Page 33 of Clueless
“Yeah, my mom and sister say the same thing.Her mom’s a red head with green eyes, so I guess she does look more like me.”
“Did you love her mom?”she asked quietly, still looking at the photos.
“I thought I did, but what the hell does a nineteen-year-old kid know about love, right?”
“Hmm.You haven’t had any contact with Quinn’s mom since you’ve been out?”
“Just through my lawyer.”
“I think it’s really commendable that you took the initiative to get caught up on your child support when you got out.”
“Don’t be so quick to give me a gold star, Grace.I should have been there all along, paying support, and being a man my daughter could rely on.”I didn’t realize how sharp my tone was, or that I was clenching my jaw, until she curled her hand around my wrist, concern etched on her pretty face.“Sorry, I guess I still feel pretty shitty about not being there.”
“Taz, you can’t change the past.You can only move forward from here.And prove to both Quinn and her mom that you’ve changed.”
I nodded.“I know, but it isn’t easy when neither one of them are willing to give me a chance.Not that I blame them.I wouldn’t give me a chance either.”
ChapterEleven
Grace
It was difficult for me to listen to Taz berate himself, especially where his daughter was concerned.I could tell he was still struggling with a lot of guilt and self-loathing, but I had to keep reminding myself, I wasn’t his therapist.I was his date, nothing more, nothing less.
I tried to focus on the house, taking in all the details that made it more than a cookie cutter house.It made it… his.And I loved it.The upgraded baseboards and crown molding, painted creamy white.The natural stone and hardwood floors, wood blinds, and cozy paint colors made it feel fresh and new, but decidedly masculine, which had probably been his intent.
“I love it,” I said, poking my head into two of the three unfinished bedrooms, before catching a glimpse of the large master, which had obviously been expanded to include a sitting area with fireplace, walk-in closet and ensuite bath.
“Thanks.I thought it would take me a year to finish, a bit at a time, but thanks to the advance from the record deal, I can have the crew here while I’m in the studio and on the road, to finish it for me.”
“You’re going on the road?”I asked, feigning interest in the main bathroom, which had sealed natural stone tiles, a navy vanity, and frameless shower.“When?”
“One of Mav’s opening acts needs minor surgery, so he needs to take a couple of weeks off.Luc asked me to fill in for him, so I guess I’ll be heading out whenever I get the call.”
“Oh.”I led the way down the narrow hallway, back to the main living areas, trying not to react to the news I wouldn’t be seeing him for a couple of weeks.I shouldn’t care.This was our first official date.It’s not like he was my boyfriend.But maybe that was part of the problem, knowing he’d be out on the road, with so much temptation, and no commitments back home.
“Hey.”He reached for my hand, turning me to face him.“What’s wrong?”
I shook my head, faking a smile.“Nothing.We should get started on dinner.”
“Dinner can wait.This can’t.”He curled his large, calloused hand around my cheek and kissed me gently before looking into my eyes.“Whatever you’re thinking, stop it.”
I smiled.“What am I thinking?”
“That one-nighters are my thing, so of course I’m going to be screwing around with groupies on the road.I’m not.I meant what I said last night.I wouldn’t have asked you to come here tonight if I wasn’t serious about pursuing this.”
I wanted to believe him, but trust didn’t come easily to me.Probably because I’d been abandoned by my dad, the one man I should have been able to count on.I thought I’d worked through my daddy issues in therapy, but I had a feeling they’d be resurfacing a lot with a guy like Taz.
“I know I can’t convince you with words, Grace.But time will prove to you that I’m for real.”
He was right.Words were empty, especially when it was too soon to tell if the person in question had the character to back them up.“Let’s just focus on getting to know each other, having fun, and seeing where this takes us.”
Before I could walk away, his hands settled on my hips.“Wait, I—” He drew a deep breath before releasing it slowly.“I really suck at this, probably because I’m clueless when it comes to relationships, but, uh…”
He was adorable when he was uncertain.A big, tough guy like Taz exuded strength and confidence in so many ways, but when it came to the fine art of communication he was lost sometimes.
“What?”resting my hand against his chest.“Just say it.”
“I know I have no interest in screwing around when I’m on the road, but will you be?I mean, seeing anyone else?”
