Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 12-1

"Got your breakfast ready, sweetheart," Howard called from the stairs. "Your mom had the kitchen whip up all your favorites."

"Thanks, Dad. But I’m not hungry." Danielle’s hangover pulsed behind her eyes.

Last night’s memories crashed over her-throwing money at a corporate titan, demanding he carry her home... She buried her burning face in her hands. ’Why did I turn into such a hot mess? I never act like that drunk.

But of course, "not hungry" didn’t exist in a parent’s vocabulary, so before she knew it, her dad had already pulled her to the breakfast table.

Audrey seethed in the background, her pristine mask slipping just enough to reveal raw fury at being ignored.

good to go at Moreno University. When do you wanna take the entrance exam?" Howard said, watching his daughter

afternoon, I guess," Danielle mumbled between bites, suddenly starving

support Danielle!" Audrey said, her voice bright and innocent, like she was the most thoughtful sister in the world. The way she acted, one’d almost believe she really cared about cheering her sister on-if

old, grand buildings

of history here-an air of mystery that made it feel like more than just a place to

seeing Audrey. "Another entrance test? Isn’t Miss Darling already a student here?" His mind raced to uncomfortable conclusions about the possibility of a

here for our other daughter," Howard explained, presenting

with recognition at the sight of Danielle before he masked his reaction. ’Since when does she play at being a

I’m Danielle Darling. Looking forward to

when is she a

you chose Moreno," he said diplomatically.