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Cassie, ever the observant sister, tilted her head to one side and studied me with a knowing smile. "You look... different, Calla. Happier, somehow. Is there something you're not telling us? Or should I say... someone?"
I felt my cheeks flush at her insinuation, and I quickly took a sip of my steaming cappuccino to hide my embarrassment. "What are you talking about? I'm the same old Calla."
"Uh-huh, sure," Cassie drawled teasingly. "And yet, you've got that dreamy, love-struck look in your eyes. The same one you had when you first met Dominic. So, let's have some real talk for a moment. What's going on between you two?"
"Love-struck? Me?" I scoffed, trying to brush off her probing questions. "Please, you're just seeing things."
"Calla, we both know that's bullshit," Ava chimed in, her concern for me evident in her gentle tone. "You've been spending a lot of time with Dominic lately, and it's obvious that he means more to you than just a casual fling."
I sighed, feeling the weight of their combined scrutiny bearing down on me. It was true – my relationship with Dominic had evolved into something far deeper and more intense than I could have ever imagined. And yet, admitting that out loud felt like opening myself up to vulnerability, something I'd always struggled with.
"Okay, fine," I relented, looking down at my hands as they fidgeted nervously in my lap. "Maybe there is something more going on between us. But I don't know what it is, or what it means for our future. Look, we're just having a good time together, that's all," I insisted, trying to downplay the significance of my feelings for Dominic. "It's not like we're planning our lives together or anything."
"Sure, but you can't deny there's some serious chemistry between you two," Cassie said with a knowing smile. "I've seen how he looks at you, Calla. And I've seen the way you melt when he touches you."
"Damn it, Cassie," I muttered under my breath, feeling my cheeks heat up at her words. She had hit the nail on the head. Dominic had a way of making me feel like I was the center of his universe, even if only for a fleeting moment. It was intoxicating and terrifying all at once.
"Hey, don't get mad at me for stating the obvious," she teased, taking a sip of her coffee. "I'm just looking out for my big sister. Can't blame me for being curious about what's going on with you and Dr. Sexy, can you?"
"Dr. Sexy?" I snorted, rolling my eyes at her ridiculous nickname for Dominic. "Really? That's what you're calling him now?"
"Come on, Calla," Ava chimed in, smirking at me. "You have to admit, he is pretty damn hot."
"Fine, yes, he's very good-looking," I conceded, feeling a slight pang of embarrassment. "But that doesn't mean I'm head over heels for him or anything. We're just... enjoying each other's company."
"Alright, alright," Cassie relented, raising her hands in mock surrender. "I won't push you any further. But just remember, if things do get serious with Dominic, your little sister will be right here, ready with advice, support, and plenty of 'I told you so's.'"
"Thanks, Cass," I said with a sigh, feeling a mix of gratitude and annoyance. Even though her prying could be frustrating at times, I knew she only had my best interests at heart.
"Anytime, sis," she grinned, winking at me as she took another sip of her coffee. "That's what family's for, right?"
"Look, Cassie," I said, trying to brush off her concerns. "Dominic and I, we're just a fling, okay? Nothing more. We're both adults, having a little fun. It's not a big deal."
"Are you sure? Or are you just saying that because you're uptight and closed?" God, I could kill her right now.
"I'm not uptight and closed!" I protested.
"Well, I just know your history. You have a hard time letting anyone in. Even us. Even yourself." Cassie looked at me with concerned eyes.
"I'm totally fine. Everything is alright." I shot back.
"Alright, if you say so," Cassie shrugged, but I could tell she wasn't entirely convinced.
"Calla," Ava interjected cautiously, her tone serious. "I know it's none of my business, but have you thought about the potential consequences of getting involved with your boss?"
"Christ, Ava," I groaned, running a hand through my hair. "It's not like that. Dominic's not some power-hungry creep. We're not breaking any rules or anything."
"Okay, I'm not saying he is," Ava replied defensively. "But still… people talk, Calla. You don't want to give anyone ammunition to use against you or jeopardize your career."
"Gosh Ava," I muttered under my breath, feeling a knot form in my stomach. She had a point, but I didn't need her to remind me of the risks.
"Hey, hey," Cassie jumped in, sensing the tension between Ava and me. "Let's all take a deep breath here. We're friends, right? We're just trying to look out for each other."
"Fine," I sighed, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. "You guys are right. I appreciate the concern. But trust me, I've got a handle on this situation with Dominic. It's really not as big a deal as you're making it out to be."
As I spoke the words, I couldn't help but wonder if I was trying to convince them or myself. Yes, things with Dominic were intoxicating and thrilling, but how long could our little arrangement last before something went wrong? How far could we push this before the lines between our personal and professional lives became too blurred to navigate? And if I were being honest with myself, I couldn't deny that my feelings for him ran deeper than I cared to admit. I just kept shutting them out.
"Promise me you'll be careful, Calla," Ava said softly, her eyes full of concern. "I just don't want to see you get hurt."
