She’d gotten her family back.
EPILOGUE
Ten Months Later
Pris
She rushed through Times Square and to Forty-Fourth Street. Ignoring the massive crowds and lineups, she pushed into the throng in front of Carmine’s and waved a hand. “Meeting someone!” she called out. The hostess nodded, and Pris spotted the table immediately toward the back.
Pris reached them, laughing as she dispersed hugs. “I’m so sorry I’m late! I couldn’t get a cab anywhere,” she said.
“Totally fine, we just ordered our wine,” Bailey said. “You cut your hair! It looks so good!”
Pris touched the shorter bob and wrinkled her nose. “Thanks—it was time. I feel so much freer this way.”
“Dude, you look gorgeous as usual,” Dev said. “How did rehearsal go?”
“Really good. I think some of the girls will get in, but you never know. It’s not as much about classical training as stage presence now.”
“You’re enjoying teaching, then?” Bailey asked.
“I am.” The waitress came by for their order, then came back with a glass of Chianti for Pris. “It was definitely a learning curve, but it’s been a few months and I’m getting into it. God knows, it took me three months of nonstop work just to feel like I can get myself into shape.”
Dev laughed. “Especially after not being able to zip your jeans after our trip.”
“Nightmare. But I feel fit now and better able to teach. And of course, my coach beats my ass regularly.”
“Are you entering the half marathon?” Bailey asked.
She nodded. “I’m going for it.” Besides training for her first official big race, Pris had scored a part-time job teaching ballet for a renowned studio. The kids were there for serious career pursuit, and she enjoyed helping them level up their skills. She’d gone in specifically to support some of her students who were rehearsing for a big production at a local theater. “I realized even though I enjoyed running fundraisers for charities, I do better on a more personal basis. It’s like I go home now and feel accomplished.”
“I get it.” Dev slathered some bread with butter. “That’s why I’m sticking with teaching for now. I turned down the last job offer at Schneider & Partners. Everything looked great on paper, but my gut warned me I wouldn’t be happy. The interview board had already advised it’s more than a full-time job, and I’d be working round the clock.”
Bailey winced. “That sounds awful! Good for you, Dev. The students at NYU are lucky to have you.”
“Thanks. Jordan is leaving next year, so I’ll be up for chair. I have a good shot at it. Hawke was supportive either way, but I think he’s secretly relieved I didn’t take the job.”
Pris looked at her sister, taking in the natural glow of her skin and light in her eye. “And how is Hawke doing?” she teased.
On cue, Dev blushed. “Fine. We’re good.”
Bailey laughed with delight. “Did you move in together yet?”
“Next month we’re making it official.”
Pris shrieked with glee and Dev turned redder. “Okay, guys, calm down. It’s not like I just got a date for prom.”
“This is even better! He’s coming with us in July, right?”
Dev nodded. “Yes, we’re both taking the time off. I can’t wait—only two more months.”
Pris couldn’t wait either. Garrett was going to join them this time, and he was looking forward to seeing the cottage they’d all fallen in love with. With Dev’s teaching schedule, July was the best month to take off for travel, and they’d all put in vacation requests months ahead, carving out two full weeks to spend together.
“I already spoke with Roberto, so the place will be all set,” Dev said.
“Perfect. Bae, tell us everything about you. What’s your next project?” Pris asked.
Her sister retained the same open enthusiasm, but there was a new quietness that radiated from her. As if she were more focused. “Well, Bedding My Baby was a huge success. Will couldn’t believe how it blew up—something about a romantic comedy nowadays resonates. Suddenly, he’s been in demand and so have I. I have an opportunity to do a play for this indie theater gaining popularity. I think I’m going to take it.”
“That’s great. You were amazing in Bedding My Baby. I swear, Bae, you were made for the stage,” Pris said.
“Yeah, all that drama you court ended up being worthwhile,” Dev teased.
“Rather flow with my emotions than check a flowchart for them,” Bailey retorted.
Pris laughed. “You guys never stop. What’s going on with you and Will?”
Bailey regarded them thoughtfully. “We’re taking it slow. Will and I agreed to be monogamous with each other and be honest with our feelings and where we’re at. I like going deeper into a relationship—I’ve never done that before. I’m not one to slap a label on what we are to each other—and I’m certainly not thinking marriage at this point but . . .” She trailed off.
“What?” Dev asked.
“He makes me happy. I think I’m just . . . happy.”
Pris smiled. “It’s nice, isn’t it?”
“Yeah. It’s also nice to know I’m in this. Usually, I have one foot out the door. I thought it was smart, but now I see it was cowardly.”
“You’ve never been a coward, Bae,” Dev said quietly. “You’re a force to be reckoned with.”
Bailey brightened and threw her shoulders back. “Yeah. I am!”
They laughed and the waiter came by to drop off their plates. The food was served family-style, so the platters held chicken parmigiana, escargot with garlic and oil, and spaghetti vongole. Pris stared at the magnificent food on the table, then at her sisters. A rush of emotion slammed through her—fierce and strong and beautiful. She raised her glass.
“A toast. To Mom, on her birthday. Happy birthday, Mom,” Pris said.
Bailey and Dev clinked their glasses to hers.
And Pris smiled at them, grabbing onto the moment, silently thanking her mother for . . . everything.
Olivia
I understand everything now.
I realize we don’t have to be one person or another. We are all of them, and supposed to change as we live—we pick the people we can love who will accept us, support the change, grow with us. And I believe there are certain people you are meant to love to get to the next phase—people who allow us to grow and become what we are meant to be—but they are never meant to be ours forever.