Holy crap!
I lose my ability to breathe for a moment. The sleek dark concrete and cedarwood with expansive windows make the huge mansion look both serene and super expensive.
Gosh, it’s so beautiful.
As I bring my beaten-up truck to a standstill, I feel horribly out of place. I check my reflection in the rearview mirror and cringe because I look disheveled from the long drive.
At the last gas station, I changed into a cute summer dress and tied my hair in a ponytail, but that was it. I’m not wearing a stitch of makeup, and I regret not putting on some mascara at the very least.
“It’s too late now to worry about your appearance,” I mutter while pushing the door open. I glance over the intimidatingly gorgeous mansion and manicured lawn, and I whisper, “You’re not in Verona anymore.”
Leaving my luggage in the truck, I grab my handbag and hoist the strap over my shoulder. Tension fills my body as I walk up the steps toward the larger-than-average front door, which is made of frosted glass.
I stop to tap my knuckles against the glass. “Hello? Rach?”
“Nova!” I hear her shriek.
She comes hurrying into the foyer, which is decorated with plants, and in the center there’s a glass table that has a massive vase with pretty flowers on it.
I open my arms in time to catch Rachel, and as I engulf her in a tight hug, she bursts out crying.
“I’m here,” I say as tears of my own begin to spiral over my cheeks from finally getting to hold my best friend.
God, I missed her and needed this hug so badly. It’s been too long since we last saw each other in person.
Even though I’m exhausted from the long drive, worry for my best friend makes me feel wide awake.
I rub my hand up and down her back and press a kiss to the side of her head. “Tell me what happened.”
She pulls away, and seeing the fear in her eyes, I try to brace for the worst.
“Come in,” she murmurs, visibly trying to regain control over her emotions. “You must be so exhausted from the long drive. Did it go okay? No problems?”
“The drive felt much quicker than it was,” I say to set Rachel at ease.
“Oh, that’s a relief. I was so worried about you alone on the road with that old truck. You should’ve let me pay for a flight.”
“The truck didn’t give me any problems. Please don’t worry,” I reply while I follow her through the foyer, my eyes darting around.
I’m completely overwhelmed by all the luxury. We walk into a living room with a vaulted ceiling and open sliding doors that overlook a veranda, pool, and picturesque garden.
The living room is a modern open space that blends into a state-of-the-art kitchen that would have any chef drooling.
Geez, the place is next-level amazing.
I’ve never been in such a lavish house, and it’s super intimidating.
“Your home is gorgeous,” I murmur in absolute wonder.
Rachel tries to smile but isn’t very successful.
“Is anyone else home?” I ask so I know what to expect.
“No. It’s just the staff and me,” she replies as she sits down on a cream leather sofa. “Lainey’s at school, and Easton is in New Zealand, busy shooting a movie.”
There’s a mixture of disappointment and relief in my chest at knowing Easton isn’t here.
I take the seat beside Rachel before giving her a questioning look. “Are you pregnant?”
