Chapter 23


    Emmitt felt a pang of shame for his earlier presumptions, so he was all the more insistent on driving her


    to school.


    Mirabe had finished her meal and was about to agree to his offer when he added, “Summer’s at


    Parkside High School too. I promised her I’d drive her on the first day of school. You’re not familiar with


    Parkside, and with Summer there, you’d have…”


    Before he could finish, Mirabe cut him off with a cool, “No need, I can manage on my own,” the


    corner of her mouth twisting in self–mockery.


    With that she stood up, nced at Delh and Shawn, and said, “Dad, Mom, I’m heading upstairs.”


    Without waiting for a response, she walked away.


    Soon after, Mirabe’s figure vanished at the stairwell.


    Snapping back to reality, Emmitt frowned slightly, wondering if she was throwing a temper tantrum


    because he mentioned driving Summer, too. He looked at his parents and said with a heavy voice,


    “Has she been like this since she got back?”


    And here he was, feeling a bit guilty just moments ago.


    Understanding the implication of his question, Delh instinctively defended her daughter, “Mira’s


    actually got a great personality. But you know she’s just returned, and you haven’te to see her for


    days. That might be the reason she’s a bit upset.”


    Despite feeling somewhat at fault, Emmitt couldn’t help but retort, “Even if she’s upset, that’s no excuse


    for her attitude. Mom. I know she’s just returned, but don’t spoil her too much.”Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Delh didn’t take kindly to her son’s words, pping the table with a bit of ferocity, “Hey, why are you


    so hard on your sister? What did she ever do to you?”


    Emmitt quickly stood up, raising his hands in a cating gesture. “Okay, my bad. I shouldn’t havee


    tonight. I’ll leave you to it.” The sound of the front door closing echoed momentster.


    Delh nced at the barely touched dinner, feeling overwhelmed. “Emmitt seemed to get along fine


    with Mira when he picked her up. Why is he acting up today?”


    Shawn reached out, gently patting her shoulder, soothingly saying. “Take it slow. Our daughter just got


    back. They need time to readjust.”


    “I always thought Emmitt was the most level–headed. He should’ve gotten along best with Mira, but


    now…” Delh rubbed her temples, feeling the onset of a headache.


    The other Davis kids, Zach, Nick and Leo, were wild cards and hadn’te home yet. Who knew what


    kind of conflicts they’d spark next?


    After leaving the neighborhood, Emmitt’s mind was racing as he drove. Eventually, he decided to call


    Summer and arranged to meet her at a nearby diner.


    Half an hourter.


    “Emmitt, why’re you calling me out thiste? Is something up?” Summer asked as she sat down across


    from him. After gaining a following from Superstar Camp, she became somewhat of a celebrity and had


    taken to wearing sunsses and a mask in public. Now, in the privacy of the booth, she had removed


    them.


    Emmitt poured her a ss of water. “No rush, let’s order some food first.” He handed her the menu.


    Summer casually ordered a steak, sipped her water, and tentatively asked, “Emmitt, are you here


    because of Mira’s school situation?”


    She had mentioned helping Mirabe with school on the drive home but hadn’t heard a peep from the


    Davis family since.