CHAPTER 3

Tamara

Mom said this was going to be a fresh start. But how in God's name is it going to be a fresh start if the whole Sinclair family lives in the very town I'm supposed to get my fresh start?

The Sinclairs don't know who I am, but I'm certain the father does. If my memory serves me correctly, he used to be Dad's acquaintance in the past. They met up sometimes for a few drinks. But that was before he did Dad dirty.

He, for sure, will recognize me!

I tugged at Andy's shirt, getting his attention. "Hmm?"

I swallowed nothing, praying he would say no. "He doesn't go to Palmridge... College, does he?"

Please say no, please say no.

"Of course he does!" He responded, "Everybody here goes to Palmridge College. Why do you ask? Oh, Tam, don't tell me you already have a crush..."

"What? No!" I said, nearly in disgust. Why would he even think that?

"Good. Because I do not approve of you crushing on Devin."

Okay, I think this is a great time to panic. What should I do? What should I do? What on earth do I do? Oh, Jesus!

The Sinclairs live in Palmridge, and their sons go to Palmridge College, who also happens to be friends with Andy? Oh, my God. Oh, my God!

The audience erupted with thunderous cheers and applause as Devin scored the last goal. I knew Andy was going to meet up with him and congratulate him on a successful game. And if he's doing that, that means I'll be meeting with Devin.

I don't want that. So I pulled out my phone and texted Sue.

Me: Is dinner ready?

Sue: Totes, where are you guys?

Me: Andy took me on a tour.

Her: Without me? *Angry emojis* How dare you two?

Me: Sorry. On our way back.

Returning my phone to my pocket, I tapped Andy on the shoulder.

"Sue said dinner is ready." I announced, "We should go."

"Hold on, let me say hi to my friends."

"Sue said Aunt is like, raging mad right now and also, I'm hungry. You don't want to leave me starving, do you?" I gave him my cutest puppy dog eye, which I know he couldn't resist.

"Alright, come on."

I smiled to myself. It always works.

We shuffled through the crowd and onto the parking lot. I heaved a deep sigh of relief when Andy drove off.

I escaped him this time. I hope I do next time.

As Andy drove home, thousands of thoughts were running through my mind.

Of all the cities in the whole country, why did it have to be Palmridge? Also, how in God's name did Mom not know that they live here? Surely, she should have known, right? Should I tell her? But I do not want to worry her. She already has it hard as it is.

I glanced at Andy, whose attention was on the road, biting my lower lip as I contemplated whether or not to tell him.

When the scandal about my dad broke out, Mom refused to believe that Dad would do those things he was accused of, so she began to dig. She soon discovered that David Sinclair was the mastermind behind everything.

I don't know how he instigated it, but I overheard from one of Mom's conversations that David Sinclair was working with an unknown person, who bribed all the signed athletes in Dad's agency to come out and speak against him.

I know it sounds preposterous and far-fetched, but I'm sure that's what I heard.

And of course, the public wasn't aware of this. If I told Andy that his friend's father was the one responsible for my family's downfall, he would probably stop being friends with him just for me.

Yes, Andy is that loyal.

But I do not want to ruin someone else's friendship just for my own selfish interest.

"So, Tam, what do you think?" Andy's inquisitive voice jolted me out of my thoughts.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"What do you think about Palmridge?" He repeated.

"Um, I think it's great." I answered, "It's... cool, I guess? The people seem nice, and I love the town's atmosphere."

He smiled satisfactorily, "I knew you'd love it."

I did. But after today's discovery, I don't think I do so much.

"Don't worry about making friends. Everyone here in Palmridge is so friendly."

"Okay."

The car plunged into silence. I ran my tongue through my lips, wondering if I should ask him about Devin Sinclair.

"So, Devin Sinclair."

Andy raised his eyebrow questioningly, turning to give me one of those looks, "Uh-huh, what about him?"

"Relax, I don't have a crush on him if that's what you're worried about." I said, debunking his presumptions.

"Are you sure?" He asked.

"Oh, come on, Andy. I don't. He's not even my type."

"Oh, good then." He nodded, looking relieved as he returned his eyes to the road.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. What did I say about Andy being so overprotective?

"They live here?"

"Uh-huh." He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. "They do."

"Since when?"

"Since forever."

What? How in God's name did Mom not know this?

"I thought they lived in Alaska." I said.

"Oh, yes. Devin's father lives in Alaska."

"Alone?"

"Not alone."

"Then..."

"People say that Devin's father lives in Alaska with his second wife and family, though it hasn't been confirmed, but everyone here believes that." Andy answered.

"So, only Devin lives here?" I enquired cautiously.

"No, with his sister."

"He has a sister?"

"Yeah. Danica. Though Danica is out of town for college." Andy explained. "And their mom... well, she still remains a mystery to me."

How didn't I know this? How didn't Mom know this?

"So, David Sinclair married two wives?"

Andy turned to give me that same suspicious look, "You know, for someone who isn't crushing, don't you think you're asking a whole lotta questions?"

I tightened my lips and turned away, deciding not to ask any further questions. At least David Sinclair isn't living here. That's a little bit of relief.

The rest of the drive was done in total silence.

Uncle Richard, Andy's father, had already arrived from work when we returned. He welcomed me warmly to his home and expressed how incredibly happy he was that I was here. He also expressed how sad he was regarding my dad's scandal and hoped everything would get better.

Dinner was awesome. They joked and laughed around the table, each trying to make me feel welcome.

Sue kept picking fights with Andy, complaining about how he always gets in a brawl with all the guys interested in her or she's interested in, making her unable to get a boyfriend.

Uncle Richard was on Andy's side. He said he couldn't be more proud.

Can you imagine? Isn't that a double standard and somehow misogynistic? Andy can get with any girl he wants but Sue can't because what, he's a boy, and she's a girl?

What nonsense.

"It's like I said, Sue, no boys allowed in this house or outside the house." Uncle Rich declared, then turned to me. "The same goes to you, too, Tamara. No boys."

I just smiled, "Okay."

They were even doing me a favor.

It's not like I plan on dating any guy during my stay here. Besides, I don't think I'm eager to date anytime soon. Especially not after... you know what? Never mind.