“I could help,” I say instantly, before I’ve even thought about it. But what’s there to think about? My dad needs money and I have it. Well, I will have it once I call my mom. My father looks surprised. “I mean, if that’s the issue, I could help,” I continue quickly. “Once I go back to my normal life, I’ll be able to access my own accounts. I have plenty of money. I can help you buy a bigger house. I mean, it’s no problem.”

“That’s very generous of you, Star,” my father says, smiling at me warmly, “but sweetheart, I don’t want you to feel like you have to do that.”

My heart leaps to hear him call me sweetheart.

“Don’t be silly,” I say. “I’m your daughter. I want to help.”

I feel like I’m on top of the world that night as I hug Lynda, Alison and my father good-bye and climb back into my Beetle after dinner.

Lynda murmurs something to Alison and she walks up to my car window.

“Star?” she says. “You’re a cool sister.”

“You’re a cool sister too,” I say. She shocks me by leaning forward and kissing me on the cheek. I look up at my father and Lynda in surprise. They’re both smiling at us. Lynda steps forward and guides Alison away from the curb.

“See you tomorrow for lunch, honey,” my father says warmly. He raises his hand and the three of them wave as I pull away from the curb.

I watch them in the rearview mirror as long as I can. Then I smile to myself the whole way back to the motel.

For the first time in my life, I feel like I might have a chance at a real family.

Chapter 18

You could have walked away,
But you didn’t go.
You had faith in me and let me lead.
You trusted in me,
You’re still by my side.

—“HAND IN HAND,” STAR BECK
ALBUM: THIS LIFE

Chapter 18

Nick is waiting for me outside my door when I climb the stairs to the apartment above the restaurant that night.

“I’m sorry,” he blurts out. “I’m really sorry about last night. I didn’t know what to say. And I felt stupid for not recognizing you.”

“Don’t feel like that,” I say with a small smile. “My own dad didn’t even know me at first.”

“Look, can I come in for a minute?” he asks.

In the tiny room, Nick sits down on the edge of the bed, and I sit beside him. I tell him quickly about seeing my dad today and about meeting my stepmother and half sister. I’m still in shock. Nick hugs me tightly and tells me he’s happy for me.

“Star,” he begins haltingly. “Or Amanda or whatever. Geez, this is weird. I don’t even know what to call you.”