A year after losing her older sister in a tragic accident, Charlie's Mom marries the father of the most popular boys in school. Still grieving, Charlie struggles to accept her new family and gets involved with her stepbrothers worst enemy, the capta...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The morning after he caught us sneaking in, Peter greeted me in the kitchen with a wide smile. He was at the stove, cracking eggs into a pan. I'd never been happier to see something so simple.
"Good morning, Charl," Peter said, handing me a coffee he'd already made.
I took in the food he was preparing: pancakes, a fruit salad, and everything for a full fry-up. My mouth watered.
"You made all this?"
He grinned, putting a loaded plate on the island.
"Of course I did, kid. Who else would have?"
I took a seat. "Is this the part you break some bad news to me?"
Peter raised his eyebrows, but any response was interrupted by Sebastian entering the kitchen. He was just as surprised by the food.
"Why do I need a reason for doing something nice for my kids?" Peter defended. "Can't I just cook you all a breakfast because I want to make sure you get all of the nutrients and minerals you need?"
My heart gave a little jump at "my kids." I shrugged, trying to act indifferent as Sebastian sat beside me.
"There's protein as well—you missed that, Dad," Sebastian said with a slight teasing tone.
Peter's eyes landed on Sebastian. "No need to pick apart my words like a lawyer, Sebastian. Eat the food before I find a stray cat to give it to."
Peter's crystal blue eyes landed on Sebastian. If I wasn't mistaken, I could have sworn I could see a glimmer of amusement in them.
"There's no need to pick apart my words like a lawyer, Sebastian." Peter grinned at his son. "Eat the food before I find some stray cat to give it to that deserves it more than you."
I smiled fondly at Peter and Sebastian's exchange realising how easy it was. I wasn't sure when I last had an easy conversation with my own father.
Peter turned to me, raising his eyebrows. "That goes for you too. I can't remember the last time I've seen you eat a full, proper meal. I don't want to see a crumb left on that plate."
It was my turn to raise my eyebrows as a warm feeling washed over me. He was treating me like I was his child too and much to my surprise I didn't hate it.
I glanced at Sebastian, who caught my eye and held back a smile. "You heard him," Sebastian said. "Get that food down."
My lips twisted in surprise at his words, but I didn't object. I picked up a knife and fork and started eating. It was so good.
Peter put a plate full of food in front of Sebastian and Sebastian started eating straight away and cleared the plate before I'd even eaten half of mine. When he was done, his attention was taken by his phone. I, however, kept my attention on Peter as thoughts about last night came to into focus in my mind. I should just get it over with. I'd rather know now than leaving it to linger in the back of my mind.
