“Congratulations,” Zoe said. “I’d love to see it.”
“Congratulations, Mom,” Mila said. “I’m really happy for you.”
“Thank you both, but it isn’t mine yet. I just made an offer.” Bianca smiled broadly, taking a sip of champagne. “Still, I can’t wait for you to see it. You’re going to love it.”
The doorbell interrupted their celebration. Zoe rushed to answer it, and Bas walked in. He wore denim jeans and a faded Lakers T-shirt.
“I just came to say my final goodbyes. I’m headed to the airport.”
Mila was the first to reach him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “It’s been great hanging out.”
“It’s been real,” he said with a grin. “Great meeting you, Bianca. And always good seeing you, Remi.”
Bianca made her way out of the kitchen and gave him a warm hug. Remi followed, embracing him tightly.
Across the room Zoe stood still. She hadn’t moved.
Bas glanced at her. “Zoe,” he said with a small smile. “I’ll see ya later, alligator.”
Zoe hesitated for just a moment, then crossed the room and stepped into his arms. She wrapped herself tightly around his waist, her head pressed against his chest. With her eyes closed, she held on, as if letting go might break her.
Bas gently kissed the top of her forehead. “I’ll text you.”
Her voice trembled. “You’d better.”
He nodded but said nothing more. As if saying more might cause him to unravel too. He turned and walked out the door.
Bianca watched Zoe silently, her heart tightening in her chest. She knew too well how complex young love could be, how deeply it could cut, even when it didn’t make sense to anyone else. Zoe and Bas had been through so much together, at a young age. It wasn’t just puppy love; it was something deeper.
She watched as Zoe stood by the door long after it closed, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, eyes fixed on nothing really. She clenched her jaw tight, but there was some softness too. A tenderness in the way she pressed her lips together, like holding back tears would somehow make her stronger. Remi moved first and wrapped her arms around Zoe and held her tightly.
“You okay, baby?”
Zoe nodded. She crossed the room and headed toward the stairs.
“You want to talk?” Remi asked.
“No, I just want to be alone,” Zoe said. “Plus, I need to finish packing.”
“Me too.” Mila hopped down from the stool in the kitchen.
The girls were leaving in the morning, headed back to school. Soon the house would feel quieter.
In the kitchen Bianca filled the kettle with water. “Tea?” she asked, glancing over at Remi, who was scrolling through emails on her phone.
“Yes,” Remi said without looking up. “I’d love some.”
Bianca’s phone buzzed on the counter. She picked it up and read the message:The sellers accepted your offer. But they’re very motivated … looking for a quick closing. They’re leaving the country in two weeks. Can you close that soon? Call me.
“Wow,” Bianca whispered.
Remi looked up. “What? What’s up?”
Bianca turned the phone toward her. “They accepted my offer. They want to close in two weeks.”
“Really? That’s fast. Are you ready for that?”
Bianca didn’t answer right away. Her lips slowly curled into a smile as the words sank in. A rush of excitement stirred in her chest, her heartbeat quickened.