Chapter 13: Her Name Was Tori
Chapter 13 Jake Meets Tori
Tori sat cross-legged on the carpet, casually toying with one of the throw pillows from the couch. I was across from her, legs stretched out, book forgotten for now. I figured the least I could do was keep her company—especially since this whole situation was my uncle's fault.
"So," she said, looking at me over the pillow, "do you live here?"
"Yeah. Me and my dad," I replied with a small nod. "Technically, it's my uncle's house, though."
She glanced around the living room. "It's big. Fancy. Kind of smells like cologne and old pizza."
I smirked. "Welcome to Malibu. Home of mild dysfunction and oceanfront views."
She chuckled, finally relaxing a bit.
"What about your family?" I asked. "You said you have a sister?"
"Yeah, Trina," she said, letting out a sigh. "She's... a lot. Like, if a drama club exploded and became a person. She thinks she's destined for Broadway."
"Is she any good?"
"Not really," Tori said without hesitation. "But she's got confidence. I guess that counts for something."
I laughed. "Honestly, that might be the only thing that matters in showbiz."