Celeb Crush by Nicole Christie Read Free Book Online

nothing.”  Can she hear my thoughts now?  That would be an awesome side effect from the experimental shots she’s supposed to be taking.
    The atmosphere is rather tense as I try to think of a tactful way to bully my aunt into continuing her medication.  She finally speaks into the silence.
    “Andi, I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you’re doing this for your cousin,” Aunt Susan begins, her smile warming up her face.  “I know how difficult this must be, given the circumstances…”
    I lean against the wall, crossing my arms and trying to look casual.  “No, it’s fine.  It’s been two years after all, and I’m super thrilled for the both of them.  I’ve definitely moved on.”
    Her eyes twinkle mischievously.  “Ah, so the rumors I’ve heard are true.  Are you really dating a certain famous someone?”
    If Bran were here right now, I‘d punch him in his big mouth.  “Yup,” I mutter through gritted teeth.
    Aunt Susan suddenly looks infused with energy.  “I can’t believe you kept it a secret all this time!  How did you two meet?  What is he like?  Oh, my gosh, Andi—Megan would be sooo thrilled if Lucas Greyson came to the wedding!”
    I subtly smash the back of my head against the wall, smiling through the pain.  “Yeah, too bad he’s out the country.  Way out.  I think I hear Talon calling me.  I’ll see you later, okay?”
    “Sure.  At dinner tonight.”  Aunt Susan leans her head back against the pillow, still smiling.  “You can tell me all about Lucas Greyson then.”
    I’m already heading out, so she can’t see the horrible grimace on my face.  “Can’t wait.”
    I walk into the kitchen to get a drink, but I stop short when I see Uncle Charlie in there, putting groceries away.  I’ve never been comfortable around him, and I think about just slowly backing out.  He’s a good guy and a hard worker…but he looks and acts so much like my father that I’ve accidentally called him “Dad” several times since moving in.  Although he’s always especially nice to me, I’ve made a habit out of avoiding him.  Too weird.
    Uncle Charlie looks up before I can make my escape.  He gives me a little wave, and continues to put packs of meat in the freezer.  He looks tired and stripped down, and there seems to be more gray strands in his blonde hair than the last time I saw him.
    Caught, I step into the kitchen and help him with the groceries.  We make useless small talk.  When everything’s been put away, I go out to the backyard where I pull weeds like a mad woman.  Talon comes out while I’m watering the rose bushes, and it’s obvious by the way he positions himself too close to the spray of water that he wants me to splash him.  I comply, chasing him around the yard with the hose while he shrieks and giggles hysterically.  I almost tell him to hush, but then I notice Aunt Susan watching us from the window with a quiet smile.  I decide to let the kid have his fun.
     
    Ellen’s gray Cape Cod overlooks the ocean.  It has a wooden deck, and dangerously rickety steps leading down to the beach. The inside is pretty awesome, with vaulted beamed ceilings and two stone fireplaces.  It’s not the biggest house, or in the best of shape—but it’s exactly the kind of place I can see myself in some day.  Me, and ten cats.  And I don’t even like cats that much.
    Ellen is Grandpa Joe’s second wife whom he was married to for, like, five minutes.  Grandpa met Gina, his third wife, right after the divorce went through (probably before, but whatever), and moved to Florida with her.  Ellen stayed here and remained close to the family, claiming she had always liked us better than him, anyway.  My mother was closest to Ellen out of all Grandpa Joe’s wives—and that includes my father’s mother.  When I first met Ellen, I immediately liked her because she was the roundest person I’d ever met.  I like her white-blonde bob and her bright blue eyes,