The invitation came on a Thursday.
Not a formal invitation — a text from Olivia, sent to Emma and Nick both.
Olivia: Dinner. Saturday. 7 PM. My place. You're bringing Nick. He's bringing wine. Don't be late.
Nick stared at the message. "She's bossy."
"That's Olivia."
"She texts like she's giving orders."
"She learned from the best." Emma smiled. "Me."
Nick looked up. "You're going to make me do this, aren't you?"
"Meet my sister's fiancé? Yes."
"Can't I just send a gift?"
"You're not sending a gift. You're coming to dinner. You're bringing wine. You're going to be charming."
"I'm not charming."
"You're charming when you want to be."
Nick sighed. "Fine. But if he's boring, I'm leaving early."
Emma kissed his cheek. "That's fair."
---
Saturday arrived clear and cold.
Emma st
