Page 27 of Seeds of Sorrow

“Thank you,” Peyton said. “I mean it. I appreciate that.”

Piper beamed and jumped up, clapping her hands together. “How aboutyoucome for lunch? I wanna get to know you better!”

Peyton wasn’t sure why she felt such a kinship with Piper, but she desperately wanted to be friends with the Adis’ ray of sunshine. She found herself nodding and was promptly dragged to her feet.

“Let’s go!”

* * *

Peyton felt seriously underdressedwhen they walked into the restaurant, not long after Piper drove them there.Il Fiorewas a fancy sandstone building in the heart of town. Peyton knew only wealthy people could afford to dine here, with the parking attendant posted outside and the canopy overhead as they entered the front of the building. It was magnificent and intimidating and Peyton felt out of place.

A waiter in a tuxedo led the duo through a sea of marble-top tables, plush suede seats, and charcoal-colored booths to one right in the corner, facing out to the rest of the restaurant. “Your usual table, Ms. Adis.”

Piper thanked him and slid into the booth, shirking off her white coat to reveal a beautiful forest-green bodycon dress. It clung to her frame perfectly, a simple V-cut neck revealing just a hint of cleavage. The color suited her complexion and was almost a perfect match for her eyes.

“You look stunning,” Peyton said honestly. While she was insanely jealous of how gorgeous the Adis sisters were, she didn’t understand the mindset that women should tear other women apart. It seemed absurd to drag someone down out of jealousy and it just wasn’t Peyton.

A light blush formed on Piper’s cheeks. “Thank you, Peyton.”

Glancing at her own ripped jeans and band tee, Peyton grimaced. She was the odd one out in a restaurant full of people who could buy and sell her entire life a thousand times over.

“Wipe that look from your face,” Piper commanded with a familiar air of authority. “You look absolutely stunning no matter what you wear, andnobodyshould ever look down on you because of that. If they do, you flash them a pretty smile and tell them to go fuck themselves.”

Peyton stared at Piper for a second before bursting out into a rather unladylike laugh, snort and all. “Lord, you sound just like Hadina when you take on that tone.”

Piper smirked, throwing Peyton a wink. “Well, us sisters do have to havesomethingin common, even if it’s an attitude.”

“You’re really fucking cool.” Peyton grinned.

“You’re really fucking cool too, Peyton.”

A content silence settled between them after that as they browsed the menu, pursuing their endless options. Peyton had never even heard of half the things listed, and the fact that no prices were displayed next to the items made sweat form under her shirt.

“Do you ladies know what you’re having?” A waiter arrived at their table with a smile on his face and a tablet in his hand, ready to take their orders.

“I’ll have the Wagyu steak with the truffle mashed potatoes, please,” Piper stated, handing the man her menu.

Sweat now dotted Peyton’s brow as well, her eyes flicking to the menu again. She hated fancy dining and pompous dishes. Yes, she dreamed of going to places like this and knowing exactly what everything was, but she certainly wasn’t at that stage yet. “May I have the lemon and rosemary chicken with the tri-cooked fries?”

The waiter nodded politely and turned on his heel, leaving the women to talk.

“Why do you look like you’re about to be sick?” Piper questioned, her brows furrowed in concern.

Peyton leaned forward, whispering so she wouldn’t be overheard. “This place issoexpensive-looking, Piper. I feel so out of place.”

Piper laughed, a light sound, which lifted some of the pressure off Peyton’s chest. “Girl, please. You look fabulous. Besides, you’re an honorary Adis—you don’t pay for shit. Always add whatever you want to our tabs and we’ll cover it.”

Peyton blanched, her jaw falling slightly ajar. “You can’t be serious.”

Piper shrugged, her lips pulling into a smirk. “You bet your ass I’m serious. My dad told you that you’re one of us, and I’ll stand by that.”

Feeling tears prick, Peyton pressed her napkin against the corners of her eyes. “I really appreciate that, even if I don’t understand it.”

“You’ll understand one day. None of us Adis girls let anyone get close—myself included—but we’re fiercely protective of those who break through. If I didn’t already want you to be my new best friend,” she says with a chuckle, “then the way Hadina acts around you would be reason enough.”

Peyton balked at that, almost choking on her water. “I don’t—”

Piper held up a hand. “Yeah, yeah. I know how this story goes, Pey. Can I call you Pey? Anyway, y’all havesomethinggoing on, and while I definitely don’t need to know details, I am happy to see my sister occupied withsomethingother than work.”

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