Page 81 of Introvert

My eyes widened. "There's an online group about us?"

Constance waved that away. "There are several, dear, but I only follow the onewith the juiciest info. So? Which is it? Real or not?"

I shook my head. "I'm not sure what you want me to say, Mrs. Davenport.If Essie told youhow this all started, you know the answer already."

"Yes, but things change."

I swallowed.

"Do you like the boy?" she asked.

"Of course, I do," I said.

Constancenodded. "Good, and when the time comes, willyou be honest with him about your feelings?"

"I…I'm not sure I'm ready to be honest with myself yet."

A truthful answer if not the one she wanted.

"Plus, I doubt Felix feels the same way about me."

She sighed deeply. "Why are young people so…"

"Wishy-washy?" Essie supplied.

"Sensitive?" I tried.

"Stupid," Constance said finally. "Why are young people so stupid?Especially when it comes to love?"

"I don't know." I thought about it a second then added, "Maybe it's because we're still naive enough to think we can protect ourselves from getting our hearts broken.Even though, love really is the only thing worth living for."

She gave me a slow smile. "Nowthatwas a good answer."

"Thanks."

"Told you I liked her," Essie put in.

Constance tilted her head. "Aurora, you play in a string group with your cousins.Is that correct?"

I blinked. "Yes, ma'am."

"The Kent Cousins has a nice ring to it," she added.

"I can't believe you've heard of us," I said with a genuine smile. Scarlett—who basically founded the group—and the girls were going to go crazy when they found out.

"I know everything."Constance reached into her purse and held out a card which I took with an air of disbelief. "Here's my card. If you ever want to get into the wedding business, give me a ring. We're always looking for new musical talent."

Before I could say more than "thank you," she and Essie started walking away. A second later, Felix appeared at my side with a glass of water in hand. I took it from him and downed half of it in one swallow.

"Whoa," he said. "You thirsty?"

"Not really," I said then took another drink.

"I'm guessing the talk with Gigi went well."

"It was interesting."

London jogged over then and shook her head. "Wow,theConstance Davenport. How'd that conversation go?"

---