ger sister Gia, Eva and Noah as they got up to give her a quick hug be

izzling bacon wafted thro

y in the background. "This trial has consumed my entire life." She sighed dramatic

much of their mother. "Some things never change,"she teas

y pressed blazer. "Never too busy for my day ones!" she prote

erday. Lily had been her friend even longer than Gia was. The two had met freshman year of college in an intro design course

d all over at my birthday party!" Eva explained as Lily listened intent

ake sure to mention his little accident to remind

ut this opportunity, it honestly slipped my mi

jected. "I don't know Eva, this Oscar guy sounds like a major sleaze even with

. "I have to agree with G on this one. His approach seems qu

uch and this is what I've always been waiting for. It's not an oppor

her fruit smoothie bowl, avoidin

t getting a little...fa

ng her energetic gesturing. "

ling shy about sharing details

" she admitted. "And he called our aesthetics 'complementary'

her palm lightly on the reclaimed wood table. "I swear,

pression serious compared t

put up with suggestive comments or energy l

e just want you to feel safe as well as successful, love.

mile, warmed by he

tracts," she assured them. "But the concept itself is still so inter

ondering if she was crazy to still be considering Os

ectionate little squeeze b

cus on Noah, pointing her fork accusingly. "Noah Crestwood, please enlighten

retelling of his most recent dating exploits. Lily signaled the wait

belongings to leave, Lily wrapped a

this over – and call anytime you wa

oor, flashing h

at the moment, he might begin to thi

out into the sunshine. She took a deep breath of fresh air, weighi