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“I don’t doubt it.” I mutter under my breath, enjoying my drink.
Especially since I know who’s about to walk through the door. A meeting between Lilly and my sister was inevitable. I just thought I’d have a little more time to get Lilly on board, or at least play along before it happens.
Her scowl turns to a smile when the door opens: Dave enters first, then Eve. And then both our mouths drop open, completely at a loss for words.
No longer dressed in her school uniform, this normal timid ten-year-old girl has changed into denim jeans and a leather jacket. Her hair cascades down her shoulder, and her curls are on full display. And she’s wearing makeup, not overly done, but definitely noticeable.
She looks stunning, and my heart goes out to Dave. He’s in for trouble when she gets older.
“Zia, Amari.” Eve runs up and throws her arms around my sister.
“Eve, look at you!” Amari pulls back, her eyes sweeping of her. “Where did you go today all dressed up looking gorgeous?”
“I had the best day ever!”
My heart slams into the back of my chest when Lilly walks into the room. She’s no longer the blonde, that she used for a disguise. But back to the raven-haired woman I have spent hours watching. I can’t tear my eyes away from her. She’s breathtaking, and I’m staring her down like she’s a meal I want to devour her.
“Zia Lilly picked me up today with Isabella Baker!” Eve says and points over to Lilly.
My sister’s jaw drops open, and I can’t blame her. Isabella Baker is an international model, one of the biggest Australian names.
“What? Are you serious?” Amari looks at Lilly, then back to Eve.
The look on Amari’s face is almost comical. That is, If I wasn’t worried she might pass out from shock any minute.
“Yes! Everyone wanted an autograph. Even Beth. Everyone. But that wasn’t even the best bit. She was there to pick me up for a photoshoot. The salon where Zia Lilly goes, booked me to be the face of their store for kids. And they said I had the best curls they’ve ever seen. I even made one thousand dollars!” Eve talks a mile a minute, excitement fills each word.
In one day, Eve has gone from an insecure little girl, dreading school, to this confident and happy little woman. And probably now is one of the most popular kids in her class.
Dave is definitely fucked.
But he doesn’t show it or realise yet, because there are stars in his eyes as he watches his little girl.
“Come on cookie.” He taps her on the shoulder. “We gotta head out or you’ll be late for Karate.”
“Okay.” She doesn’t argue back, happily agreeing. Then goes straight to Lilly hugging her tight. “Thank you, Zia Lilly, it was the best day ever.”
“You’re welcome beautiful.” Lilly pulls back, smiling. “It was right up there for me, too.”
The exchange tugs at something inside of me, stirring all kinds of emotions I’m not prepared for. My gaze is locked on her as Dave steps up and kisses her on the cheek.
“Thank you, Lilly,” his voice says it all, thick with the appreciation from a parent that loves his kid more than anything in this life.
“Anytime,” she says still smiling not yet realizing what she’s done.
She’s making it harder and harder for herself and she doesn’t even realise it. I’m not complaining, but I hope she doesn’t think she can let this little girl fall in love with her, then leave without a word.
Eve skips away, talking off Dave’s ear as they leave the three of us alone in the kitchen. It’s not quiet long though. Lilly lets out a huge sigh and flops her purse down on the counter.
“Well, what a day.” Lilly looks between my sister and me.
Both of us are still at a loss for words. Me, because she’s so damn fucking beautiful and I need a few minutes to compose myself. And Amari, because her mouth is still hanging open, gawking.
Lilly, on the other hand doesn’t let the silence dissuade her, she walks closer to my sister and extends her hand. “Hi, I’m Lilly.”
Once words are directed to her, Amari blinks her way out of her shock and returns to the here and now.
“I’m Amari.” She takes her hand, shaking it.
