Chapter 8
420 Words
Later That Evening
“Okay, but if that dress doesn’t make someone fall in love with you, I’m filing a complaint with the universe.”
Mia smiled faintly as they walked back toward the packhouse. “I’m not wearing it for that.”
“Lies.”
“Lilly—”
“Partial lies,” Lilly corrected. “Maybe not for that, but you are going to turn heads.”
Mia didn’t answer.
Her mind flickered briefly—
Ice-blue eyes.
She pushed the thought away.
“Tomorrow’s field trip,” Lilly said suddenly. “New museum. You excited?”
“Thrilled,” Mia said flatly.
“Don’t be dramatic. It could be fun.”
“It’s a museum.”
“Exactly.”
Mia gave her a look.
Lilly grinned.
As they reached the packhouse, the front doors opened.
Voices carried out.
Mia slowed.
Her parents stood just outside—along with Lilly’s mother… and Victor’s parents.
Great.
“Perfect timing,” Lilly muttered.
Mia straightened slightly as they approached.
Her mother’s gaze softened immediately. “Mia.”
Her father nodded once, his presence steady, watchful.
Lilly’s mom smiled warmly. “There you two are.”
Then—
Victor’s parents.
His father stood tall, commanding without effort.
His mother—graceful, observant—watched Mia just a second longer than necessary.
Assessing.
“Victor,” Lilly whispered under her breath.
Mia didn’t look.
Didn’t search.
She could already feel him somewhere inside.
“That was fast,” Mia’s father said.
“Efficient,” Lilly replied proudly.
A faint smile touched his expression.
Introductions followed—formal, polite, controlled.
Names exchanged.
Acknowledgments given.
But Mia barely registered the words.
Because that feeling—
It was back.
Subtle.
But there.
“We’re heading into town for dinner,” her mother said. “Behave tonight.”
Lilly grinned. “No promises.”
“That’s not reassuring,” her mother replied.
“Love you too.”
Mia’s father gave her one last look—something unreadable in it—before turning and leaving with the others.
The doors closed behind them.
Silence lingered for a beat.
“…Well,” Lilly said, clapping her hands once. “That wasn’t awkward at all.”
" Lilly, why don't you grab us a snack and meet me in my room?."
Lilly stops, "Ohhhhh, did Margaret make that yummy cheese cake again?"
" Yes, why do you think I asked you, go use your charm on her." Mia laughs out loud and starts walking up the staircase to her room.
- Writer
