Page 81 of When Hearts Awaken

Annoyed at myself and needing some distraction, I went with Lisa and Dev for a quick bite of dinner before heading to a trendy club near the restaurant.

My eyes sweep over the throngs of people on the multicolored LED dance floor in this club on Dlouhá Street, a few blocks away from Estates Theatre. It’s close to midnight on Friday and the atmosphere is electric as people celebrate the end of a workweek.

“Let’s dance!” Lisa shrieks, grabbing Dev’s hand and pulling him toward the crowd. “Tay Tay, come with!”

My feet are sore and I just frankly want to go back to the hotel to reacquaint myself with the clawfoot bathtub. I shake my head. “You guys go ahead! I’m sitting this round out.”

She pouts, then sticks her tongue out and the two of them disappear into the masses.

I bop my head to the loud music, the bass heavy, vibrating into my bones. Getting another glass of a nonalcoholic citrus cocktail from the bartender—they unfortunately don’t have carrot flavored anything here—I take out my phone and swipe to the text messages.

Olivia

Look at our Thanksgiving chicken! Mom’s not a big fan of turkey, unfortunately.

Belle

We have tons of leftovers! Turkey, stuffing, the works. The Andersons go all out during this holiday. Want some, Olivia?

Olivia

I’ll never say no to free food. *smiley face*

Lana

How’s my little sister doing all the way in Europe? Meet any hot European men yet?

Grace

You tell her, Lana! I’ve been trying to get her to date. She doesn’t listen.

Lana

I have single guy friends over there. Total catches! Just say the word and I’ll call them up to take you around. *grinning emoji*

I smile and type on the phone. Lana is always busy, flying around for work and I don’t see her as often as I see my brothers, but she’s a blast, and I’m thankful Grace and I have a smart and kind older half sister.

Taylor

Why don’t you hook up with these “great catches,” Lana?

Lana

Who says I haven’t? *wink* Just kidding. Maybe I’m waiting for a certain someone.

Grace

*Squeal* Lana! You can’t drop that without giving us more details!

Grace

And Tay Tay, I hope you had a great performance today. We miss you a lot! We’ll do a makeup Thanksgiving when you’re back.

She sends over a photo of her and Millie with Steven, his siblings, and Millie’s brother, Adrian, in the background.

Grace

Millie misses Ryland a lot. She won’t admit it though.

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