Free The Trouble with Bree (Spotlight #1.5) by Kristen Strassel

could handle that. But it would destroy the boys. They couldn’t stop talking about him. Daisy wasn’t the only one dating a rock star.
    “And for a minute I thought your mother might be getting less nuts.” Daisy rolled her eyes, then tossed the ball back to Lucas. They’d been playing in the yard as we worked, and they were getting anxious for us to join them. “What happened with Troy? Did he go to rehab?”
    “Yeah. He’s there for at least three months.” I could rest easier with him in treatment. The panic attacks I had every time I pulled into my parking lot since that night had finally stopped. “I hope it helps.”
    “Me, too.” Daisy shook her head sadly. “Sorry I haven’t been able to help out lately.”
    “Don’t you dare apologize to me.” She’d just lost her sister and found out she was going to be someone’s mom. I didn’t factor in on the to-do list, but God, I missed her. “But I was thinking of asking a little favor, when you’re ready?”
    “When do you want me to watch them?” It was the only thing I ever asked for.
    “Monday nights?” I smiled hopefully. “I actually want to try those pole dancing classes.”
    “Really?” Daisy couldn’t hide her surprise. I’d never been overly excited about any sort of exercise.
    “Yeah. All the stuff I’ve read talks about it being an amazing workout, and how confident all the girls feel. And it’s sexy. I want up my game a little bit.” I put the last of the decorated mason jars back in the box. “Josh could have any girl, you know?”
    “But he wants you.” Daisy put her hand over mine before she took the box from me. “You’re bringing him to the party, right? I can’t wait to meet this guy.”
    **
    “Whatever you do, you can’t tell Daisy’s dad that you like the Yankees.” I almost forgot to tell Josh one of the most important things about meeting Daisy’s family. “He’d be far more accepting if you told him you were a professional arsonist.”
    Josh laughed. “Yeah, it’s a pretty unpopular opinion up here. Go Sox.” He pretended to gag. “Bree, relax. Everything’s going to be good.”
    “Daisy’s been my best friend since second grade, and you’re the first guy who’s ever been invited to their house with me.” I twisted my hands together in my lap. “It’s a big deal. I want them to love you.”
    “I understand that.” Josh pulled behind another car on in front of Daisy’s house and cut the engine. I’d already unbuckled myself, the boys were anxious to start partying. He turned to me, making no effort to get out of the car. “But the important thing is that I love you.”
    My body tingled, frozen. “No one’s ever said that to me before.”
    He leaned over to kiss me, and the boys ooooooed in the back seat. I stuck out my tongue at them, then went back for another kiss. “That’s because they’re all stupid,” Josh said against my lips. “But I’m okay with that, because that means I get to keep you.”
    I melted. “I love you, too.”
    I knew today wasn’t going to be easy. It was a strange mix, all the beautiful decorations that Ev had made, the taco truck, the margaritas, but no Ev. The only person I could find in Daisy’s immediate family was her dad. “Remember what I told you,” I whispered to Josh before I left the two guys together to find Daisy.
    There was only one place she could be, and I knew she needed a margarita. I found her on the floor in her old bedroom, next to the box that held Ev’s wedding dress, crying her eyes out.
    “Come on, Dee. Everyone’s asking where you are.” I downed my margarita as soon as I sat on the bed.
    “Did you tell them?” She wiped her face with the back of her hand. “And I thought you didn’t drink in front of the boys.”
    “Not unless I have to. And Josh is keeping an eye on them.” I wanted to tell her about our conversation in the car, but not yet. Anyway, I think she’d figure it for herself out pretty soon. If only I