Chapter 11
Mom said Henry took off right after getting his UMN acceptance letter. Hockey training camps, summer trips with his friends – he’d barely been
home since.
The day I flew back, our parents picked me up at the airport in formal wear.
When I woke up from my jet–lagged nap in the car, we were pulling up to a luxury hotel. Still groggy, I let Mom lead me into the lobby.
That’s when I saw my stepbrother for the first time in months.
My feet stopped dead.
He stood by the fountain in a perfectly tailored suit, his tall frame cutting an elegant figure. One summer had stripped away the last traces of boyhood, transforming him into exactly the man I’d always imagined he’d become.
My emotions churned as the meeting I’d avoided for so long happened without warning.
Seeing my confusion, Mom whispered, “Honey, it’s Henry’s scholarship celebration. We came straight here.”
Dad added, “Since you didn’t want a party for Juilliard, Henry arranged to have his on your return date. Kind of a joint celebration.”
As if sensing us, Henry turned, his eyes meeting mine.
My heart skipped.
Despite preparing myself for this moment all summer, I felt my courage wavering.
Henry started toward us, but Gianna appeared, sliding her arm through his.
“Iris! You’re back! I’m so glad we can finally meet properly. I always saw you two together, but never got the chance to introduce myself even though we shared so many classes.”
Her politeness demanded a response. I managed a tight smile and a nod.
Henry looked uncomfortable.
“She’s nothing special,” he said stiffly. “Just a stubborn stepsister. Thought she might stay hidden in Boston forever.”
I stayed silent, words failing me.
Gianna’s silver evening gown sparkled with every movement, making her glow. She looked perfect beside him.
I glanced down at my travel outfit – white tee, jeans, sneakers, messy hair – looking like I’d just rolled out of bed for a coffee run.
Mom leaned in, whispering, “I brought you a dress – you can change in the powder room.”
I shook my head. What was the point? This wasn’t my celebration.
Henry kept watching me, his expression unreadable. Gianna’s eyes darted between us. An awkward silence fell.
Thankfully, more guests arrived. Gianna pulled Henry away to greet them, every inch the perfect hostess.
I quickly dragged Mom toward the ballroom, eager to escape.
