Contents
Chapter 7
Overview
Skylar processes the warmth of West’s family against memories of her critical upbringing. Emmy sneaks to the bunkhouse, invites Skylar to her soccer game, and urges her to try songwriting, revealing Oliver rarely talks but likes Skylar. Skylar walks Emmy home; West’s gentle parenting contrasts Skylar’s past. Skylar and West exchange numbers, their attraction undeniable, even as a tabloid story stings.
Summary
Back in the bunkhouse, Skylar defiantly learns to make her bed, thinking about dinner with Weston, Emmy, and Oliver. The easy warmth of their mismatched, joy-filled household contrasts sharply with Skylar’s rigid, critical upbringing, and a shattered glass triggers memories of her father’s cruelty. West’s calm response earlier feels healing.
Emmy knocks late, bursting with energy. She invites Skylar to her Saturday soccer game and casually explores Skylar’s music process. When Skylar admits she hasn’t written her own songs, Emmy encourages her to try again, citing West’s “no means try harder” mantra and her own persistence about treats and a pony.
Emmy reveals Oliver rarely speaks to anyone outside family, but he likes Skylar—an important sign. Skylar, moved by the siblings’ loyalty and simple human expectations, reassures Emmy she isn’t leaving and hints she may move to a guesthouse. Concerned about rules yet not wanting to undercut West, Skylar walks Emmy home.
At the house, West waits at the door in boxers, firm but gentle as he addresses Emmy. The exchange underscores his patient parenting and their trust. Skylar proposes exchanging numbers in case Emmy wanders again; mutual attraction spikes as they trade contact info, both visibly flustered.
A fresh tabloid headline about Skylar “throwing a fit” at the airport stings, but she downplays it. West teases her as she retreats, and Skylar hurries away, unsettled by her desire for him yet buoyed by Emmy’s faith and Oliver’s quiet acceptance.
Who Appears
- Skylar StonePop star in hiding; reflects on childhood trauma, bonds with Emmy, learns Oliver trusts her, exchanges numbers with West, battles tabloid stress.
- Weston BelmontSingle dad; models calm, firm parenting with Emmy, shows concern for Skylar, clear mutual attraction, agrees to exchange numbers.
- Emmy BelmontOutgoing daughter; sneaks to invite Skylar to her soccer game, encourages her to write music, reveals Oliver’s silence and trust in Skylar.
- Oliver BelmontReserved son; off-page presence, revealed to rarely talk to others but likes Skylar, raising the stakes of her staying.
- CherrySkylar’s parrot; interjects with a squawk, adding levity during Emmy’s visit to the bunkhouse.