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Not at all like the quick schemes and plots I was used to stirring up.

“You did good, kiddo,” my twin mumbled with a warm smile, holding me close to him.

I rolled my eyes. “You were born one minute before me, Matty.”

“Still my baby sister.” He shrugged.

Just then, the door burst open, and Evy walked in, followed by a smiling Lily and Sierra.

Evy’s soft brown eyes settled on me first. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her flowy pink midi dress. A beaming smile split her lips as she rushed to my side and crashed me into a hug.

“K, I had no idea why Jay called us here, but I missed you and have been dying to see you. Also, did I say I’m super glad that you and Lan decided to move here?” Her sweet vanilla scent wafted to my nose as I held my best friend tight. I did so many shitty things to her, yet here she was being Evy and loving me just the same.

“It’s because we have news,” I muttered, and she peered at me with confused eyes.

My eyes went straight to Lan, and I held out a hand to him.

He gave me a knowing nod and reached my side, lacing his strong fingers with my soft ones. Even though we technically weren’t together, we stood as a couple in front of our friends. “First, I had already told the boys, but girls, I have made the decision to quit being the band manager.”

Evy’s and Lily’s eyes widened like they couldn’t believe the words that came out of my mouth. I couldn’t really blame themfor their reactions. I did act like my job was my life for the past ten years.

“Second…” My voice grew thick, but Lan gave me an encouraging nod. “Lan and I have decided to adopt a child,” I whispered. “His name is Luka, and he is six. He’s too adorable and we love him already.”

As much as I loved my friends, I didn’t want to let them in on the other struggles in my life. That was only for Lan and me and my brother to know. “Well, nothing is confirmed yet, but we are hopeful,” I added.

Shock slithered through everyone’s expression.

Well, except for Matty and his girl, who already knew that little Luka was soon going to be their neighbor and, hopefully, their nephew.

My heart thudded as the silence stretched across the room. But it didn’t last long, as they erupted in cheers and the girls engulfed me in a hug, followed by the boys for the second time today.

Minutes later, we girls settled in a cozy corner with about four different takeouts and enough chocolate milkshakes to feed an army. The guys took the other corner of the living room, scarfing food like starving animals.

“I think I’m in a sugar coma, but I love it,” Sierra exclaimed, rubbing her tummy. She was in her usual hoodie and boy shorts combo, lying flat with her head on Evy’s lap. Her eyes almost lulled to sleep as Evy weaved her fingers through her silky brown locks.

“I think we all are,” Lily muttered, snuggling close to me from the side.

“You okay?” I asked, concern lacing my tone, my heart tugging at the long, jagged vertical scar peeking from her black ripped T-shirt. Unlike most girls, Lily wore her scar proudly and didn’t shy away from it.

“Yes.” She smiled. “I feel more myself than I have in a long time.”

“Good. That means you’re all better now,” I affirmed, drawing in a sip of my chocolatey goodness. “It’s so good to be back with you girls and move here. To be honest, I really didn’t like LA or the job,” I admitted.

“It shows.” Evy’s eyes danced over my face. “You look like you did back in high school, K. It’s a good look on you.”

“Thanks.” I flushed, grateful they didn’t poke around thewhyof my decision or thewhyof my absence for the past couple of months.

“Do you have a picture of Luka?” Lily asked, wiping the grease off her fingers with a paper towel. “I want to see him already.”

Warmth spread across my chest at the thought of him. “Yes.” I found the album on my phone where I’d already sneaked in a dozen pictures of Luka and Lan together.

The girls oohed and aahed over him, saying he was the cutest, and I couldn’t help but stare along with them.

Something tightened in my chest the more I looked at him. Soon, this little human being would be under my care, and I would get to keep him safe from the evils of the world.

That was my job now.

I had the best mother in the world but I still had no clue how to be one to a six-year-old who had the worst start to his life.