Bad Girl Reputation (Avalon Bay #2)(92)
By the relief on her face, it’s more than Shelley hoped for.
“Mom. You remember Genevieve.” Evan coaxes me forward.
“Of course I do. And oh my goodness, you’ve gotten so gorgeous.” She pulls me into a tight hug. “Evan told me about the engagement. I’m so happy for you two,” she gushes, holding me out with her hands on my arms. She glances at her son with an oddly smug smile. “See, baby? Didn’t I tell you? My love predictions always come true.” She turns back to me. “I always liked you two together. Even when you were little. I said, he’s going to marry that girl someday, if he knows what’s good for him.”
I get a tad choked up. “That’s really sweet.”
“Man, your kids,” she exclaims, eyes huge. “Such beautiful kids you two are gonna have. I can’t even.”
Shelley is already planning playdates with her grandkids before we’ve even set a date for the wedding. Not that we’re stalling, but with the grand opening at The Beacon coming up, scheduling is a nightmare.
Anyway, I think my dad is still in denial about the whole thing. A little upset that I asked Evan to marry me without talking to him first—and a lot scared that his only daughter isn’t five years old anymore. Bad enough he’s losing Craig to college next week. Billy and Jay insist he’ll work his way through the grief process in time for the wedding. Well, that’s if Evan survives the ritual hazing Shane and Kellan have promised to execute until he cracks or goes into hiding. But I have faith Evan can hold his own. One way or another, we’re mashing these families together, and consequences be damned. Kicking and screaming if need be.
After the greetings, we all go outside and start loading up our plates. It’s a super-casual affair. Harrison and Liz seem to have hit it off, so busy talking and smiling that they’re ignoring their food. Heidi and a few others gather at the railing to eat standing. Riley scarfs down hot dogs and coleslaw on the deck steps.
Meanwhile, the twins sit at the table, with me and Mac at their sides and their mom sitting across from them. Evan squeezes my hand under the table. He’d been anxious the past couple days. Tense. I hadn’t understood why, but now, seeing the contentment in his eyes, I realize this is a big moment for him. Having Shelley and her boys at the same table has been a long time coming. Despite the different roads we’ve taken to get here—and because of them—we’ve all found our second chances.
A cool breeze wafts over the deck and flutters our napkins. The season’s changing in the Bay, summer’s almost over. My arms break out in goosebumps, and a tiny shiver travels down my spine. It’s then I realize my shirt feels a bit drafty. I glance up to see Evan’s smug grin and remember I’m not wearing a bra. At my first dinner with his mother. And my nipples are hard.
Evan draws a tick mark in the air.
I walked right into this one. “So it’s going to be like that, huh?” I grumble under my breath.
He pulls my hand up to kiss my knuckles. “Always.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Some stories are harder to write than others, and some are an absolute joy to put down on the page. This book falls into the latter category—I loved every second of writing Bad Girl Reputation and breathing life into Genevieve and Evan. Their story is one of redemption, forgiveness, second chances, and the difficulties that come with shedding your past and trying to be a better, healthier version of yourself. I’m so thankful for everyone who helped me shape the Avalon Bay world and bring this book into your hands: My editor Eileen Rothschild and the SMP all-stars: Lisa Bonvissuto, Christa Desir, Beatrice Jason, Alyssa Gammello, and Jonathan Bush for another incredible cover.
Kimberly Brower, agent extraordinaire and fellow Felicity fanatic.
Ann-Marie and Lori at Get Red PR for helping spread the word about this book and the Avalon Bay series.
Every single reader, reviewer, blogger, Instagrammer, Tweeter, Booktokker, and supporter of my books. I couldn’t do this job without you, and I’m forever grateful to you.
And to all the former bad girls out there, know that second chances and new beginnings are always within your reach.