Page 223 of Sincerely, Butterfly

It makes me wonder, though. Since finding out that Garrett was put on stalker duties for me and that he’s known who I was pretty much from the start, who do the guys have watching me now?

Are they doing it themselves, or do they trust I can take care of myself and don’t need anyone watching over me?

Should I be this disappointed at the idea that maybe they’re not trailing me? Are they not as obsessed with me as I am with them?

I want a stalker, damn it!

“Nola, honey, are you okay?” Mom’s concerned voice snaps me out of my thoughts.

“Yeah, sorry,” I huff out a laugh. “Isn’t this dress amazing?” I smile.

It’s a simple burgundy satin dress with a sweetheart pleated neckline and a corset fit for the waist. The lower half hugs my curves, and there's a slit down the side.

I feel sexy in this dress, the same way I did with the one from the masquerade party.

This time, there are no masks involved. I have a smokey eye shadow look that Callie came over earlier to do for me, with a deep red lipstick to match. They look great with my long, wavy curls hanging over my shoulder.

“Can I take a photo?” Mom asks, looking between my dad and me.

Dad chuckles. “Yes, love, you can take a photo this time.”

Dad is dressed in a suit. “Get together, you two,” Mom instructs with a beaming smile.

“You look stunning, Lola,” Dad compliments me, kissing the top of my head as he wraps his arm around me.

“Thank you.” I smile up at him, happy he’s my date for tonight.

Jasper’s parents are having a party tonight. It’s crazy to think that it’s been eight years since the last time I was there.

I’m both nervous and excited. It’s a little bittersweet knowing that we’re too old to play in the maze anymore. If I knew the last time I was there, it would be the last time we would have been able to do that. I’d have made sure we played a little longer.

Mom snaps a few photos before we leave.

“What are you doing?” Dad asks.

“Getting in the car.” I point to his car.

He chuckles. “They live a few blocks down the street. There’s no point. Plus, parking will be crazy. It’s easier to walk.”

“Walk?” I look down at my heels. “You’re joking, right?”

Dad grins and crouches down. “Climb on.”

“You’re crazy.” I laugh, shaking my head as I climb onto his back.

“Where do you think you got it from?” he chuckles.

Dad gives me a piggyback ride all the way there. Honestly, I love it. I feel like a little kid again.

The guys own my heart and soul, but my parents are my world. I love my men, but if I ever had to choose, I’d always pick my mom and dad. They are the people who gave me life, who loved me when no one else did.

My dad didn’t blink twice when he realized his daughter had a few screws loose.

That means the world to me.

We’re laughing when we walk up to Jasper's place. When I look over to see the guys standing on the front step waiting, my smile grows.

Dad puts me down. “Thank you.” I lean up and kiss him on the cheek before rushing over to the guys.