Lina's POV
I walked out of The Black Olive and onto the street, letting my feet carry me nowhere in particular.
A figure appeared directly in my path.
Confrontational stance. Shoulders back. Chin up.
Ready to declare war.
My phone shattered the tension before either of us could speak. Chloe's name flashed on the screen.
"Chloe, what's wrong?"
"Lina! Will you come with me to Uncle Taylor's wedding tomorrow? Please?"
Before I could refuse, she rushed on. "Dad's not going! I already checked with Uncle Taylor and Aunt Cathy—he's definitely, absolutely, one hundred percent not attending!"
"What about James?" I asked, referring to her boyfriend.
"He doesn't want to go. We just started dating, and he's not comfortable with my status or the circles I move in yet. I
