Page 57 of Little Do You Know

Sebastian’s actually blushes. “Thanks, Chloe. I think so too.”

Mirabelle? As in Mimi, Sebastian’s grandma? No one has said anything about her being in a nursing home to me.

We continue walking down a series of hallways, but my mind is racing. “Sebastian, I’m confused. What are we doing here?”

His smile is sad as he finally looks at me. “We’re here to see Mimi.”

And then, around the next corner is the woman whose house I spent a fair chunk of my childhood in. She’s the person who gave me my first camera and inspired my time in France.Mimi loved France, and I grew up listening to all her stories until I was old enough to go myself.

I had no idea that Mimi had been moved to a home. My parents never mentioned it, and neither did Owen. How could they not tell me? Sebastian’s hugging her by the time I gather myself to step into the sunroom. I have so many questions. “Thalia! My dear, I’m so happy to see you. I feel like it’s been forever.”

A smile tugs at my mouth, and I hand her the flowers as she stands up to hug me. She feels more frail than I remember. I’m afraid I’m going to hurt Mimi by returning her hug. “Mimi, I’ve missed you.”

“How’s that brother of yours? Still causing problems with Bash?” She winks playfully as I smile.

“Of course. You know how they are together.”

“We’re not that bad. It’s gotten better.” Sebastian laughs, his smile radiant, far from what is was a minute ago.

“I would hope so. You’d be lucky to snag a girl like Lia. Sit down, sweetie; how’s your photography going? Are you still into it?”

I sit down beside her while Bash smiles, taking the seat opposite her. “Yeah, you could say that. I just got back from my year in France.” I sent her a few emails, but I never heard back. I guess this is why.

She gasps, her eyes lighting up in excitement. “Oh, I’m so jealous. Please tell me you visited Marseilles. It was so beautiful when I went, but that would’ve been years ago. I bet it looks so different now.”

“I did. It was incredible, regardless of whatever changes were made,” I say, glancing over at Sebastian.She seems perfectly fine?

“Sebastian, how is football going? I know you said you weren’t sure about what you wanted to do with the draft?” she asks, and I’m shocked to see a tear sliding down his cheek. He wipes it away quickly, and now I know I’m missing something big.

He recovers to answer Mimi’s question. “It’s at the end of April. I’m entering, but the prospects list comes out in January. Coach says I’ve got a good shot at being a first-round pick, but it all depends on many different things behind the scenes.” Bash is smiling now, but I’m starting to understand what he means about feeling the pressure of everyone’s expectations.

“I’m really proud of you.” Mimi holds the flowers in her lap and smiles, looking down at them. “Remember, it’s all about if you’re having fun. If you’re not having fun, then there’s no point in playing. I know you started because of Grandpa and your father, but I hope you still love it.”

“I do; it’s everything to me.”

“Don’t forget there’s more to life than throwing a ball, Bash,” Mimi warns, and I can’t help but laugh.

Sebastian reaches over to grab my hand. “Tell me about it. Thalia is always doing her best to keep me on my toes.”

“Bash, I sincerely hope you’re trying to tell me after all the years her mother and I tried to set you two up, it finally happened.” She pauses to press a hand to her chest dramatically. “Don’t you know it’s cruel to play jokes on an old woman?”

“No jokes,” I confirm, squeezing Sebastian’s hands. “Are you telling me you and my mom were plotting together?”

“I think that’s exactly what Mimi’s saying,” Sebastian teases lightheartedly, and I mentally note to ask my mom about it later.

Mimi looks at him seriously. “You better not mess this up. I know you, and you like to push Thalia’s buttons. This girl is the best thing to ever happen to you. Don’t let Thalia be an almost because you know how I feel about that word.”

That’s what he has tattooed on his back: almost.

He smiles at her before looking my way, the gentle expression melting my heart. “I don’t plan on it.”

For once, I’m not afraid of what Sebastian and I might mean for the future.

“You better have bought her flowers,” she scolds, interrupting the moment.

“I did.”

“Thalia, is that true?” Mimi turns to ask me.

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