13. Men are Great Idiots

Valerie's head was spinning when she returned home. Antonio's words played like a broken record in her mind.

A family. With Antonio?

She laughed out loud at the absurdity of it all. Who did he think he was, her knight in shining armor?

River was waiting for her in the living room, shooting out of his chair as soon as he saw her. Meanwhile, Ellie sat on the couch with her eyes wide open, waiting for the drama to unfold.

"What did that asshole say to you?" River demanded with a growl.

Valerie looked at Ellie. "Sometimes I think men are great idiots," she declared, earning a snort from Ellie.

River's face twisted with confusion and concern. "What do you mean by that, Valerie?"

Valerie shook her head, trying to make sense of the chaos in her mind. "Antonio... he said he wants us to move in with him. Me and Landon. He wants to be a family."

River's expression darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. "What?"

"Yup, and what's worse is, I think he is actually serious!" Valerie exclaimed. "