A Changed Life by Mary Wasowski Read Free Book Online

were beginning to freak me out. I just told Simon thank you for this afternoon, and I would see him tomorrow at school.
    I was silently praying that Simon would pick up on my hint and leave, but he didn’t. Before Simon could answer, my dad extended his hand and had introduced himself to Simon.
    “I’m Mason Vanelle, Nicolette’s father.”
    “Simon Paulson,” he replied.
    My dad looked at him and rubbed his chin. “Have I met you before?”
    “Yes, we did, sir.” Simon replied. “We met over the summer at the Beach Club.”
    I gave my father a look, willing him not to embarrass me in front of Simon.
    My father invited Simon in and asked if he had a few minutes to talk. This can’t be good if my father already wants to have a serious conversation. Did Gracie rat me out or something?
    Simon reluctantly took a seat that dad gestured to him, and I sat beside him. I instantly felt sick to my stomach but Simon appeared to be calm.
    Giving Simon a stern look, he clears his throat before starting. “Well, here’s the thing son. School ended at 2:15 and now it’s seven o’clock. The way I see it, you have spent more than four hours with my daughter. She should have been home and having dinner with her family.”
    “Um, yes sir.”
    The next thing out of my father’s mouth was not what I was expecting to hear.
    “Are you dating my daughter?”
    “DADDY!”
    “I care about your daughter. As far as officially dating, we haven’t discussed that yet.” looking at me while answering my father’s question.
    I guess I couldn’t be angry with Simon for being honest, but I was secretly hoping we were on the same page. Having spent some time together, I was already feeling a mutual connection between us. If Simon didn’t care about me, then why get upset with Michael or stake a public claim to me in front of my entire class.
    “You see, Simon, we are new to California, and this is Nicolette’s last year in high school. I want her to meet many new friends and get used to her new school.”
    I’m sitting here and listening to my father go on about me as if I’m not even in the room.
    “I understand that, Mr. Vanelle, I have only lived in California for two years now. I’m originally from Colorado.”
    “What? Really?” I said in a high pitch tone.
    “You didn’t ask. You assumed I was a surfer dude.”
    I smirked at him.
    “What brought your family to California?” my father asked.
    “My mom was offered her dream job and accepted the offer to be dean at California State University.”
    My jaw dropped at that revelation, and my father just smiled from ear to ear.
    Simon had just earned major brownie points from my dad. Thinking dad was satisfied with that last bit of information, I was ready for Simon to leave, but daddy was far from being finished.
    “What does your father do?”
    “My dad is a lawyer and practices in the private sector.”
    “Well, seeing how you’ve been raised by a lawyer I think I’m done with my cross-examination.”
    I could see Simon’s shoulders relax.
    “Nicolette is our only daughter, and her mother and I do not like her socializing with just anyone.”
    “Yes, sir. I completely agree.”
    He’s got to be kidding me, right? Oh my God. Protective is one thing, completely embarrassing, another. I put my elbows up on my knees and drop my head into my hands, wishing I was somewhere else.
    “We are hosting a party in a few weeks, mostly business associates, but friends too. Consider this as my invitation to you and your parents. You are more than welcomed to join us.”
    My head snaps up, turning from daddy to Simon and back again. Party? Here? Invited Simon?
    “Thank you, sir. I will pass along your invitation to my parents and let you know.”
    “Happy we talked, Simon.” They shook hands, and before my over protective father left the room, “Not too much longer, it’s a school night.” And then he was gone, leaving me to sink deeper into the couch.
    Keeping my face