, as if we'd known each other for years instead of mere hours. He had a way of making ev

a masquerade before?" I ask

esturing toward the room where nearly everyone had abandoned the theme. "Th

et," I countered, unab

by pillar. "Fair point. But let's be honest,

ead. "If anything, my mom's bee

to get you married," he teased

he was an underwear model, explaining that the mask was partly to avoid unwa

id dryly. "You're pract

zed. "And you're practica

e there, you learn things you're not supposed to," he

w, intrigued. "Oh,

oward a man with slicked-back hair and a sharp navy sui

d, startled, fo

creet," Nick said matter-of-factly. "People talk. Plus, he's

ld," I said, s

e tinged with amusement. "See her?" He pointed

her story

s to raise funds for underprivileged kids, but most of it ends up

"That's... actually impr

ight? And then t

t-and-pepper hair who looked like

trading?"

"He's practically untouchable, t

names, faces, and their sordid little secrets. It was equal parts ente

about the people he knew. His sharp observations were both entertain

om appeared, her face lig

ce tinged with mock exasperation. "

gesturing toward Nick. "T

charm dialed up to eleven.

is hand. "The pleasure is mine, you

onight," Nick r

," Mom said with a teasing smile. "I'm t

ight had been a rare opportunity for her to let lo

led with Mom's infectious chatter

from the States in December," she said, he

esire had been a name I'd heard a lot gro

vening. Her happiness radiated through the car, her voice anima

entarily lifted. I couldn't remember the last time I'd seen her so alive. Tonigh

mom, how much I'd missed being able to spend time like this with her. Work didn't leave much room for p

help but think about Nick. A

ne buzzed with a message

ck hope you g

the simple sweetness of his text. For someone who claime

's earlier words about not overthinking every

ad a lovely time toda

came almost

time with you today. Would you mind going out

to say yes immediately, but another part reminded me of my packed schedule

ly, I

t I'll have to chec

Just let me know

ion replayed in my head as I got ready for bed. As I lay under the covers, a small gri

er trip. She was heading to a convention on Monday, and I helped her gather her

of the waiting areas, sipping coffee a

gain so soon," she said, a

"I know work keeps you busy, just like mine

ftening. "All I want is

replied, pullin

longer before pulling back. "Take care of your

I said with a

ght. On the drive back home, I felt a pang of sadness but pushed it aside. I knew her job demanded

-

ing for the week ahead. I sent an email to the contractor, outlining the project deadlines

Samira, my

amily. I don't want them anyw

reply ca

make sure they're remove

family's underhanded tactics had caused me enough headaches, and I w

drifted back to Nick. His easy smile, his witty banter, and the way he made me feel

s of the house settle around me, a small smile