Chapter 4
Theo
As the end of Theo's meeting began to near, he spotted Brad slip into the conference room quietly and wait in the wings, trying to catch his eyes. When Theo raised his brow, Brad quickly made his way to the end of the table and began in a low voice.
"Ms. Dashwood is here."
A deep frown formed on Theo's face. He checked his watch, the sleek, silver hands confirming his assumption.
"She's early," he remarked, his tone laced with surprise and a hint of irritation.
Brad nodded. "I have her sitting in your office, sir."
Theo took a deep breath, composing himself.
"Thank you," he said with a small nod, his expression returning to its usual calm and controlled demeanor. "Let her know I will be with her shortly."
Brad acknowledged with a quick nod and quietly exited the room, leaving Theo to wrap up his current meeting.
"Thank you, everyone," he said, rising from his seat and buttoning his suit. "We will read over the proposal and send feedback within the week."
The clients shook hands and began to exchange pleasantries as Theo excused himself and turned toward his office. As soon as he entered, he was greeted by Daphne's soft perfume. It seemed to have taken up his office like English Ivy vines. Pausing at the door, Theo inhaled the scent to see if he could decipher what perfume she used.
"The scent....." he said, causing Daphne to look over her shoulder. "May I ask what perfume you wear?"
"That's a bit too personal, No?" Daphne raised her brow.
Theo didn't reply. His gaze stayed locked on the beautiful girl sitting in the chair as he made his way over to his seat and sat down. Daphne's eyes followed him, not allowing him a second to catch her off guard.
"I was informed you would like to make some changes to your contract," Theo said.
"Yes," Daphne leaned forward and gently slid the file over to him. She picked up a copy for herself and pulled out a pen from her purse. "Page two, section 1. Do you follow?"
A hint of a grin appeared on Theo's lips as he opened the file and turned to page two, "I'm with you."
"The client agrees to be available whenever Mr. Silvano requires her services," Daphne read before looking up. "I am not a maid, an escort, or your personal assistant. If you require my presence, I will need forty-eight hour notice."
"I can respect that," Theo nodded, making a note on the margin of the contract.
Daphne let her eyes linger on Theo for a second as if she had expected him to put up more of a fight. "Section 13."
"I'm there," Theo quickly glanced at the paper.
"Client shall dress according to Mr. Silvano's preferences," Daphne read before taking a pause to let out a short laugh. She looked up at Theo and smiled. "Absolutely not."
"Non-negotiable," Theo countered. "You will be with me at formal events with my business partners and potential clients. A certain style is required."
Daphne narrowed her eyes, "I know how to dress."
"I don't like it," Theo said. "And besides, I doubt this is the hill you want to die on because you have bigger issues with your contract."
As Daphne watched, Theo pulled out her contract and slid her a copy just as she had done with his.
"Page one," Theo said, his eyes locked on Daphne as he flipped the file open. "Section one."
"Really?" Daphne's eyes narrowed, a hint of irritation mixing with curiosity.
"Yes, really," Theo replied, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ms. Dashwood shall be paid five thousand dollars for every event she attends with Mr. Silvano."
Theo read and paused. "Absolutely not."
"Non-negotiable," Daphne protested.
"Between the five thousand dollars and section six, which states I am financially responsible for all of your clothes, jewelry, make-up, hair, shoes, and nails for these events, you're talking ten to eleven thousand dollars per event."
"I don't see the problem," Daphne said. "Your company makes that kind of money every half an hour."
"I'm sure there are other ladies who will be willing to do the job for a fraction of the cost."
"Sure," Daphne smiled. "But you don't want other ladies. You want someone who will be able to blend in with the social circles you mingle with. Someone who has a background that will not be a contrast to your own. Hell, I will pay you the eleven grand if you can find another girl like me to do the job."
"You're overconfident."
"Isn't that what you need?" Daphne asked. "A confident woman beside you with a sharp wit and intelligence to keep up with your business partners?"
"You think very highly of yourself, Ms. Dashwood."
"That's because I know my worth," Daphne said. "On a bad day, I'm a 9.5 out of 10."
"And on a good day?"
Daphne peered into Theo's gaze as a spark ignited in them.
"Out of your league," she said.
Theo's lips curled into a challenging smile. "Is that so?"
"Absolutely," Daphne replied, her voice unwavering. "And that's why you need me. Because anyone else would be just another accessory. I bring substance and style. I enhance your image and your business."
Theo pondered Daphne's words before saying, "This clause makes it seem like you're more interested in the perks than the work."
Daphne's eyes flashed with defiance. "And this clause about dressing to your preferences makes it seem like you're more interested in appearances than my expertise."
"Appearances matter to me," Theo countered.
"Very shallow of you."
"Is the kettle calling the pot black?" Theo laughed.
"Let's agree that both appearance and expertise matter. I bring more than just a pretty face to the table, and you need more than just a well-dressed woman by your side."
"Agreed," Theo said, nodding. "How about a compromise?"
Daphne leaned back, crossing her arms. "I'm listening."
"I'll agree to the five thousand dollars per event," Theo said, "but you cover your own expenses for clothes, jewelry, and other personal items."
Daphne considered this, her eyes narrowing as she weighed his words. "Fine, but I want a wardrobe stipendâan allowance for these expenses. Let's say fifteen thousand dollars."
Theo's smirk returned. "Ten thousand. For the whole duration of our contract."
"Thirteen," Daphne countered, her expression unyielding.
"Twelve," Theo offered.
Daphne's lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. "Deal."
"Anything else you'd like to renegotiate?" Theo asked.
"Yes," Daphne nodded. "Section seven of my contract."
"Ah yes," Theo nodded, flipping to the page. "Physical Contact."
"I hope you had a chance to read it thoroughly," Daphne said. "This is a hard non-negotiable."
"Only holding hands, hugs, cheek kisses, and hand kisses," Theo spoke out of memory.
"That's right," Daphne said, eyeing him to make sure he understood her limitations.
"What if we find ourselves in a situation where a kiss is required?" Theo asked, his eyes curious. "After all, I am hiring you to play the role of my girlfriend."
"I've thought about that," Daphne said. "If, and it's a hard if, such a situation arises, every kiss will be an extra payment of four thousand dollars."
"I don't see such an occasion ever arising," Theo said. "Our contract is drawn up for only three to four events. You can add that onto the contract."
Daphne raised an eyebrow, her expression challenging. "You're that confident no one will expect a kiss? Business events can be unpredictable."
Theo smirked, leaning back slightly. "I like to think I can control the environment around me."
"That's a dangerous assumption," Daphne replied, her tone matching his. "But as long as we're clear on the terms, I'm satisfied."
Theo nodded, making a note on the contract. "Noted. Four thousand dollars for every unexpected kiss."
"Good," Daphne said, her gaze steady. "I appreciate your understanding."
Theo looked up from his notes, his eyes meeting hers with amusement. "I think we've covered everything. Anything else you want to bring up?"
Daphne shook her head, a hint of a smile on her lips. "No, I believe that's all for now."
"Excellent," Theo said, closing the file. "I look forward to our partnership, Ms. Dashwood."
"As do I, Mr. Silvano," Daphne replied, standing up. "Let's make sure it's a successful one."
___________________
Lily
"Pickles?" Carmen asked as she held Lily's plate.
"Yes, please," Lily smiled.
The Reyes family, along with Uncle Robin, had gathered around Carmen's patio table in the yard. Gabriel helped his mother grill the hot dogs and burgers while Alexa and Lily sat in the shade and iced her swollen ankle.
"Salad, Lily?" Uncle Robin held up the bowl.
"Thank you," Lily smiled sweetly once more.
"Nice to have a homecooked meal, huh?" the man laughed.
"Absolutely," Lily nodded.
"So where is your family from?"
"New York," Lily answered, taking a bit of her potato salad. "Well, we're originally from Italy. But I grew up in New York and we live there. We only visit Italy in the summer. Unless mom wants to go there for Christmas. She rarely does. Summer is better there. Christmas feels better in New York. And I'm talking way too much now so I will stop."
Alexa and Robin chuckled while the tips of Lily's cheeks flushed when she caught Gabriel's eyes.
"Where in Italy is your family from?" Carmen wondered.
"Del Mare," Lily answered. "It's a really small town by the sea."
"Sounds lovely."
"It's really beautiful there," Lily nodded.
"Do you miss it?" Alexa asked.
"Always," Lily laughed. "I always tell my dad I will retire there."
"See, she's smart," Robin laughed. "I love the sea too. But people like me can't retire."
"Why not?" Lily asked.
"Who's going to pay the bills?" Robin laughed. "I have my autoshop and that pays the bills. But if I retire, who will look after it?"
"I've been telling you to teach Gabriel more about the business," Carmen shook her head. "You can take a few days off."
"And do what?" Robin asked as if he had the same conversation with his sister many times.
Lily watched them as Gabriel pulled up a chair at the table and took a seat across from her. With his brows furrowed, he assembled his burger, ignoring the ongoing conversation. After arranging the tomatoes and pickles, his eyes began to scan the table. Lily sat nibbling on a piece of pickle as Gabriel's gaze lifted toward her.
Yes? Lily smiled, as her heart began to beat faster. How can I help you, Mr. Reyes?
Gabriel waited, holding Lily's gaze.
Ten seconds, Lily thought to herself as she did a victory lap in her mind. You've never looked at me for this long. This is the greatest day ever.
But as Lily watched, a deep frown began to form on Gbariel's face.
Oh, no. Lily stopped nibbling on the pickle. What's wrong?
Gabriel slowly looked from Lily's face to her hand, "Do you mind?"
Lily looked down at the bottle of ketchup she was holding.
"Oh!" she sat up, realizing he was waiting for her to pass him the bottle. "Sorry."
Gabriel took the bottle without acknowledging Lily's apology.
Lily's cheeks burned with embarrassment. She bit her lip, hoping no one noticed her mistake. She stole a glance at Gabriel, who was now calmly applying ketchup to his burger, seemingly oblivious to the tiny catastrophe that had just unfolded in her world.
Her mind raced. Should I try to say something? Make a joke? Apologize again?
"Gabriel..." Lily spoke up before she could stop herself.
Lily, what are you doing? Lily panicked as Gabriel looked up. She felt her face flush even more as they sat looking at one another and waiting for her to speak again.
"Could you....." Lily cleared her throat. "Could you pass me some of the guacamole?"
Gabriel popped the piece of french fry he was holding into his mouth and picked up the bowl of guacamole. He passed it across the table to her and Lily quickly grabbed it. Her palms were sweating and her heart was lodged into her throat, shocked at her audacity to speak without her permission.
"Thanks," Lily spoke quietly as she scooped up some guacamole onto the side of her plate.
"Before I sit down, does anyone need anything else?" Carmen asked. "No? Lily, sweetheart, do you need anything?"
"No, thank you," Lily shook her head.
"Alexa?" Carmen looked at her daughter. "Gabriel?"
"We're good," Gabriel answered.
"Hm," Carmen huffed, pulling her chair back and taking a seat. "Let's see how long that lasts. Ma, where's the salt? Ma, where's the cup? Ma, where are the napkins?"
Lily laughed as Carmen shook her head.
"I'm sure your mom knows what I'm talking about," Carmen smiled. "Do you have siblings?"
"Yes," Lily answered. "I have three older brothers."
"Three?" Alexa's eyes widened. "Fuck."
"Ay!" Carmen snapped her finger, showing her disapproval toward her daughter's language.
"Sorry," Alexa apologized. "I can't imagine what that must be like. I mean I have Gabriel and he's so annoying. But you have three!"
"It's not that bad," Lily shrugged. "They look out for me."
"Have you ever had a boyfriend?" Alexa asked.
Taken back by her blunt line of questioning, Lily hesitated to answer for a few seconds. Her eyes moved around the table before coming to rest on Gabriel. He didn't look at her, but it looked as if he was waiting for an answer.
"No," Lily answered with honesty. "Not really. Well, nothing serious."
"That's why you don't find your brothers annoying," Alexa concluded.
Gabriel's face remained neutral, his attention seemingly focused on his burger, but Lily noticed the slight tension in his shoulders. He picked at his fries, dipping one in ketchup, and kept his gaze averted, but Lily could tell he was listening intently.
"You mean because I've never had a boyfriend?" Lily asked, raising an eyebrow at Alexa.
"Exactly," Alexa nodded. "If you had, your brothers would've driven him crazy. It's a sibling thing."
Lily laughed softly, glancing at Gabriel again. He took a slow bite of his burger, his expression carefully composed, but his eyes flickered towards her briefly, just enough for her to catch the interest he was trying to hide.
"Well, maybe they would have," Lily said, playing along. "But they just want what's best for me."
Alexa smirked. "Or they want to scare away any potential boyfriends."
"Maybe," Lily replied. "But I think they'd approve of someone who's worth it."
"Alexa," Gabriel spoke up, his deep voice sending sparks down Lily's back. She looked over at him and wondered if his brows were always knit together like that. "Pass me the chips."
Lily sat back, letting his sister pass him the chips. She stared hoping to catch his gaze once more, but it didn't happen. It was as if Gabriel was making a point to not look toward her.
"How are classes going, Lily?" Carmen asked from the other side of the table.
Lily turned and smiled, "Good so far."
"When are midterms?"
"Not anytime soon," Lily said. "Thank god. I'm struggling with this one math class I'm taking and the professor is not being much of a help."
"What class?" Carmen asked.
"Calculus Two," Lily answered.
Alexa looked to her brother, "Didn't you take that, Gabe?"
"Yeah," Gabriel answered.
"Maybe Gabriel can tutor you," Carmen suggested.
YES! Thank you, mama Reyes!
"Really?" Lily tried to curb her enthusiasm. "I mean... that would be amazing."
"Gabriel?" Carmen looked over.
"My schedule is pretty packed," Gabriel leaned back in his seat, the irritation in his eyes intensifying.
Alexa, noticing his annoyance, couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. "Come on, Gabe. You're a math whiz. It won't take much of your time."
Gabriel sighed, his jaw tightening. "I'm sure Lily can find someone else to help her. Maybe a classmate or a tutor at school."
Lily's heart sank a bit, but she kept her smile intact. "It's okay, Mrs. Reyes. I don't want to impose on Gabriel's time."
"Nonsense," Carmen insisted. "Gabriel, it's just a few hours a week. I'm sure you can make it work."
Gabriel's eyes finally met Lily's and they were filled with irritation. "Fine," he said, his voice strained. "I'll see what I can do."
Lily's heart fluttered despite his annoyance. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."
Gabriel nodded curtly, then turned his attention back to his food, clearly wanting to end the conversation. Alexa smirked, sensing her brother's discomfort, while Carmen seemed pleased with the arrangement.
As the meal continued, Lily couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. She would be spending more time with Gabriel.
I must have died from that fall, Lily thought to herself. Lord, heaven is so beautiful. Thank you.
"By the way, was that your car out front, Lily?" Robin asked.
"Yes," Lily nodded. "Please don't ask me anything about it because I have no idea. Theo did all the research. I just drive it from point A to point B."
Robin laughed, "It's a fantastic car."
"Thank you," Lily said. "I'll tell my brother you approve."
"Is it the same car from the accident?" Carmen asked.
"No," Lily shook her head. "I had to get a new one."
"Right, right," Carmen nodded. "I hope insurance wasn't too much of a problem."
"Oh, they have no clue," Lily laughed.
Suddenly, Gabriel looked up as Alexa sat up. His eyes landed on his sister as she began to hit Lily's leg under the table.
"What do you mean?" Carmen asked.
"Oh, um..." Lily looked toward Alexa in confusion, not understanding what the girl was trying to say.
"Your insurance sent Alexa a check for all the damage," Carmen said.
Lily's heart began to beat faster. She felt as if she was suddenly in a minefield of hidden traps.
Alexa's face turned pale as Carmen's eyes narrowed. "Alexa, what is she talking about?"
Alexa stammered, "Mom, Iâ"
"What happened?" Carmen pressed, her voice rising slightly.
Lily glanced at Gabriel, who was watching the exchange with a stern expression. She felt a wave of guilt wash over her, realizing she had inadvertently let out a secret. "I'm sorry," Lily mumbled. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble."
Carmen's gaze shifted back to Lily. "You're not in trouble, Lily. I just want to understand what's going on."
Alexa took a deep breath, knowing she had no choice but to come clean. "I... I lied about the car accident. I didn't report it to the insurance company. We settled out of pocket."
Carmen's eyes widened in shock. "You what? Who's pocket? Who sent you the check?"
"Lily's dad," Alexa shrank in her chair.
"Alexa!" Carmen gasped. "Are you out of your mind?"
"Gabriel knew!" Alexa threw in her brother.
"I advised her against it," Gabriel held up his hands.
"You knew!" Carmen asked in disbelief, her voice rising.
Gabriel sighed, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation. "Yes, Mom, I knew. But I told her it was a bad idea. I thought she would come clean eventually."
Carmen turned back to Alexa, her face a storm of emotions. "This is unbelievable. You lied to us, involved someone else's family, and kept it hidden? Do you have any idea how serious this is?"
Alexa's eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry, Mom. I panicked and didn't know what else to do."
Lily felt like shrinking into her chair, guilt gnawing at her. She hadn't meant to expose such a big secret and now felt responsible for the family's distress. "I'm really sorry, Mrs. Reyes. I didn't mean for this to happen."
Carmen took a deep breath, her anger simmering just below the surface. "It's not your fault, Lily. Alexa, we will discuss this later. You need to understand the consequences of your actions."
The room was tense, the air thick with discomfort. Gabriel leaned back, a troubled look on his face, while Alexa wiped her tears. Carmen rubbed her temples, clearly struggling to keep her composure. After a few minutes, she sat down her glass of lemonade and stood up, her chair creaking as she pushed it aside.
"Come talk to me," she said, looking at Alexa.
Lily held her breath and sat uncomfortably as Alxea quietly rose from her seat and followed her mom out of the room.
"Don't worry about it," Robin shook his head seeing Lily's face. "It's nothing. Finish your food, hija."
Lily slowly picked up a piece of chip. She scooped up some guacamole and stared at her plate.
"I'm going to go make sure Carmen doesn't lose her temper," Robin announced as he rose from his seat, leaving Lily and Gabriel alone at the table.
In her mind, Lily began to retrace her steps, wondering how her perfect day had turned into such a mess. She peeked over to steal a glance at Gabriel and found him toying with the salt shaker, his eyes distant and unreadable.
"I'm sorry," Lily said slowly as she took a bite of the guacamole.
"It's not your fault," Gabriel sighed, running a hand through his hair.
Normally, the small action would have caused Lily's heart to explode. But with the sudden tears in her eyes, Lily could barely see.
Her tongue was on fire. She began to cough uncontrollably as her mouth began to burn and more tears rushed out of her eyes.
"Lily?" Gabriel sat up, his eyes wide and alarmed.
Lily stared with her mouth wide open and fat tears streaming down her face.
"Spicy..." she choked.
Gabriel sprang into action. He rushed to the kitchen and grabbed a handful of ice cubes and a glass of water. Returning to Lily's side, he kneeled before her and gently pressed an ice cube to her lips.
"Open," he said softly, his eyes focused on Lily's lips.
Lily slowly parted her lips, her heart pounding for reasons beyond the spicy food as Gabriel pushed a piece of ice inside. His fingers brushed against her mouth and her breath hitched in her throat.
"Chew on that," he whispered, his gaze locked onto hers as he held the other pieces to her burning mouth.
The coolness of the ice was a welcome relief, but it was Gabriel's gaze that made Lily's heart tumble down the hill. He gently rubbed her back, his touch soothing and comforting.
As Lily sucked on the ice cube and felt it melt on her tongue, her eyes flickered to the glass of water in Gabriel's hands. He followed her gaze and held it out.
Lily reached out and took hold of the glass, expecting Gabriel to let go. But when he didn't, she peered at him through her lashes as he held the glass up to her lips.
"Here," Gabriel whispered, his voice low. "Take a sip."
Lily's heart raced as she complied, her lips brushing against the rim of the glass. Gabriel's hand was steady, his fingers lightly grazing hers.
As she drank, Gabriel's eyes never left hers, the intensity of his gaze sending shivers down her spine. When she finished, he gently lowered the glass, their fingers still intertwined.
"Feeling better?" he asked, his voice a soft murmur.
Lily nodded, her breath catching at the way he looked at her. "Yes, thank you."
Gabriel's thumb brushed against the back of her hand, a subtle but electrifying touch.
"Good," he said. "I was worried there for a moment."
His words, combined with his touch, made Lily feel a warmth that had nothing to do with the spice.
"I'm sorry for causing such a fuss," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She was so close to him and he smelled like all the things Lily should not want to do with a boy she barely knew. But her body did not seem to understand. Especially not when the corner of Gabriel's mouth curved up into a small smirk.
Did you just make him smile? Lily's inner voice lowered her glasses and gasped.
"Today's not your day, is it?" Gabriel laughed. The sound made Lily's belly do flips.
"It's actually one of the best days I've ever had," Lily confessed, swallowing back the lingering spice on her tongue.
"Hm," Gabriel gave a quick chuckle while he let his eyes roam over Lily's face. "You need to have some better days."
All too quickly, their moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. Gabriel's expression shifted from warm and open to guarded and stoic. He pulled back, creating a noticeable distance between them.
Alexa and Carmen entered the room, their conversation halting as they took in the scene.
"Is everything okay in here?" Carmen asked, her eyes moving from Lily to Gabriel.
"Yeah, we're fine," Gabriel replied curtly, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms. The warmth he had shown Lily moments ago was gone, replaced by his usual guarded demeanor.
Lily felt a pang of disappointment at the sudden change but managed a smile. "I ate something spicy. Gabriel was just helping me," she explained, trying to lighten the mood.
Alexa looked at Gabriel with a raised eyebrow, "Well, that's very sweet of him."
"Yeah, sure," Gabriel muttered, his eyes avoiding Lily's.
"You're really lucky to survive Gabriel's culinary rescue mission," Alexa turned to Lily and teased. "He usually ignores the damsel in distress."
Lily chuckled, though her heart ached a little at Gabriel's abrupt change. She gripped the glass of water tightly in her hand and took a sip. Beside her, Gabriel rose to his feet and turned for the door.
"Let me know when I have to drop you off," he said.
"Don't worry about it," Carmen said. "Alexa will drop her off. It's the least she can do for her friend after wrecking her car."
"Even better," Gabriel said before walking out of the room.
________________________
Mason
Hi, you've reached Lily Silvano. I am unable to take your call right now. Please leave your name and number and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Mason balanced his phone between his ear and his shoulder as he walked down the hall. His hands struggled to push the wrapped box into the gift bag. The brightly colored paper crinkled noisily, resisting his efforts.
"Lil'Bil," he spoke up as the voicemail beeped. "Where are you? You do remember that I am leaving today, right? Call me back."
Hanging up the call, Mason stopped in front of room 17A and took in a deep breath. The hallway was quiet, and the air smelled faintly of cleaning supplies.
"Here we go," he said to himself.
Relaxing his shoulders, Mason raised his hand and knocked on the door. The sound echoed slightly in the empty corridor.
"Are you stalking me?"
Startled, Mason whirled around to face Wendy, who was standing a few feet away with a raised eyebrow. She held a stack of books in her arms, her expression a mixture of amusement and irritation.
"Jesus," he placed a hand over his chest, trying to calm his racing heart. "Were you behind me the whole time?"
"Yes," Wendy nodded, stepping around him to get to her room, her movements smooth and deliberate.
"And you didn't say anything?" Mason asked.
"Why should I?" Wendy replied, her tone casual. "Lily isn't here."
"Yeah, I know," Mason cleared his throat. "I came to see you."
"Oh no," Wendy groaned, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Why?"
"To apologize," Mason said earnestly. "Properly."
"I'm allergic to cats and dogs," Wendy said bluntly. "And I hate chocolate."
"Noted," Mason chuckled, appreciating her straightforwardness. "But I think I made a safe choice this time."
"Boring," Wendy shot back, though there was a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
Ignoring her taunt, Mason held out the small bag, its pink ribbon slightly crooked from his earlier struggle.
"I'm really sorry for the Star Wars Lego set," he said sincerely. "And I hope you will accept this."
"You really don't have to do this," Wendy stared at the bag. "The best apology would have been if you left me alone."
"Please," Mason insisted, his eyes pleading.
"Fine," Wendy sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "If it'll help you sleep better at night."
"Thank you," Mason smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes.
With her lips pressed together in a thin line, Wendy accepted the gift. "Anything else?"
"You're not going to open it?" Mason asked, unable to hide his anticipation.
"Later."
"How would I know if you liked it?"
"You'll know if I don't," Wendy said as she pulled out her keys and unlocked her door. "Don't come inside."
"Wendâ"
"Goodbye," Wendy said firmly as she let the door slam behind her, cutting off any further protest.
Kicking off her shoes, she made her way over to her bed and dropped her bag on the floor. She pulled out the wrapped box from inside the bag, curiosity flickering in her eyes. A small card fell out from inside and landed on her foot. Wendy bent down and picked it up, her eyes scanning the box in her hand.
Flowers you won't be allergic to, the card read in the neatest handwriting she had ever seen.
Wendy felt a small smile pull across her lips as she turned the box and stared at the Lego flower bouquet set. She chewed on her bottom lip, intrigued by the thoughtful gesture. Without thinking, she jumped to her feet and walked to the door. But when she pulled it open, the hallway was empty. She stood there for a moment, the silence wrapping around her, and then, with a sigh, she retreated back into her room.
Which couple will have the best spice? ;)