I’m not going to analyze why.
9
IVY
The cool air hits me as I stroll through Sebastian’s backyard. Snow falls gently around me—small flakes that will only amount to a dusting.
As I round the corner of his house, I spot his car turning into the driveway. Another vehicle follows close behind.
I duck behind the hedges bordering the front walk, crouching so my knees are tucked to my chest, chin resting on them as Sebastian steps out of his car.
He moves with that same controlled confidence—unhurried, composed—like nothing in his life has ever truly surprised him.
Well, except for me.
Another car stops behind Sebastian’s, and that immediately becomes my business.
Another man gets out. Dark hair. Thinner. Slightly slouched posture, like someone who spends most of his time behind a desk but compensates with long runs.
He’s not built like Sebastian, but the resemblance is there.
Focus, Ivy.
The man opens the trunk and pulls out a large box.
It’s a coffee machine.
A fancy one.
With a huge red bow.
Sebastian doesn’t even make good coffee.
“That’s an extravagant gift, Drew.”
Drew. Short for Andrew. Sebastian’s brother.
I overheard Sebastian on the phone with Marcus last week while I was standing on the balcony outside his bedroom. Drew’s wife filed for divorce. Emotional upheaval followed. Sebastian reluctantly agreed to let him stay.
I straighten as they head toward the house.
Time to move.
I slip out of the hedges and circle the house. I swing my legs over the back deck railing and duck behind the fake potted tree just beside the door, peering through the window.
“Sorry I didn’t get this to you sooner,” Drew says as they step inside. “Belated housewarming gift.”
Sebastian exhales. “I barely know how to make regular coffee, Drew. I definitely don’t know how to use that thing.”
“You’ll learn,” Drew says. “It’s intuitive.”
“I don’t do intuitive.”
Drew studies him. “You don’t do intuitive. Change. Relationships.”
Sebastian stiffens.
“You need to take a chance,” Drew says. “Date someone. Expand your horizons.”
