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Walking into the kitchen, the scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. Mary and Lil are already seated at the table, their hair disheveled. Same as mine.

“Morning,” Mary mumbles into her mug of coffee. Lil grunts in response.

I pour myself a cup and join them at the table. “How are the hangovers?”

Mary rubs her temples. “Like a herd of elephants stampeding through my brain.”

“Same, I’m tired,” I say.

“Same here,” Lil says. “I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.”

“Maybe next time we won’t drink so much,” Mary says, earning a giggle from both Lil and me.

“Did Elijah call?” Mary eyes me over the rim of her mug.

“No, he didn’t.” I stare into my coffee, watching the wisps of steam curl and vanish.

“I’m sure he’ll call soon,” Mary says.

What if he lied about the engagement being fake? Everything in me screams he told the truth. So why didn’t he text me yet?

Lil reaches over and squeezes my hand. “Don’t overthink it. See what happens. There’s surely more between you two.”

I take a sip of coffee and shrug. “I don’t know what you mean. We discussed business.”

Him-fingering-me-to-orgasm-business.

“Yeah, of course,” Mary says.

“Fine,” I say. “It was a bit more than business.” This man knows which buttons he has to push.

“Speaking of last night… did anyone catch who that woman next to Sebastian was?” Lil toys with her bacon.

It’s obvious she’s trying to hide her jealousy, but I can see a hint of frustration in the tightness around her mouth.

“Ah, yes,” Mary says. “I believe her name is Serena, from the Morgan family.”

“Serena Morgan.” Lil still picks at her food. I wish she would let us in more. Tell us what happened between her and my brother so we can help. “Are they dating?”

“From what I’ve heard, they’ve been spotted together quite frequently over the past few weeks.” Mary takes a sip of her coffee. “Maybe they’re friends.”

“Or they currently have a business deal to discuss,” I say. Better not jump to conclusions. I’m certain Bash is still in love with Lil. He wouldn’t date another woman. “Otherwise, he would tell me.”

Lil nods, biting her lip. “It’s none of my business, anyway.”

“Enough about last night,” Mary says. “Let’s talk about something else. Any plans for today?”

“Work, as usual. What about you two?” I say.

“Yoga.” Mary puts her hands over her head together, imitating a pose. “I hope I will survive it. I can already hear my teacher complaining.”

Lil laughs. “I undoubtedly won’t be doing any sports today.”

All our eyes snap to my phone as it buzzes on the table.

An unknown number flashes across the screen.

Elijah? Could it be him? Shit, I forgot. I didn’t unblock his number yet. I’m so stupid. Of course, I didn’t get any text messages. But who?

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