.

She nods, giving a half-hearted smile. "Yes," poor Jeremy.

I nudged her because it bothered me how she would never put the effort in with him. "Stop being so aloof. He's trying, you know!"

"Stop telling me what to do. You're not my mother!" She snapped back at me.

"I don't wanna be your mother, you ungrateful little-"

"Would you two cut it out!" Our mom walked in, scolding us this early in the morning.

Summer and I were close, but that didn't mean we didn't fight like actual siblings. My mom was always too nice and let her do what she wanted. I understood where she was coming from, but it's been a whole year. If my mom didn't say anything, she would never come around to Jeremy. She needed someone to be hard on her, or else she wouldn't learn. Unfortunately, that led us to argue now and again, much to my mom's displeasure.

We were still a pretty tight-knit family, as much as Summer didn't like it. She was always excited to do family things with us. Whether we were going for a walk in the park or watching movies at home, no matter what we did, we had fun as a family. Thanks to Jeremy, the stuff that wasn't available to us was open now. There were so many things to be grateful to him for that I wouldn't stand for her blowing him off the way she does.

I snickered at my mom while she greeted Jeremy. "She needs to get her attitude in check before I check it for her." I narrowed my eyes at Summer.

"And she needs to stay out of my business!" She yelled at me again.

It took everything in me not to snap this little girl's neck. "You're 15; you don't have any business," I remark. "If you stop being so indignant, then I wouldn't say anything."

"Girls, stop this nonsense already. You're ruining the breakfast," of course, that's what my mom was worried about.

We were ruining it, though. Jeremy made some delicious pancakes with fresh strawberries on top. There were eggs, bacon, and grits on the side that smelled heavenly. Usually, we'd have breakfast together every day unless I needed to work or didn't feel like driving over here. That was rare as I would never pass up the opportunity to eat Jeremy's cooking. Especially since it meant I didn't have to.

Jeremy fixed all our plates as we sat at the dining room table. I wasn't finished talking to Jeremy about what he did last night. I'm sure my mom would have something to say about it but most likely side with Jeremy. All his ideas were gold in my mom's eyes. That's how much she valued him and his opinions.

"How long have you two been planning this?" I was curious to see how long they've been talking and why I wasn't made aware.

He thought for a moment, eating a piece of his pancake. "At least for the past three months now," he was still unfazed by the whole thing.

My eyes widen in disbelief. "And you never thought to tell me!"

"He wanted to keep it secret, and I'm a man of my word."

My mom looked confused, trying to figure out what we were talking about. "What secrets are we keeping around here?" She wondered.

"Oh, one of her old flings stopped by to see her last night," Jeremy stated so calmly.

He wasn't necessarily a fling. We had something extraordinary between us. It would have been nice to know Jeremy had been in contact with him for the last three months. We could have talked sooner instead of surprising me the way he did. It made sense why he sent flowers my way for my birthday. Jeremy had to give him my address for that to happen.

Still, it doesn't explain why he would be helping Jay. Wouldn't that be a conflict of interest since he worked for the Hadids? Shouldn't he be helping Cyrus out instead? Then again, Cyrus probably isn't asking for me since he has Jenna, of all people now. I doubt he even wants to have a conversation to squash the mess we created back then. Regardless, Jeremy didn't seem like the man to ruin his relationship with the people he's worked with for over 30 years.

My mom's eyes lit up in excitement. "Oh, which one, the Hadid boy or that Jason guy?" Wow, I spilled everything to my mom.

"Jay..." I say, not sure how she would take that. She sent me to fall in love with Cyrus, but I also fell for his best friend.

That didn't matter to her, though. "How is he? I know it's been a while since you've seen him."

I smile, picking at my strawberry and thinking about him. "He's great. He's changed in a lot of ways as well."

His face was still the same, but he looked more in tune with himself. I couldn't stop thinking about our hug and when we grabbed hands. The feelings I felt course through me were out of this world. It was a feeling I'd been waiting for as the year went by. There was nothing like it, and I couldn't wait to feel that again.

"Someone's in love," Summer poked fun at me.

I rolled my eyes. "I am not!" I reprimanded. "It was great to see him again."

My mom smiled understandingly. "This could be the start to something new."

"We'll see. I'm still mad at how he left me," I pouted my lips but was more accepting of his decision after our talk.

We finished eating breakfast and chatting with one another. Summer didn't say much, but she spoke now and again. The girl made me worry about her sometimes. She barely talked about anything anymore. I feared she was becoming depressed, but that was even more reason to confide in me. I was her big sister; if she felt she couldn't go to mom, she could have come to me. Whatever we talked about would stay between us and no one else. Her attitude has completely changed, and I've chalked it up to being a teenager. She did turn 15 this year, but I'm wondering if there could be more to the story.

The doorbell rang as Summer, and I cleaned the dishes off the table. My mom went to answer it as Summer and I continued to clean up. Jeremy divulged himself in a book he was reading as my mom returned with a guest I wasn't excited about seeing. The woman drove me mad the whole time the stupid competition was going on. She didn't like me simply because I wasn't as rich as she was, and the feelings were mutual.

Farah Hadid stood in my parent's kitchen looking as elegant as ever. Her hair was pulled back in the tightest of buns, and her dress was immaculate. Although we weren't the best of friends, I had to admit she always looked great. That's what happens when you have the means to do so.

"Hello, everyone; it's nice to see you all." She smiled, looking directly at me.

I smiled back, not to seem rude. We knew we did not like each other but had to be cordial anyway. My mom wasn't a big fan of hers, but that was her boyfriend's boss.

"Farah, what brings you here?" Jeremy asked, just as confused as we were.

She looked around, not sure of how to begin. "Um, I'm here to personally invite you guys."

My mom and I looked at each other, confused about what she was talking about. Usually, I wouldn't think anything of it. She was most likely inviting us to whatever they had going on because of Jeremy. However, this lady had it out for me since day one. Whatever she was asking us to was to spite me.

My mom chuckled in a confused manner. "Invite us? To what exactly?"

Farah's eyes widen. "Oh, did Jeremy not tell you?" She asked, now focusing her attention on me. "Well, in that case, I have wonderful news..."

Oh boy.

"Cyrus and Jenna are getting married!" She said, thrilled.

What!