Chapter 111
**Sara**
The cab screeched to a halt in front of a charming house. I fumbled with my wallet, trying to pay the driver while simultaneously preventing Jessica from spilling out of the car in her eagerness to escape.
"Jess, wait!" I called, but she was halfway up the path, her heels clicking against the pavement. I quickly thanked the driver and hurried after her, praying she wouldn't say anything embarrassing before I could catch up.
Jessica bounced on her toes when I reached the front door, grinning like a kid on Christmas morning. "Come on, slowpoke! I want to meet this mysterious cousin of Professor Thick-"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence," I hissed, jabbing the doorbell before she could continue. The chime echoed through the house, and I held my breath, half-expecting Tom to answer the door.
Instead, it swung open to reveal Daniel, looking annoyingly handsome in a casual button-down and jeans. His eyes lit up when he saw me, and I felt a pang of guilt remembering how I'd ditched his birthday party.
"Sara! You made it," he said, pulling me into a quick hug that made me acutely aware of Jessica's eyes boring into the back of my head. "I'm so glad you could come."
"Thanks for having us," I replied, stepping back and gesturing to Jessica. "This is my friend, Jessica."
Jessica extended her hand to Daniel. "Nice to meet you, Daniel. I've heard absolutely nothing about you."
I resisted the urge to face-palm as Daniel shook Jessica's hand, looking amused and slightly confused. "I hope that changes by the end of the night. Come on in, Sophia's just finishing up in the kitchen."
We stepped inside, and I immediately caught a whiff of something delicious cooking. My stomach growled, reminding me I'd been too nervous to eat all day.
"Sophia!" Daniel called out. "Sara's here with her friend!"
"Be right there!" Sophia's voice floated from the kitchen, accompanied by the clanging of pots and pans.
Daniel ushered us into the living room, gesturing toward a plush sofa. "Make yourselves comfortable. Can I get you ladies something to drink?"
"I'll take whatever's strongest," Jessica quipped, plopping down and crossing her legs.
I shot her a warning glance. "Water's fine for me, thanks."
As Daniel disappeared into the kitchen, I leaned over to Jessica. "Please behave," I whispered.
She batted her eyelashes innocently. "I'm always on my best behavior."
Before I could retort, Sophia swept into the room, looking effortlessly chic in a flowy blouse and tailored pants. Her eyes lit up when she saw me.
"Sara! I'm so glad you could make it." She pulled me into a warm hug and turned to Jessica with a puzzled expression. "And you must be... wait a minute." She glanced back at me. "I thought you said you were bringing that special friend you mentioned."
I felt my cheeks burn. "I, uh..."
Sophia continued, her gaze darting between Jessica and me. "I'm not complaining, but I was expecting a male friend. Did he bail on you?"
Jessica snorted, barely containing her laughter. I wanted to sink into the couch and disappear.
"Actually," I managed to squeak out, "I never said it was a male friend. I just said I was bringing a friend."
Sophia's eyebrows shot up. "Oh! Oh, I see. Well, aren't I just making a fool of myself?" She laughed, the sound light and airy. "I'm sorry for assuming. It's just that the way you were talking about this mystery person, I thought..."
"It's fine," I said quickly, desperate to change the subject. "Sophia, this is my friend Jessica. Jess, this is Sophia."
Sophia extended her hand to Jessica. "It's lovely to meet you, Jessica. I hope you'll forgive my little faux pas. I was just teasing Sara a bit."
Jessica grinned, shaking Sophia's hand. "No worries. I'm just happy to be here, enjoying the delightful aroma of... is that burning I smell?"
Sophia's eyes widened. "Oh, shoot!" She dashed back towards the kitchen, leaving Jessica and me alone in the living room.
I sank into the couch, mortified. "Jess, I swear to God-"
"What?" She batted her eyelashes innocently. "I'm being perfectly charming."
Before I could respond, Daniel returned with our drinks. He handed me a glass of water, which I gratefully accepted, and passed Jessica a generous pour of red wine.
"Here you go, ladies. Sophia's famous lasagna should be ready soon... assuming it's not a charcoal brick by now."
I laughed nervously, taking a sip of my water. "I'm sure it'll be delicious, charred or not."
Jessica surprised me by behaving herself, sipping her wine quietly, and observing the room. I relaxed a little, hoping the evening might go smoothly after all.
"I should probably set the table for dinner. You ladies make yourselves comfortable," Daniel said.
As he left, Jessica leaned in close. "So, this is where the magic happens, huh? Tom's family gatherings?"
I elbowed her. "Shush! It's not like that."
"Oh, please. You're practically vibrating with nervous energy."
Before I could retort, the doorbell chimed. My heart leaped into my throat. Daniel's footsteps echoed as he went to answer it.
"Tom! You made it," Daniel's voice carried from the entryway.
I froze, my eyes locking with Jessica's. She mouthed, "Oh shit," and I nodded in agreement.
We heard muffled greetings, but Tom didn't appear in the living room. Instead, his voice drifted from the kitchen. "Sophia! How's my favorite cousin?"
"Tom!" Sophia exclaimed. "Perfect timing. Can you grab the salad bowl?"
Jessica and I sat in tense silence, straining to hear their conversation. After what felt like an eternity, Sophia's voice grew louder. "Come on, I want you to meet special people."
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