“Really?”
I frowned. Was it that strange to her to have someone check up on her? I studied her with concern. “Sure. Are you okay?”
She nodded. “You look amazing. That dress is to die for.”
“Thanks, Nyla. You look great too.”
“You know, I’ve been watching you and Lincoln the entire party. You look good together. The way he looks at you is sweet.”
My eyebrows shot up. Lincoln and I were really selling the happy couple act.
Her eyebrows puckered. “I’m still confused about the invitation, though. I mean, I didn’t even think he knew who I was. I’m sure he doesn’t listen to my kind of music.”
“Actually, your invitation was all me.” That at least wasn’t a lie.
Her expression brightened. “Oh. Thanks. The party is great. I love it here.” She gazed out at the water. “It’s so peaceful.”
“No problem.” I glanced at her profile and then followed her gaze. The ocean's surface was dark, reflecting the moonlight and stars. The shimmer of the water was almost hypnotising. For a while, I stayed quiet, wondering how to ask Nyla the things I wanted to without spooking her.
“Ava?”
I glanced at her. She still stared ahead. “Yeah?”
Nyla swallowed. “Thanks.”
“For what?”
Finally, she looked at me. “For being… Well, I don’t know if we’re friends. I barely know you.”
I smiled. “I can be your friend.”
“Thanks for being kind to me.” She sighed heavily. “Dealing with the people I do, I don’t get that often.”
The sour taste of guilt rose in my throat. Initially, I’d only been interested in her because of curiosity. However, after meeting her, I really was concerned about her. “What about your parents? And you mentioned a brother.”
Nyla’s gaze dropped to the water, and her toes curled into the sand. “I lost my mom when I was eight,” she said softly. “After that, it was just my dad and brother.”
I stayed quiet, hoping for more.
“My dad…” Nyla hesitated, then gave a bitter laugh. “He was more interested in his career than his kids. I don’t think he ever knew what to do with me. He still doesn’t.”
“And your brother?” I asked gently.
“I adore him,” Nyla said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “He’s a good man. But he’s got his own life now. A wife and a kid. He checks in, but I’ve never told him much.”
I tilted my head. “Told him much about what?”
Nyla’s smile vanished. Her shoulders stiffened, and she turned slightly away. “Nothing. It’s not important.”
“Nyla…”
“I said it’s nothing,” she snapped, then winced. “Sorry, I just don’t like to talk about that stuff.”
I pursed my lips, debating whether to push. I didn’t want her to get suspicious. “I only asked because I care.”
She looked at me with a frown. “You don’t know me.”
“You don’t have to know someone to care about what happens to them.”
