Page 47 of Lost & Found

“Is there lavender?” Kinsley asked excitedly.

“Yes,” Victoria answered. “The best part is that it is completely customizable and each of you can tailor it to your own preferences and needs.” Her face flushed. “We can coordinate the playroom, as well. At least until the new one is completed. Now that Pasha has been added to the list of people who can use it, it made sense.”

I snorted and rolled my eyes. “Perfect. Maybe we should build an entire building on the property and have six separate ones. Then no one has to worry.”

“Oh, that’s a fantastic idea. We could have a passageway built, so it connects to the main house. But we only need four. My guys can all share one,” Kinsley offered.

Wonderful use of space.

As the meeting continued, I grew increasingly nervous. Marcel wanted me to discuss the list tonight, and it was currently burning a hole in my pocket. Item number three was enough to make my pulse spike.

Victoria had outdone herself with tonight’s presentation, and I was proud of her. She finished detailing the FamilyWall app presentation, and there were a few more routine discussions. A hush settled over the room as she turned to Isabella. My curiosity was suddenly piqued. Was she really going to do it?

“Isabella, would you mind?” She gestured for her to come join her at the front of the room.

Isabella rose, and her hands shook. She dug into her pocket.

Victoria touched her arm. “Marcel sent me the list a few minutes before the meeting started. I’ve added it to the presentation.”

She clicked another button on the remote, and an image appeared. Victoria moved over to the empty chair next to Marcel and sat down. Isabella gulped and turned to face the screen. You could hear a pin drop as everyone’s eyes took in the graphic.

1. Travel to the States and attend Chase’s wedding with Pasha.

2. Give love a solid chance.

3. Lose virginity.

4. Get a new piercing.

5. Participate in Game Night

6. Enroll in University

7. Learn to dance

8. Ride the London Eye

9. Get tarot cards read

10. Take an improv class

11. Learn to drive

12. Enter Art in an Exhibit

13. Climb a mountain

My eyes moved over the list automatically. My eyes were drawn to only thirteen items listed when we discussed fourteen. I frowned but couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for her.

Her nerves were clear for all of us to see. It was as if she were baring her soul to the entire room. She was exposing herself in a completely new way, and it had to feel raw and vulnerable.

“Okay, so as you know, I was asked to make a list, and here it is. I’ll give you a moment—”

“What in the actual fuck?” Bash bellowed, and the entire room knew exactly what item on the list he had an issue with.

My heart skipped a beat at his words, and I couldn’t blame him. I knew it was a foolish one to put down, but she had insisted. My mind hadn’t changed since she had asked me to write it down.

The room erupted in a flurry of conversation. Marcel was apprehensive, which caused Victoria to be as well. Alek had that look that you’d have to be a mind-reader to know exactly what he was thinking.