"Like, a lot a lot."
"I'm aware."
"And you love them? All of them?"
I think about Sergio's steady presence. Pedro's gruff tenderness. Carlos's ridiculous humor. Nacho's quiet strength.
"Yes." The word comes out certain. Sure. "I love all of them."
Stacey stares at me for a long moment. Then she sets down her glass and pulls me into a crushing hug.
"I'm so proud of you."
"For knowing what you want and going after it." She pulls back to grip my shoulders. "For standing up to Callum."
My eyes burn.
"I don't know if I'm brave. I think I'm just tired of being scared."
"Same thing." She echoes Pedro's words from days ago, and something in my chest loosens. "Brave is just scared and doing it anyway."
Harmony unfolds herself from the armchair and joins us on the couch. She doesn't say anything, just leans her head against my shoulder and sighs.
"I'm jealous." Her voice is barely audible.
"Of my disaster of a life?"
"Of your mess." She laughs softly. "You have people who care about you. " Her hand finds mine and squeezes. "I have magazine covers and paparazzi and a penthouse apartment that echoes when I walk through it."
"Harmony..."
"I'm fine." She pulls back and pastes on a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "Just tired. And maybe a little drunk. Ignore me."
I file the information away for later, when I can corner Stacey and ask what's really going on.
"Dinner's ready." Carlos appears in the doorway, spatula in hand. "Hope you like carbonara. I made enough to feed a small army."
Stacey bounces up from the couch. "I love carbonara. I love food in general. Lead the way, Chef Hottie."
"Chef Hottie?" Carlos's grin is delighted. "I'm keeping that."
"You can't keep it. I trademarked it."
"Too late. It's mine now."
They disappear toward the kitchen, bickering like they've known each other for years instead of minutes.
Harmony rises more slowly, stretching cramped muscles.
"Your friends are... a lot." I fall into step beside her.
"They're protective." She tucks a strand of strawberry blonde hair behind her ear. "I like them. The one cooking is funny."
"Carlos? He's ridiculous. In the best way."
My phone buzzes on the coffee table. I glance at the screen and groan.
Mom:Jessica. Mrs. Whight called. She says you kneed Callum in a parking lot. I am impressed and also concerned. Are you okay???
