do that. He took it well, so it was okay, especially because I haven’t told him everything.”
“What do you mean?”
“I haven’t told him that Oliver is the father.”
“How’d you avoid that?”
“I asked him for some time to deal with the news before I get into the details. Right now he’s so blown away that he’s respecting my wishes and just trying to be supportive.”
“That’s nice.”
“He’s a good brother,” she admitted. But she wasn’t sure they’d be able to maintain their current peace. She’d let him believe she wasn’t gay, allowed him to make that assumption. And she wasn’t totally convinced it was true. She’d never felt this way about anyone before, was afraid she was falling in love for the first time—and it was with a girl. “So will you come tonight?”
Sierra closed her laptop and put it on her desk. “If you really want me to.”
16
Taylor watched her mother’s face as she introduced Sierra, searching for clues to her reaction. She wasn’t afraid Autumn would be rude. She knew her mother would be nice no matter what. But she didn’t want her to be polite for politeness’s sake. She wanted her to be open to getting to know Sierra, to truly like her.
“I’ve heard so much about you,” her mother said. “Taylor has really enjoyed finding such a good friend.”
Was she put off by Sierra’s piercings? Judging Sierra, or her father, assuming he let her get the tattoo? Taylor wished Sierra had worn long sleeves. But it was so hot and humid that would’ve looked ridiculous. The air conditioner could barely keep up.
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know her, too,” Sierra said.
Mimi stepped out of the kitchen, where she’d been making her lasagna with sausage and cheese substitutes, and a little bit of eggplant, so that Sierra could eat it. Taylor could tell it was almost done by the smell, which permeated the whole house. “So this is Sierra! It’s really nice to meet you. Taylor talks about you all the time. How do you do?”
“I’m great.” Sierra held out her hand, and Mimi smiled as she clasped it between hers instead of shaking it.
“I hope you’re hungry because I’ve made a lot of food.”
“It smells delicious.”
Sierra acted uncomfortable, which took Taylor by surprise. She always seemed so cool in any situation. If someone didn’t like her, she’d just as soon flip them off and walk away as try to change their mind. But she didn’t have that attitude tonight.
“Hey, Sierra.” Caden turned off the gaming console and got up from the couch. “Penn said he saw you driving a motorcycle the other day. I didn’t know you had a bike.”
Sierra hesitated as though she knew this probably wasn’t a good subject to bring up in front of parents. Caden could be sort of clueless sometimes.
“It’s my dad’s,” Sierra explained. “He forgot his lunch and said I could bring it over to him on the bike.”
Caden whistled in apparent envy. “Man, I’d love to have a bike.”
“No way,” Mimi said. “Don’t even think about it.”
Taylor sent him a warning glance, trying to get him to change the subject, but he was looking at Sierra.
“Do you have a motorcycle license?”
“I have a Class M designation on my license, so I went through the training,” Sierra said, obviously trying to make it sound better. “And I don’t ride very far. Usually, I just take the back roads.”
Although Taylor had been on the bike with Sierra several times, Sierra didn’t mention it. Taylor had known at the time that her mother and grandmother wouldn’t approve. But that was part of the thrill of doing it.
“It’s still dangerous,” Mimi insisted.
“I’m sure she’s a good driver or her father wouldn’t allow it,” Autumn said, the slight edge to her voice stopping Mimi, who was scared of everything, from going on and on about it. “What can I get you to drink, Sierra?”
Sierra accepted a Coke and, as they got dinner on the table and sat down to eat, answered about a zillion questions—about where she was born, where she’d lived in the past, what brought her and her father to Sable Beach, what her father did for a living. Taylor was relieved that no one asked about Sierra’s mother. Taylor had already told them that Sierra’s mother wasn’t part of her life, so she was grateful they didn’t put her on the spot.
“Where do you plan to go to college?” Autumn asked as they finished eating.
“I’m not sure yet.” Sierra nudged Taylor under the table