Alice’s POV
Brian’s message came in first thing in the morning:
Grumpy: Be ready by 8:00 p.m. Can’t wait to see you. Dress comfy.
I smiled at the message, already wondering what “comfy” meant in Brian-language. That man’s version of casual probably involved a silk-lined hoodie or something ridiculous like that.
The day passed in a blur of schoolwork and assignments. When I got home, I lay down for just a few minutes... which turned into a nap I didn’t know I needed.
I jolted awake to Leah’s voice shouting from the living room.
“Alice, your driver is here!”
My eyes flew open. Driver? My brain scrambled as things started clicking.
“Oh, shit.” I groaned, rolling out of bed.
Brian. The plans. 8:00 p.m.
I rushed to my closet in full chaos mode. After a five-minute meltdown, I threw on
