Isabella's POV
The café smelled like burnt espresso and the faint panic of people trying to look like they had their lives together on a Sunday morning.
I slid into the booth across from Sasha, who was already halfway through a mimosa and scrolling like her phone owed her money.
"Hey girl…"
"You're late," she said without looking up. "And you're look like you got run over by a truck full of bad decisions."
Ouch… that hurt. "Thanks for the warm welcome." I flashed the waiter and ordered the strongest black coffee they had.
"Rough night, babe. Didn't sleep."
Sasha finally looked at me. "Rough how? Like I binge watched Netflix until 4 a.m.' rough, or 'I caught someone doing something gross' kind of rough?"
I opened my mouth, closed it.
Before I could decide on an answer, Lila walked in.
She looked annoyingly perfect, outfit check. Hair in a messy bun that somehow looked intentional, concealer working overtime on her neck. She spotted us and waved like we were all besties who brunch every weekend. Bitch.
"Hey ladies," she said, sitting next to Sasha. "Sorry I'm late. Mom needed help with laundry."
Sasha rolled her eyes. "Laundry. Sure. You look like you just rolled out of someone's bed and didn't even bother to make it."
Lila laughed with zero shame. "Jealous?"
"Always," Sasha shot back. "But seriously, what's with the glow? You're practically sparkling."
Lila shrugged, picking up the menu like she didn't give a fuck. "Good skincare. And maybe a little vitamin D." She purred.
I nearly choked on my water.
She glanced at me then… quick, like she knew exactly why my throat had closed up.
Her smile widened a bit. "You okay, Isabella? You're not that lousy bitch today."
I forced my voice steady. "Just tired. Wedding stuff. Claire's losing her mind over flowers."
"Flowers," Lila echoed, nodding sympathetically. "The horror, want me to talk to the gardener? I know a guy who can get peonies that aren't tragic."
Sasha snorted. "You know a guy. Of course you do."
We all burst out laughing.
The waiter came back with my coffee. I wrapped both hands around the mug like I was holding onto a lifeline.
Lila leaned forward a little, elbows on the table, chin in hands. "So… how's the family? Your dad looked busy last night. Saw him heading to the pool house pretty late."
I clenched my fist under the table. Clearly she was out for me today.
Sasha raised an eyebrow. "Pool house? At night? That's… random."
"Yeah," Lila said casually, eyes never leaving mine. "Thought maybe he was checking the filter or something. You know he is about that stuff."
I stared at her.
She stared right back. The audacity.
Completely innocent face. Completely bullshit innocence.
I swallowed hard. "He's… particular about maintenance."
Lila nodded slowly. "Very particular."
Sasha looked between us, lost. "Okay, why does this feel weird? What am I missing?"
"Nothing," I said too fast. "Just… family stuff."
Lila smiled sweetly. "Exactly. Family stuff."
Lila's POV
I watch Isabella try so hard not to punch me in the face. It as almost cute… the way her fingers tightened around her coffee mug like it might save her from drowning.
She was terrible at hiding things.
Lucky for me.
Sahsa was still rambling about some guy who sent her a dick pic shaped like a rocket.
I let her talk.
Keeping my eyes on Isabella.
She kept stealing hate glances at me… quick, guilty, then away again.
Everything our eyes met she looked like she wanted to bolt.
I leaned over the table toward her.
"You sure sweetheart you're okay? You've been staring at your plate like you were served dirt."
She looked up fast. "I'm fine. Just… thinking about Claire's dress fitting. She's going to make me try on three different shades of blush pink."
Sasha gasped holding her chest. "Bridesmaid torture. I'd rather die."
I laughed. "You'll survive. Isabella's tougher than she looks, she's seen worst."
Isabella's eyes met mine again.
This time she didn't look away right away.
"You think so?" she asked quietly.
I held her gaze. "I know so."
Some seconds passed.
Then Sasha clapped her hands. "Okay, enough weird vibes. Who's paying? Because I'm broke and I need to go shopping for Claire's gift."
I pulled out my card. "I got it. Call it family discount."
Isabella's eyebrows shot up. "Since when do you have a family discount?"
I shrugged. "Since your daddy likes to keep me happy."
Sasha burst out laughing.
Isabella didn't find that funny.
She just stared at me, anger, curiosity or maybe both flashing behind her eyes. I didn't give a fuck.
I smiled sweetly. "Ready to go?"
She nodded slowly.
"Yeah let's go."
We stood up.
She peeked Sasha goodbye. As we walked toward the door, I leaned in close enough that only she could hear.
"Don't worry," I whispered. "Your secret's safe with me."
She froze for half a second. Then she kept walking.
But I saw it, the way she held her breath.
Oh, I was loving this summer already, it was gonna get more interesting.
Sasha's POV
I watched Isabella walk out ahead of us, somewhat tensed, liked she was carrying wight of the entire Maxwell estate on her back.
Lila was right behind her smiling that sly smile she always wore when she knew something no one else did.
I sipped the last of my mimosa.
Something was off with these two.
Isabella hadn't been herself all brunch.
Lila was being too… friendly.
I pulled out my phone and texted Alex.
< Your sister's acting weird. Lila too. Something's up at that house.
His reply came almost immediately.
I looked up at the two of them, walking through the door. Isabella walking fast, Lila strolling like she owned the sidewalk.
< I think it's something a lot dirtier than that.