the phone. Every time Collette called, it was always a frustrating play on who could make the other feel guiltier.
Once Stevie reached the glass doors, she opened them and walked into the main ballroom. Looking around, she was satisfied to see that her quick disappearance had gone unnoticed. She didn’t want anyone to catch her speaking French. Clara had heard her say ‘papa,’ but that was it, and Stevie had shrugged it off. Having Collette as a mother was not a discussion she wanted to have. She didn’t want people to talk about how amazing her mother was when, in reality, Collette had abandoned her.
Spotting the back of Noel with Clara’s arms wrapped around his neck, she took a step forward only for Liam’s younger sister to stop her. Ally was beautiful; she had that girl next-door appeal to her, and since they met, Stevie became friendly with her. When she’d noticed the looks between Rob and Ally, she knew it would only be a matter of time—well, she had hoped.
“Stevie, umm... do you have a minute?” Ally asked nervously.
Looking to her right, Stevie noticed Liam with CeCe and she knew she didn’t have to worry about a bust-up between him and Noel. She nodded, turned away from the ballroom, and walked back outside.
“What’s up?” Stevie asked as Ally started to fiddle with her fingers.
“Do you need a roommate? With Clara moving to Boston, I thought you might want a friend around.” Ally gave her an unsure smile.
“You want to live together?” Stevie raised an eyebrow. Clara still saw Ally as a sister, and Stevie liked her. The situation between Clara and Liam’s failed engagement was water under the bridge for them.
“Is the socialite ready to leave the big nest and the spotlight?”
Ally breathed out and crinkled her nose. “I’ve been ready to leave for ages, but it won’t be for a little while. I still have to convince my dad to let me. He’ll only agree if I can show him that I can be something. Knowing him, it would be an ultimatum. And knowing me, it’ll somehow have me working for his investment firm.”
The glint of determination in Ally’s eyes had been convincing. But for selfish reasons—having a friend and getting her and Rob together—Stevie would agree. “I’m moving into Clara’s old apartment on Sunday. But whenever you’re ready to move, just let me know. I have shotgun Alex’s old room since he’s cleared it. Clara’s old room is free, but I think it’s best we kept that as hers since she’s going to be back and forth when she can,” Stevie explained.
The slow and excited smile that graced Ally’s face was priceless. “Oh, thank you so much, Stevie! I’m so close to social freedom, but now I just have to convince my dad. And that is going to take a little while.”
“I’ll be waiting for you.” Stevie winked and walked back into the ballroom.
“I’m going to go talk to Liam and get him to help convince our dad… Oh! I think Clara wanted you to meet someone before,” Ally said.
Meet someone?
“Thanks,” Stevie said as Ally left her to speak to her brother. Stevie scanned the room to see that Clara and Noel had moved away from the entrance of the ballroom and were now near the wedding cake. She noticed that Max, Rob, and Alex were no longer with the bride and groom. Instead, another guest had joined them, and his back was towards Stevie.
Weaving past the guests on the dance floor, Stevie watched as Clara laughed and then her eyes met hers. Once Stevie was in short distance from the unidentified guest, Clara stepped aside to see Stevie clearer.
“Stevie, I’ve been looking for you! Come meet Rob’s brother.” Clara waved. Rob had mentioned his brother only a handful of times but nothing ever in detail. There was a story between the Moors brothers. A story in which Stevie hadn’t felt compelled to ask for.
Stevie halted her movements just behind the wedding guest and smiled up at Clara. There was a mumble from the unknown male that Stevie didn’t quite hear.
“Just meet her. She’s my best friend, and she’s lovely and yes, she’s behind you,” Clara argued.
Stevie knew she’d have to be nice to him since he was Rob’s brother—even though she and Rob weren’t currently on the friendliest of terms. Sweeping her loose blonde curls behind her ear, she smiled as the guest turned to face her.
The moment his light blue eyes found hers, Stevie lost