Chapter 35
Wendy
"Mom!" Lily called out as she walked through the double doors of the lavish New York townhouse. "Dad!"
Wendy quietly followed her friend up the stairs. She paused at the threshold and peered into the warm home.
"We don't bite," Theo said from behind.
Wendy looked over her shoulder and laughed, "Right. Sorry."
"Go on," Theo motioned for her to enter. "You have nothing to fear besides Lily."
Wendy took a hesitant step into the house. The soft, golden glow of the chandeliers above and the faint smell of lavender hinted at a warmth she rarely associated with homes like these.
As they reached the living room, Lily's mother, Daisy, came into view, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw her daughter.
"My baby! Daisy called out, wrapping her arms around her. "Welcome home! Let me look at you."
Lily stepped back and straightened up. Wendy watched as her friend twirled for her mother.
"I love the tan," Daisy said, pulling Lily back into her arms and kissing her cheeks.
"Where's dad?"
"And the moment's over," Daisy rolled her eyes dramatically as Lily began to search for her dad. "Let me remind you, I carried you for nine months."
Wendy realized she was smiling from ear to ear as she watched the family before her. From the corner of her eyes, she spotted Luca entering the livingroom.
"Dad!" Lily's face lit up as she ran to her father from her mother's arms.
The smile on Luca's face spread as he tightly wrapped his arms around Lily and lifted her feet off the floor. Lily squealed as her father spun her around.
"Are you not eating at school?" He teased. "You're all sticks and bones, baby."
His grin was as wide as his shoulders. He pulled Lily into a quick, affectionate hug and kissed the top of her head. After a few seconds, his eyes landed on Wendy.
"And who do we have here?" Luca asked, his tone welcoming.
The family paused and all turned toward Wedny. She felt all eyes on her as she smiled awkwardly and gave a small wave.
"Lily picked up another stray," she said.
"This is my friend and roomate, Wendy," Lily said, stepping toward her. She linked her arm with Wendy and smiled. "Wendy, these are my parents, Luca and Daisy."
"Hello, sweetheart," Luca held out his hand. "What a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Hi," Wendy blushed as she shook Luca's hand. The man was as handsome as the devil.
"We heard so much about you, Wendy," Daisy smiled, her eyes lighting up the same way they had for Lily. Wendy felt a lump rise in her throat as Daisy stepped forward, her smile as radiant as her daughter's. "It's so nice to meet you."
Lily stepped aside as Daisy pulled Wendy into her arms.
"I'm so happy you decided to come," Daisy said, touching the edge of Wendy's face. "How was the trip?"
Wendy swallowed, suddenly overwhelmed. "It was fine. Thank you for having me. I know it was very last minute. I'm sure you had to change up your plans and everything."
"Oh no, sweetheart," Daisy waved her hand. "Don't worry about any of that. We always have extra space for our loved ones."
Wendy's throat tightened as Daisy's words sank in. Loved ones. The sincerity in her voice and the way she touched Wendy's face so gently left her at a loss. The warmth in the room felt suffocating, almost foreign, and Wendy struggled to keep her composure.
She offered a polite smile, her cheeks burning as she glanced at Luca. Daisy hadn't even let her step aside before peppering her with questions.
"Is this your first time in New York? How's Lily as a roommate? I hope she helps you with the cleaning. She can be so messy," Daisy teased, shooting her daughter a fond look.
"She's really great," Wendy answered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Luca chuckled, "That's a miracle in itself. You must be a good influence on her."
The family laughed, and Wendy tried to join in, but the sound caught in her throat. Her heart pounded. She felt the weight of their affection pressing down on her, the openness and care unfamiliar and overwhelming. She had never been the center of so much attention, let alone this kind of easy, unconditional warmth.
Theo, leaning casually against the wall, seemed to notice her discomfort. He straightened and stepped forward, speaking up in a tone that was casual but firm enough to draw everyone's attention.
"Wendy," he said, tilting his head slightly. "Didn't you say you needed to use the bathroom earlier? The restroom's just down the hall to your left."
Wendy blinked, the tension in her chest easing slightly as she caught his subtle glanceâcalm and understanding as if he recognized what she felt.
"Oh, yes, of course," Daisy said quickly, releasing Wendy from her embrace. "Go ahead, sweetheart. We'll be right here."
Wendy nodded, her lips curving into a grateful smile. "Thank you. I'll be right back."
As she stepped into the hallway, the cool, quiet space felt like a balm. She rushed into the bathroom and placed her hands on the marble counter. Taking a deep breath, Wedny willed the knot in her chest to loosen.
Wendy stared at her reflection in the mirror, her hands gripping the edge of the counter as memories of home washed over her. The knot in her chest refused to loosen, twisting tighter with every thought. She hadn't prepared for thisâthe warmth, the effortless affection, the way Lily's parents seemed to genuinely care about her and each other.
At her house, holidays were never like this. Every gathering came with tension so thick it choked the air. Her parents barely looked at each other, let alone shared jokes or smiles. There was always some fight brewing beneath the surface, some lingering bitterness that no amount of holiday cheer could cover. Decorations were sparse, and laughter was nonexistent.
Wendy remembered last Christmas vividly: her mother angrily drinking at the dinner table while her father sat in silence, reading the paper as if no one else was in the room. The gifts exchanged were obligatory, picked out last minute and wrapped without care. No one asked if she was happy or how she was doing. No one hugged her or joked with her.
She exhaled shakily, her chest tightening further as she realized how much she had missed. The love Lily's parents so freely gave was something Wendy had never known. Watching Daisy and Luca interact with Lily was like watching a film in a foreign language she'd never learned, a world so distant from her own that it felt unreal.
This is what it's supposed to be like, she thought bitterly. The realization made her chest ache in a way that was almost unbearable. She'd never had this, not even close.
Wendy's heart sank as she thought about her own family. Holidays at her house were always marked by slammed doors, stifled tears, and an unspoken agreement to pretend everything was fine for the sake of appearances. There were no hugs, no fussing over her well-being, no radiant smiles like Daisy's or warm grins like Luca's.
She closed her eyes, willing herself to push the thoughts away. This wasn't the time to spiral. But the ache lingered, a dull throb reminding her of everything she had missed and would likely never have.
When she opened her eyes, her reflection looked just as fragile as she felt. She took another deep breath, trying to steel herself for what lay beyond the bathroom door. They're not my family, she reminded herself, though the thought brought little comfort.
Straightening her shoulders, Wendy wiped her damp palms on her jeans and forced herself to relax. She couldn't change where she'd come from, but at least for the weekend, she could borrow a little warmth from Lily's worldâeven if it wasn't hers to keep.
____________________________
Daphne
Daphne stood in the middle of her apartment, her suitcase open on the bed as she folded clothes into neat piles. Her playlist hummed softly in the background, filling the space with a comforting rhythm. She tossed in a pair of jeans, a cozy sweater, and her favorite scarf, pausing to debate whether she'd need an extra pair of shoes.
Just as she reached for a dress, there was a knock at the door. Daphne frowned, glancing toward the clock. She wasn't expecting anyone. She padded over to the door, her socks muffling her steps, and peered through the peephole. A delivery man stood outside holding a bouquet of flowers so bright and vibrant it seemed to light up the entire hallway.
Opening the door, Daphne blinked in surprise as the delivery man handed her the arrangement. "Ms. Dashwood," he said with a smile, tipping his hat before heading off.
Daphne brought the flowers inside, setting them on her kitchen counter. The bouquet was stunningâan artful mix of roses, lilies, and tiny sprigs of lavender that filled the air with a sweet, calming scent. Nestled among the blooms was a small card.
Curious, she plucked it out and flipped it open.
For the weekendâsince I can't be there to charm your parents for you.
âTheo
A smile crept onto Daphne's lips, warmth blossoming in her chest. She reached for her phone without a second thought, dialing Theo's number.
He picked up on the second ring. "Miss me already?" he teased, his voice a smooth drawl that made her cheeks flush.
"Terribly," Daphne said, leaning against the counter as she twirled one of the lilies between her fingers. "Thank you for the flowers."
"It occurred to me today that I don't know what your favorite flowers are," Theo replied, a smile evident in his tone. "I guess we're still very new to this boyfriend-girlfriend thing."
Daphne laughed softly. "I love the flowers. They're beautiful. My mom's going to love hearing about this, by the way."
"Guess I'll have to send her flowers too," Theo mused.
"Please don't give her a heart attack," Daphne said, shaking her head even though she couldn't stop smiling.
"I make no promises," Theo sighed.
"What are you doing?"
"Nothing much," Theo said. "I just dropped the girls off to my parents. I'm headed home now."
"Why don't you come over?" Daphne asked, her toe tracing patterns on the floor. "You could help me pack and save yourself from missing me too much this weekend."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, Daphne thought he might actually say yes. But then Theo sighed.
"As tempting as that is, I think I'll have to decline," he said, his voice softer now.
Daphne's smile faltered, a flicker of disappointment passing through her. "You sure?"
"I'm sure," Theo said, his tone firm but kind. "But I'll take a rain check. Next time, it's your turn to charm me with flowers."
Daphne laughed again, shaking her head, "Well if you come over tonight, I will charm you with more then hearts and flowers."
"Not tonight, babe," Theo said.
"Okay," Daphne frowned.
"Get some sleep," Theo said. "You'll see me in the morning."
"Okay," Daphne said softly. "Thanks again for the flowers."
"You're welcome," he chuckled before hanging up, leaving Daphne staring at her phone with a smile that lingered long after the call ended.
____________________
Wendy
Wendy adjusted the sleeves of her fitted green sweater, giving herself a final once-over in Lily's floor-length mirror. The fabric hugged her figure just right, its deep emerald hue complimenting her auburn curls. She dabbed on a bit of perfume at her wrists and neck, the light floral scent following her as she stepped out of Lily's room. Usually, she wasn't one to dress up or worry about her appearance. But Lily's parents deserved better then her oversize band t-shirts and denim cut offs.
The heels of her boot clicked softly against the hardwood as she made her way down the hallway. Passing the open door to the library, she slowed, catching sight of someone inside. She peeked in and saw Mason, seated in an armchair with one ankle resting on his opposite knee, flipping through a book.
For a moment, Wendy lingered in the shadows, taking him in. He looked different from the last time she'd seen him. His hair was slightly longer, brushing just above his ears. Dressed in a tailored black sweater and dark jeans, Wendy thought Mason looked effortlessly refined as if he belonged in some glossy editorial spread rather than here in Lily's family library.
Wendy's heart gave a strange little flutter as she lightly tapped on the door and stepped into the library.
Wendy's heart gave a strange little flutter, and she lightly tapped on the doorframe before stepping into the room. "Hey," she greeted casually.
The man looked up slowly, his expression unreadable. "Hello?" he said, his tone cool, almost detached.
Wendy blinked, her smile faltering at the unexpected iciness. "I, uh... I finished building the flowers," she offered, referring to the little Lego bouquet he had gifted her. She expected a teasing remark or even mild curiosity, but instead, he simply stared at her.
"Okay..." he said, his voice flat as he closed the book in his lap and leaned back in the chair. His gaze was steady but distant, like he was appraising her from behind an invisible barrier.
The shortness of his reply threw her off. Wendy had braced herself for Mason's usual warmth, the easygoing banter she'd always associated with him. Instead, she was met with a frosty reserve that felt almost like a stranger's indifference.
"Okay then," she said, trying to maintain her composure. She arched a brow and tilted her head slightly. "It's nice to see you again... or whatever."
The man frowned, his expression shifting to one of genuine confusion. "I don't mean to be rude," he said slowly, his voice now tinged with suspicion, "but... who are you?"
Wendy stared at him, her mouth falling open in disbelief. "What?" she breathed, the word barely audible. A bitter laugh bubbled up in her throat, and she shook her head. "Seriously? Are you joking right now?"
Without waiting for a response, Wendy turned on her heel, her boots clicking sharply against the floor as she stormed toward the door. The fluttering in her heart burned away, replaced by a simmering irritation.
"Excuse me, miss," the man called after her, his tone shifting to one of concern. He even stood, but Wendy didn't give him the chance to say more. She walked briskly out of the library and headed for the stairs, her cheeks warm with frustration.
It wasn't until she reached the top of the staircase and heard Lily's familiar laugh drifting up from the dining room that realization struck her like a lightning bolt. She stopped mid-step, her fingers tightening around the railing.
Mason has a twin.
The words echoed in her mind, and Wendy's irritation gave way to a sinking feeling of embarrassment. She paused on the landing, glancing over her shoulder to see who she now assumed was Levi following her down the hall. His pace was calm, though his expression held a hint of curiosity and caution.
"I..." Wendy turned fully to face him, her cheeks burning with a mix of mortification and guilt. She offered a sheepish smile. "I am so sorry for that. You're Levi, aren't you?"
"Yes," Levi confirmed, his brows knitting together slightly.
Wendy took a steadying breath and extended her hand, forcing herself to recover from her earlier mistake. "I'm Wendy. Lily's roommate."
Levi's lips curved into a faintly polite smile as he shook her hand. His grip was firm but brief, and he nodded. "Nice to meet you, Wendy. I'm assuming you thought I was Mason?"
"Yes," Wendy admitted, a nervous laugh slipping out. "I mean, the resemblance is uncanny. I wasn't thinkingâwell, clearly."
Levi tilted his head slightly, studying her with a mixture of amusement and reservation. "We're nothing alike," he said, shifting the book he held under his arm. "We just happen to look the same."
"I see," Wendy replied, nodding as she tucked a loose curl behind her ear. "I guess I didn't notice the... differences right away."
Levi's lips pressed into a thin line, his polite smile fading into something more neutral. "The differences aren't hard to notice if you're paying attention," he said, his tone matter-of-fact.
Wendy blinked, momentarily taken aback by the contrast between Levi's demeanor and the easy warmth she had come to associate Lily's family. Where the rest of them would have laughed off the mix-up, maybe even teased her a little, Levi's response was measured, almost clinical.
She tried to recover, offering a tentative smile. "Well, now that I've had the chance to talk to you, I can see you're not exactly the same."
Levi didn't reply. He offered her a small nod and stepped forward, descending the stairs without any further comments or questions. Wendy watched him go, thinking how strange he was compared to the rest of his family.
After a few more seconds of standing at the foot of the stairs to gather herself, Wendy shook her head and stepped forward....right into Mason's path.
"Shit," Mason swore as Wendy collided with him, her shoulder hitting his chest with enough force to knock her off balance and send her to the floor.
Everything happened in a blur. The glass Mason was holding slipped from his hand, its contentsâa deep red liquidâsplattering across Wendy's dress in a vivid, unmistakable stain. The glass itself tumbled, catching the edge of her shoulder before landing heavily on her head with a dull thud before hitting the floor with a sharp clink.
"Ow!" Wendy exclaimed. She reached up to rub the sore spot on her head, wincing as she felt the stickiness of the spilled drink soaking into her dress.
"Oh fuck," Mason's eyes widened, his voice urgent as he stepped closer. He reached out as if to steady her, his hand brushing her arm, but Wendy waved him off, her embarrassment already bubbling over. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she said quickly, though her tone suggested otherwise. Her cheeks were a furious red as she glanced down at the dark stain spreading across the emerald fabric of her dress. "Well, fine except for this." She gestured to the mess.
Mason ran a hand through his hair, looking genuinely apologetic. "I didn't see you comingâI was trying to avoid Levi," he admitted, crouching to pick up the empty glass from the floor.
"Maybe you should've avoided me instead," Wendy muttered, still rubbing the sore spot on her head.
Before Mason could reply, the commotion drew Lily and Daisy from the other room. Lily gasped when she saw Wendy on the floor, her green dress stained and her hand pressed against her head.
"Oh my God, Wendy! Are you okay?" Lily rushed to her side, kneeling beside her with wide eyes.
"I'm fine," Wendy said, though her voice betrayed the embarrassment simmering beneath her words.
Daisy, on the other hand, zeroed in on Mason. "Can't you go five minutes without doing something crazy?"
Mason held up his hands defensively, "It was an accident, I swear."
"Accidents wouldn't happen so often if you paid more attention!" Daisy shook her head, her hands on her hips. "I swear, this boy is a tornado on legs. When are you going to grow up?"
Lily helped Wendy sit up and lean against the wall. "Wait here. I'll grab an ice pack." She said before darting off toward the kitchen.
Wendy sighed, leaning her head back against the wall. "This evening is just getting better and better," she muttered, her cheeks still burning.
Daisy softened slightly as she crouched beside her, ignoring Mason's protests in the background. "Are you sure you're okay, my love? Does it hurt anywhere else?"
"Just my headâand maybe my pride," Wendy admitted, offering a weak smile.
Lily returned moments later with an ice pack wrapped in a dish towel. She gently pressed it against Wendy's head. "Here. This should help with the swelling."
"Thanks," Wendy said, grateful for Lily's quiet fussing.
Over his mother and sister's shoulders, Wendy's gaze flickered to Mason, who hovered a few feet away, looking distinctly out of place. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, his shoulders slightly hunched as though he wasn't sure whether to stay or slip away unnoticed. When their eyes met, he offered a sheepish, apologetic smile. Wendy's narrowed eyes didn't soften; instead, her lips curved downward into a deep frown that broadcast her annoyance loud and clear.
"Help her up," Daisy ordered as she smacked Mason's arm. "I needed to check on the chicken in the oven."
Mason nodded as he stepped forward, extending his hand toward Wendy.
"I really am sorry," he said, his voice sincere.
Wendy stared at his outstretched hand for a moment before finally reaching out. Her fingers brushed against his palm, and she noticed the warmth of his skin as his grip gently but firmly wrapped around her wrist. He pulled her to her feet with an ease that made her feel oddly weightless.
"Thanks," Wendy murmured, pressing the cold pack Lily had handed her against the sore spot on her forehead. Her head throbbed faintly, but her pride hurt more. She glanced down at her damp sweater, wrinkling her nose at the smell wafting up from the fabric. "What was in that glass, anyway? It smells like jet fuel."
"Not a fan of whiskey?" Mason asked with a small chuckle, his lips quirking into a faint grin.
"No," Wendy said flatly, adjusting the ice pack. "I'm not my grandpa."
Mason laughed, the sound low and almost self-deprecating. "Fair enough. It's an acquired taste, I guess."
Lily, who had been fussing over Wendy like a protective hen, gave Mason a light shove, her glare sharp enough to cut glass. "Move, Mason. You've done enough." She grabbed a napkin from the nearby counter and dabbed at Wendy's sweater with brisk, precise movements.
"I don't think this will stain," Lily said with determination, though her furrowed brow suggested she wasn't entirely confident.
Mason watched Wendy examine the wet spot on her sweater from over Lily's head, his eyes drawn to the way the damp fabric clung slightly to her skin. His gaze lingered longer than it should have, darkening as Wendy let out a deep, frustrated sigh. She ran a hand through her thick, dark hair, which seemed to have a personality of its ownâvoluminous and unruly, the strands cascading in waves like melted chocolate around her face. The dim light in the hallway caught the subtle shine in her hair, making it look almost glossy.
"Honestly, it's fine," Wendy said, though her voice lacked conviction as she tugged at the damp fabric. "I should probably just go change. I can't stand the smell of whiskey. It's horrible."
Mason wanted to disagree. The smoky, rich scent of the amber liquid was one of his favorites, familiar and comforting. But something about the way it mixed with the delicate floral notes of her perfume made it feel differentâintoxicating in a way he didn't expect. He shook the thought away as quickly as it came.
"Mason," Daisy's voice cut through the moment from the dining room threshold. "Clean up this mess before someone slips on it."
He blinked, stepping back as Wendy turned on her heel and headed toward the staircase. Her movements were brisk, her shoulders tense, but Mason's eyes followed her, unable to stop himself. He watched the way her hair bounced slightly with every step, the way her hand clutched the banister as if steadying herself. When she disappeared at the top of the stairs, he felt a strange pull in his chest, a quiet longing he didn't want to name.
Then he realized Lily was staring at him.
The faint smile that had unknowingly crept onto his face vanished, replaced by an awkward clearing of his throat as he turned away. He headed straight for the kitchen, grabbing the roll of paper towels with a little more force than necessary.
"What was that?" Lily asked, trailing after him like a curious puppy.
"What was what?" Mason replied, his tone deliberately casual as he began tearing sheets off the roll.
"You were looking at her funny," Lily accused, stepping closer and squinting at him as if she could read his mind.
"No, I wasn't," Mason said with a short laugh, shaking his head as he avoided her gaze.
"Yes, you were," Lily shot back, her tone insistent. She grabbed his arm as he walked past her, forcing him to stop. "Mason, look at me."
He sighed, pulling his arm free with a playful shove that sent her stumbling back a step. "Stop being weird, Lily. I wasn't looking at her like anything."
"You totally were!" she said, scrambling to follow him back to the foyer. She plopped down next to him as he crouched to wipe the whiskey off the floor, her wide eyes sparkling with the delight of uncovering a secret. "Do you have a crush on Wendy?"
Mason barked out a laugh, the sound sharp and dismissive. "No, you weirdo. That's your friend."
"So?" Lily shot back, her hands resting on her knees as she leaned closer. "Mom and Zia are best friends, and Dad married Mom. It's not weird."
Mason groaned, scrubbing the floor with exaggerated vigor. "That's not the same thing, Lily."
"But you like her!" Lily sing-songed, poking his shoulder with each word.
Mason looked up, his expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Drop it, Lil. There's nothing here. Now move before I wipe this on you."
Lily giggled but leaned back, still grinning. "You can deny it all you want, but I know what I saw."
Mason sighed, pausing in his cleaning as he glanced at Lily. "Just because you're playing matchmaker in your head doesn't mean it's reality."
"But you were staring at her," Lily pressed, sitting cross-legged beside him. She leaned in closer, her curiosity bubbling over. "I saw you! You had that lookâyou know, the one you get when you're thinking really hard about something."
Mason rolled his eyes, tossing the damp paper towel onto the pile. "I wasn't thinking about her. I was thinking about how I'm going to get whiskey out of the carpet before Mom loses it."
Lily didn't buy it. She tilted her head, her expression sharp and assessing. "You were smiling, Mace. And not in the 'oops, I spilled something' way."
He laughed, low and sarcastic. "Smiling means I have a crush now? What are we, in middle school?"
Lily crossed her arms, her brow furrowing in determination. "You're into her."
"I'm not into her," Mason groaned, standing up and tossing the paper towel into a nearby trash can.
Lily jumped to her feet, blocking his path. "You totally are. Admit it! You think she's pretty, don't you?"
Mason hesitated, his jaw tightening as he glanced away. "She's... fine."
"Fine?" Lily scoffed, her hands flying to her hips. "Come on, Mason. You two would be so cute together. I can totally see her liking you too!"
Mason barked out a laugh, shaking his head. "You've lost it. Completely lost it." He tried to move past her, but she stepped in front of him again, grinning now.
"I knew it! You do think she's cute!" Lily teased, poking his chest.
"Stop," Mason muttered, his cheeks tinged pink as he swatted her hand away.
"Okay, okay," Lily said, holding up her hands in surrender, though the mischievous glint in her eyes remained. "But just so you know, I think she'd totally go for you. If you, you know, stopped breaking everything around her all the time."
"Drop it. Please."
Mason rolled his eyes again, retreating toward the kitchen. But as he walked away, he couldn't shake the feeling that his sister wasn't entirely wrong.
You asked for Mason and Wendy :)