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Sebastian’s smile fades, and his jaw clenches.

“So, ready to go?” Gemma asks me.

“Sure, let me lock up.” I grab the cupcakes and my suitcase.

“Let me take that.” Sebastian takes the suitcase from my hand.

We walk to the car, and as soon as we’re inside, Gemma and Mary start chatting away, filling the drive with stories and gossip to update me about their lives there. I lean back, listening while Sebastian keeps his eyes on the road, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

When we arrive at the airport, we board the private jet and settle into our seats.

“Anyone up for a game of rummy?” Mary retrieves a deck of cards from her bag.

“I’m in,” Gemma says.

I nod, grateful for the distraction. “Sure, why not?”

Sebastian, however, takes out his laptop. “You girls go ahead. I have some work to catch up on.”

I glance at him, trying to read his expression, but he’s already focused on his screen. Maybe he’s stressed? With exams and now his father putting pressure on him?

As the plane takes off, Mary deals out the cards, and we start playing. However, my gaze keeps drifting to Sebastian. I wish I could go over and talk to him, but with Gemma and Mary here, it’s impossible. We haven’t told anyone about us yet, and I’m not ready for that conversation, especially not with his sister.

I chew my lip and focus back on the game, and luckily, the flight passes quickly.

We part ways with Mary at the airport, who heads off to visit her parents. Gemma, Sebastian, and I make our way to their penthouse apartment, which is nestled in an upscale corner of the city.

The doorman, Philip, greets us and points us to the private elevators on the far side.

Stepping into the penthouse, I’m immediately enveloped by the scent of lilies and lemon, an oddly familiar fragrance. It reminds me of home, of Uncle Marc’s place. He always insists on having fresh lilies in the foyer.

A woman with blonde hair and a bright smile hurries forward to envelop Gemma and Sebastian in a hug. “You’re here! Oh, it’s so wonderful to see you both.”

This must be their mother. Not a hair out of place, and her dress perfectly pressed—she exudes an effortless grace that I can only dream of possessing.

Gemma and Sebastian are like two perfect miniature versions of her, all blonde hair and emerald eyes that sparkle with warmth. Even their smiles are identical—wide, welcoming grins that say you can trust them with everything.

Gemma gestures at me. “Mom, this is my friend Lil. The one I was telling you about.”

Mrs. Barron’s eyes pore over me, and for a split second, her smile falters. “It’s lovely to meet you, Lil. Gemma’s told me so much about you.”

Did I just imagine that? “It’s nice to meet you, too, Mrs. Barron. “Thank you for having me this weekend.”

“Oh, please, call me Sloan. And it’s our pleasure, dear. Any friend of Gemma’s is always welcome here.”

“Your home is lovely.” I gesture to the lilies. “My uncle always has lilies in our foyer, too.”

“He does? Great minds think alike, I suppose,” she says.

Sebastian clears his throat, drawing his mother’s attention. “Is Dad around?”

“He was in his study, taking a call. You know how busy he is, darling.” She walks to the stairs. “John, come greet the kids!”

Sloan walks back to us. “Why don’t you all go and get settled in? Gemma, show Lil to the guest room, would you?”

I remember the cupcakes in my hand. “Oh, Mrs. Barron—I mean, Sloan. I brought these for you.” I hold out the container. “They’re chocolate. Gemma mentioned they’re your favorite.”

Sloan’s face lights up as she takes the container from me. “Oh, Lil, you shouldn’t have! That’s so sweet of you, thank you. John will be thrilled, he—”

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