Chapter 21
Skylar spent the next two days exploring the Foster villa.
With Patricia and her husband at work, it was just her and Aiden.
Whether at his mother’s request or his own initiative, he gave her the grand tour.
The wine cellar, rooftop garden, home theater, pool – each space more impressive than the
last.
They lost track of time, moving from one spot to another, conversation flowing easily until
sunset.
That evening, Patricia threw an impromptu barbecue in the garden, regaling Skylar with stories about her mother’s college days.
The men tended the grill, keeping plates full and glasses topped off.
Under the Tuscan stars, with piano music drifting through the warm air and flowers blooming around them, Skylar felt truly at peace.
Her mom’s FaceTime call came during dinner.
After chatting with Skylar, Patricia commandeered the phone for some best friend catch–up
time.
Skylar grabbed a Coke and stretched, catching Aiden’s eye. They shared a smile as she stole a chicken wing from his plate.
Patricia noticed, turning the camera their way. “Sarah, look how well they’re getting along already! Must be fate.”
They both knew about the childhood matchmaking, though neither had mentioned it.
Skylar blushed, hiding behind her drink.
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Chapter 21
Aiden remained composed, politely greeting Mrs. Harrison and asking when she’d visit.
Patricia’s eyebrows shot up. “Since when are you so interested in visitors? Ulterior motives, perhaps?”
Aiden sighed at his mother’s teasing. “Skylar mentioned her mom might come next month. I
was just asking.”
Skylar quickly backed him up.
Their mothers exchanged delighted looks.
Before returning the phone, Patricia added slyly, “Sarah, don’t forget to bring those childhood mementos when you visit. They might come in handy!”
The parents shared knowing laughs while the younger pair tactfully ignored the matchmaking attempts.
Skylar quickly changed subjects. “Mom, I’ll text you a list of things to bring when you come.”
As they were saying goodbye, her mother added, “Honey, it’s your brother’s birthday today. Give him a call. He went to Paris to see his mom – maybe he’ll come to Florence. You two should have dinner.”
With a start, Skylar remembered – Callias turned 24 in a few hours.
A month ago, she’d been agonizing over his gift.
Now she’d completely forgotten.
But she kept up acting, agreeing without mentioning his earlier appearance.
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