“We probably shouldn’t . . . disappear too long,” I said.
“Probably not, but it needs to be noted. I'm the king of the cast party, making out with the prettiest girl here.”
“You’re ridiculous,” I said, laughing at him, finally letting go of all the tension.
“Should we head back?”
“Let’s go.”
But neither of us moved. We waited just a few more minutes, basking in the spark of whatever was igniting between us.
32
ELEANOR
By the time I eased the front door open, the house was dark and still.
Thank God. No interrogation. No critique disguised as concern.
Just . . . quiet.
I got Ava tucked in bed before I slipped into my room, changed into pajamas, and slid beneath the covers. And despite the looming dread of tomorrow with the mother-sister gauntlet I knew was waiting, I went to bed smiling.
All I could think about was Alex. The way he’d held me so gently yet so sure. The way his lips fit against mine like they’d been made for me. How grounded I’d felt in his arms.
The knock that came at exactly 8:00 a.m. was sharp, clipped, and commanding.
“Eleanor. Brunch.”
I groaned quietly, scrubbing a hand over my face. Ava peeked into my room, hair tousled, still half-asleep.
“Come on, sweetheart,” I said softly. “Let’s go face the dragons.”
After a quick show, I got dressed and got Ava ready.
“Why do I have to wear a dress to go out to breakfast?”
“We are going for tea at a fancy restaurant. Your grandma and Aunt Stacy love it, so we’re going to be on our best behavior. If you don’t like the food, I'll grab you McDonald’s on the way home. Deal.”
“Deal,” she said with a little shrug.
When we entered the restaurant, my mother and sister sat at the table looking like they’d stepped out of a country club brochure with hair flawless, makeup impeccable, outfits crisp and expensive.
The table was covered in an over-the-top spread of quiche, fruit salad, scones, mini pastries, and topped off with fresh flowers in a silver vase.
“Ava, darling!” my mother trilled, rising just enough to lean in and kiss her head. “We wereso proudof you last night. Weren’t we, Stacey?”
Stacey nodded with a saccharine smile. “You were wonderful, sweetheart.”
Ava blinked, then nodded once. “Thank you,” she said politely, then began picking at a scone.
Everything was painfully civil. Too civil. Like everyone was holding their breath.
The second Ava wiped her hands and excused herself to the bathroom, the entire atmosphere shifted.
Stacey reached for her mimosa. “So,” she said lightly, “Mom mentioned you’ve been . . . seeing someone?”
Ah. There it was.
