Being Julia (A Forever Novella) Read Free Page B

has plenty of experience.”
    “Just make sure you use protection, Julia,” she said.
    “Don’t worry. I’m not stupid.”
    I slipped on my black leggings, a long beaded tank top, and my short black jacket. I needed to make sure my ass was covered or my dad wouldn’t let me out of the penthouse. I curled my long blonde hair and looked at the time. Brody was going to be here any minute.
    “Don’t forget your tall black boots.” London smiled as she handed them to me.
    We walked downstairs to the living room and my mom was sitting on the couch, looking through an art magazine.
    “You look amazing, sweetheart.” She smiled.
    “Thanks, Mom. Where’s Dad?”
    “He’s in his office. Good luck. Let me know if he gets out of hand.”
    London sat down next to my mom and looked at the art magazine with her, while I stepped into my dad’s office. He looked up at me and just stared.
    “Well?” I asked as I turned around in circle.
    “You look exactly like your mom.” He smiled. “You look beautiful, Princess.”
    “Thanks, Daddy.”
    My mom called my name and told me that Brody had arrived. I took in a deep breath as my dad followed me out of his office.
    “You be nice,” I said.
    “I’m always nice, Julia.”
    We reached the living room, where Brody was talking to my mom and London. I smiled at him and said hi, and then proceeded to introduce him to Connor Black.
    “Brody, this is my dad. Dad, this is Brody Sullivan.”
    The two of them shook hands. I wanted to get the hell out of there as fast as I could before my dad had a chance to ask any questions. My phone beeped, and when I looked at it, there was a text message from London.
    “Look at the way your dad’s staring him down.”
    I shot London a look from across the room and then took Brody’s hand and led him to the elevator.
    “We better get going.” I smiled.
    “Have my daughter home by midnight, Mr. Sullivan,” my dad yelled from across the room.
    “Don’t worry, Mr. Black, I’ll have her home on time. She’ll be safe with me.”
    I turned and looked at my dad as he watched us step onto the elevator.
    “Have fun, you two.” My mom waved.

 
    ****
    Connor
     
    As soon as the elevator door shut, I walked over to the bar and poured myself a scotch. Ellery stood on the other side of the room, staring at me.
    “What?” I asked.
    “He seems like a really nice boy. He was polite, proper, and very well dressed.”
    “Those are the ones you have to watch out for,” I said as I held up my glass.
    The fact was that I wasn’t ready to release my little girl out into the dating world. Ellery convinced me that sixteen was the appropriate age to start dating. She also threatened me. I knew Julia wasn’t perfect, but she was still my princess and she always would be. It was a miracle that she was even conceived. The odds were against her, between the reversal of my vasectomy and Ellery’s treatments.
    “Look at you. You can’t stand this, can you?” Ellery asked as put her arms around me.
    “No, I can’t. I hate the fact that my baby girl is out with some random guy doing God knows what.”
    “I’ve educated her, Connor. She’s a smart girl and she’ll make the right choices.”
    “I hope so, Elle,” I said as I kissed her lips.
    “You need a distraction. I’m going to call Peyton and see if they want to come over for pizza.”
    “Sounds good, sweetheart.” I smiled as I poured another Scotch.

****
    Ellery
     
    I walked into the kitchen, took my phone from the counter, and dialed Peyton.
    “Hello, friend,” she answered.
    “Hi, Pey. I wanted to know if you, Henry, and Hailey would like to come over for pizza? Julia went out on her first date and Connor can’t relax. He’s going crazy, and I think Henry would be a good distraction for him.”
    “Sure, Elle. We can do that. I was just about to start dinner. Now I don’t have to cook. Henry should be home in a few minutes, so we’ll be over within the hour.”
    “Thanks,