Relatively Famous by Jessica Park Read Free Book Online Page A

around his daughter, patting her lightly on the back. Unexpectedly, Dani found herself squeezing him tightly. She tucked her head into his shoulder. The world felt like it was spinning , and Dani closed her eyes. She was determined not to create some sappy reunion scene by crying all over Mark’s pristine shirt. She pulled away and smoothed her dress over her knees. “Much less awkward now,” Mark said. “I’m glad we did that.”
    Dani felt the trunk slam shut, and she knew Christopher had found her luggage. The door opened , and Mark’s assistant seated himself across from his employer. “We are all set, sir. What’s next?” Christopher asked, his phone already in mid-air as he waited for instructions.
    Mark looked at Dani. “I thought we would go back to my house in Beverly Hills and let you unpack. I’ve got a room all set up for you. It has a deck with a hot tub , and the bathroom has a Jacuzzi. But you can look around, though, and settle in any bedroom you like. Maybe you’ll want to go for a swim and have something to eat? Sound okay?”
    Dani stared, transfixed at her father. “You have a Jacuzzi? Nice.” Dani pushed her bangs out of her eyes. “That’s cool.”
    “Dani?” said Mark.
    “Yeah?”
    “I’m, uh, I’m glad you’re here.”
    Could Mark Ocean be a teensy bit intimidated by a fifteen-year-old?
    “I’m glad to be here, too, Mar…” Dani faltered. “I mean, Da…” She looked to her father.
    “Let’s just go with Mark for now. Sound good? We’ll figure it out. We’ll figure it all out.”
    Dani leaned back in her seat. So far, Mark wasn’t half-bad.
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 13
     
    Leila’s hands flew over the computer’s keyboard as she furiously typed the list. Alan’s loud chuckling interrupted her train of thought. “What is so funny?”
    “What on earth are you doing?” he asked, leaning over her shoulder as he read the screen.
    “I’m sending an email to Mark. He’s never had a teenager , and I think he needs some guidelines. From what I’ve seen in the papers, he could use some guidelines of his own.”
    “Hon, I get that you’re worried, but do you think you need to include number fourteen?”
    “What’s wrong with, ‘Please refrain from semi-nude hot tub exploits with scantily clad women while Dani is in the house.’ It’s a completely reasonable request.” Leila continued typing.
     
    15. I’m sure you will want to buy Dani a few gifts, but do not spoil her.
    16. Dani is not to be driven by anyone that you do not trust with your life.
    17. Her curfew is 9 o’clock during the week and 10 o’clock on weekends. If she is out, please have her call you every hour to check in.
    18. Dani is not allowed to wear makeup and should be dressed appropriately for a fifteen-year-old. I don’t care what California girls are doing.
     
    “Do you really think this is necessary?” Alan asked.
    “Yes, I do. I feel guilty about this mess. But I can certainly let Mark know that there are boundaries.”
    “I’m sure he will follow these to the letter,” Alan said soberly. “And it has not escaped my notice that these rules are stricter than your rules around here. Sneaky, sneaky.”
    Leila hit S end. When it came to her daughter, it was better to be safe than sorry.
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 14
     
    Mark turned on the tap in his bathroom and watched the cold water fall into the spun-glass basin. I hate this stupid sink, he thought. The basin was nearly flat , and some spray always shot out of the sink. All he had to show for this expensive Spanish design was a permanent puddle on his equally expensive countertops and floor.
    Mark placed his hands under the tap, enjoying the feel of the water as it cascaded over his palms. He splashed his face repeatedly, cooling himself. He peered intently in the mirror and was pleased to see that he didn’t look any worse since his daughter arrived. Mark had wondered if he might age instantly when Dani got into his