Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 116759 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 584(@200wpm)___ 467(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116759 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 584(@200wpm)___ 467(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
I let out a bark of laughter. “You are my hero.”
She nodded, accepting the compliment as if it was her due. “We’ll have your parents back together in no time.” She stood, signaling the end of our discussion. “Oh, and, Sebastian, Candice Winchester is moving to Edinburgh for some job in finance. She’s your age and very attractive. I told her mother I would give her your phone number so you can show her around the windy city. The girl shouldn’t be alone on New Year. You must invite her to that Hogmanay party you host every year.”
It didn’t even surprise me that my grandmother knew about my annual party. “I’m not interested in a serious relationship.”
“Oh, neither is she. She’s very busy. Very driven. I quite admire that. Her mother does worry about her being alone so far from home, though. Especially on New Year.”
Juno nudged me. “Give her his number, Granny. It’s the least he can do after what you’re doing for us.”
Sighing inwardly, I nodded. “Of course. Happy to invite her to the party so she can meet some people.”
“Wonderful. Now, let’s get you home to Clarissa. She’ll need you both right now.” She turned to Juno. “Daughters are always hardest on their mothers. Try to be forgiving, dear Juno. We mothers are only human too.”
I slid an arm around my sister at the slightly stricken look on her face, and she leaned into me as she promised, “I will.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
LILY
Sebastian: Sawyer, you’ll never guess what.
Lily: I’m useless at guessing games so you’re right, I never will.
I won’t lay the suspense on thick then.
Mum and Dad are talking.
I think Granny pulled it off.
You mean … she got that woman to admit to lying?
Sounds like it. Mum got a phone call last night.
She was weird about it.
Then an hour ago, my parents locked themselves in the bedroom.
There was some yelling. But they’ve calmed down.
That’s a great sign!
Yeah. And it was all your genius idea.
Princess Mary was the one who executed it.
You can just call her my grandmother, you know.
Can I? Really? Isn’t that illegal?
Anyway, Juno and I are going into London to leave them to it.
I’m meeting Juno’s new girlfriend. Leona. Whom she’s in love with.
You can’t just drop two info bombs like that! What??
I’ll tell you all about it when I see you.
Okay. Well, tell Juno I’m happy for her. Have fun.
Thanks, Sawyer. Miss you.
CHAPTER THIRTY
LILY
Having lived in Edinburgh my whole life, I had, along with my family, participated in the four-day Hogmanay festival multiple times. However, the last few years, we’d avoided the city on Hogmanay if we could because it was packed with people from all over the world. In particular, we avoided the Royal Mile because everyone congregated there for the street party.
It took Jan and me ages to even reach the high street and then we had to “politely” shove our way through the crowds to get to the main entrance of Sebastian’s building.
Two massive doormen blocked our way. I’d never seen them before, and they both had a rough, intimidating demeanor. One held a tablet computer and barked, “Name?”
“Oh, uh, Lily and January Sawyer.”
He scrolled through the screen and nodded, stepping aside. “Go on up.”
“There’s a list?” January hissed as we hurried into the building. “Bloody hell, you didn’t tell me this was a VIP party.”
“I think it’s to stop randoms from coming inside.” I shrugged. “There’s never been a list before.” Not that I’d been to any of Sebastian’s parties. I was thankful I’d asked Sebastian if January could tag along and not just shown up with my sister.
January had agreed to attend the Hogmanay party with me as support but also because she was nosy and wanted to see Sebastian’s Royal Mile penthouse.
While my friend and I had exchanged multiple texts over the holidays, we hadn’t talked again since Christmas Day. Instead of moping over how much I missed him and worried about him and his situation with his parents, I attempted to look at the time apart as a good thing. It helped me gather my emotions and put the boundaries in place I needed to continue a friendship with him.
The door to the flat was wide open, probably because of the doormen downstairs halting any “undesirables” from walking in. Music pumped loudly from inside. Surprisingly, it was Dua Lipa, not the boys’ usual indie rock. Catering to the masses, I assumed. I enjoyed a bit of Dua Lipa; the catchy beat of the song put a much-needed swing in my step.
We strolled up the wide hallway. People I didn’t recognize lingered near the entrance to the open-plan living space. As soon as we reached the strangers, I sucked in a breath. There were so many people crowded into the apartment. Way more than I’d anticipated.
“Holy shit.” January gaped around at the teeming kitchen and living room. “This place is huge.” Quickly, she unbuttoned her coat. “I’m getting a drink. Want one?”