Tori blinked. “I am?”
“You are,” Avery repeated, voice firm. “You don’t get to float back toward Elise because you feel guilty, or she’s pressuring you.”
Tori’s face tensed. “I’m not?—”
“Yes, you are,” Avery cut in. “And you’re allowed to feel guilty, but you’re not allowed to let it decide your choices.”
Mila’s fingers squeezed mine. I knew she heard the same thing I did. Lines. People choosing where they stood. And Elise had to be putting pressure on Tori when we weren’t around.
Mila turned slightly in my arms, her eyes searching my face. She lowered her voice enough that only I could hear.
She leaned into me, watching the fire for a second before speaking. “We’re not talking about any of it tonight. The stuff with your family’s company.”
I let out a quiet breath against her hair. “That was the plan.”
“Good.” Her fingers fisted in my hoodie. “I’m tired of being careful.”
That made me look at her. “Tired how?”
“Tired of worrying.”
The honesty in her voice hit harder than any headline could have. I brushed my thumb along her wrist. “Then we stop for a minute.”
Her eyes lifted to mine. “You can do that?”
“For you?” I held her gaze. “Yes.”
From across the fire, Theo’s voice cut in.
“My parents are out of town until Thanksgiving.”
Jax perked up immediately. “Meaning?”
“Meaning,” Theo continued calmly, “the house in the mountains is empty.”
Chase straightened. “How empty?”
“Fully stocked. No supervision. No neighbors close enough to care.”
Silence fell over the group for half a second.
Then Jax grinned. “We have school tomorrow.”
“Barely,” Theo replied. “Half the teachers are at conferences. Wednesday is already off.”
Chase leaned forward. “Two days.”
Avery’s eyes widened. “You’re suggesting we disappear.”
Theo took another drink. “I’m suggesting we get a break and party.”
The idea moved through the group fast. I looked down at Mila. Her eyes were brighter than they had been all day. “Do you want to?” I asked quietly.
She didn’t hesitate. “Yes. Besides, I’m sure Mom and Edwardo would love some privacy too.”
And just like that, the world narrowed back down to something simple.
No family pressure. No Elise. Just a house and two days where no one decided anything for us.
