“We were thinking of just having a night in, if that works for you?” Hale looks at me, standing in the doorway.
“Sure,” I reply. “That sounds great.”
“I’ll get started on dinner,” Calder calls out before I hear his footsteps barrel back downstairs.
After Riven files out to give me a few minutes to unpack, I head to the bathroom to splash my face with cool water, checking my reflection in the mirror. Riven’s bathroom shelves are lined with bottles, the products laid out in order of their application. It looks like he has a very strict skincare regimen, which would explain his flawless complexion and lack of pores.
I grab my cell phone to shoot a quick text to the Stellas.
ME
Arrived safely!
DELILAH
Enjoy yourself, and have fun getting to know them.
SABS
Let loose! Remember this weekend is for you! Let wild Kady out.
Wild Kady has already seen enough action over the last few months, but I smile anyway.
FAYE
You’ll have to fill me in when I get back. Currently watching Gram and Frank swoon over each other. They’re so cute.
The Silverwood Pack’s driver recently moved to Clover Hollow and started dating Faye’s grandmother. We all couldn’t be happier for them.
SABS
Send Frank my love! I miss him!
I stash my phone away before changing into something more comfortable—an off-white, cable-knit sweater with a soft pair of matching floaty pants. I let my hair down then fluff it up around my face. Much better.
As I pull on my socks, I notice a family photograph on Riven’s desk. It looks like they’re at Disney World, everyone with big smiles except for Riven who looks strained—overwhelmed, even. He’s sitting in a corner, and one of his army of siblings obviously put a pair of wonky Mickey Mouse ears on his head moments before the photo was taken as he’s reaching to take it off. I recall what he told me about feeling like he never fit in growing up, and my heart sinks, wanting to give him a big hug and tell him that he doesn’t have to try with me.
From downstairs, I catch the sound of the guys laughing. Leaving Riven’s room, I follow the noise.
“I hope you’re hungry.” Calder shakes a sizzling pan of sauteing vegetables. “I’m making some of my mom’s special sauce.”
“It smells great.” I take in the smell of crushed basil and fresh cilantro before taking a seat at the island next to Riven,who is reading a colossal, leather-bound book about heavy mathematical theory. “Who knew you could cook?”
Calder smirks. “I have many hidden talents.”
Something tells me he isn’t just talking about the food.
Hale joins us. “I just changed Larry’s bandage. He’s making himself at home.”
“Thanks for taking care of him.” I cast a glance into the living area to see my orange fluff ball cocooned in a blanket in the middle of one sofa. “You never did say why you dropped out of veterinary school?”
Sadness tugs at the corner of his lips before he answers. “That’s a story for another time.”
Riven looks around. “I’m guessing Ezra’s still out?”
“He’ll probably be out for hours,” Calder replies. “You know what he’s like when he gets fixated on fungi.”
“Do you cook, Kady?” I pull my gaze from Larry to address Riven’s question.
