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“Your crush!” Mateo exclaims.

I press my lips together, annoyed. “He is not my crush.”

Mateo ignores what I just said. “See, even more reason to join the party,” he grins. “You can finally thank him in person.”

“It’s been a couple of years, I am sure he can’t remember,” I say. “I looked different back then, and it was just a moment.”

“Well, you remember him,” Ster points out. “So, why shouldn’t he?”

“Because it was a meaningful moment for me. A turning point. I am sure for him it was just a fleeting moment.”

“You never know.” Ster shrugs. “So, I assume you are joining us?”

I look at my suit, trying to play it cool. “I guess I have to, now.”

*ADEN*

Lynn and I go through all the details for the dinner party. Everything is already set, but it’s always good to take a last look at everything. We are almost done when my phone vibrates.

A message?

Hey little bro!

I frown.

Lynn tosses me a look. “Oliver?”

“No, Francis.”

I just met Oliver for a couple of cocktails. Why don’t you join us? We’d love to see you!

Francis works a corporate job; he is in finance and is doing very well. He and I are the only ones with more traditional jobs.

I curse myself for having read the message immediately. Now he knows I’ve seen it.

Can’t.I type back.I am at work.

That’s technically not a lie, though Lynn and I are about to wrap things up.

That sucks. But join us next time!

I don’t know what to answer, so I leave it at that. Shortly after, a new message from Francis comes through.

Oh, forgot to tell you: We saw the coverage of your opening exhibition. Congrats!

At this, my fingers almost twitch with wanting to send a reply. In my family, I am the only one with an interest in art, I always have been, and I know that the channels that covered the interviews about the last exhibit aren’t those they’d usually watch.

I stop myself from replying, deciding to leave things the way they are.

“Everything okay?” Lynn asks.

“Yes.”

“You don’t look okay, though.”

“No, it’s nothing. Just didn’t expect a message from Francis. He wanted me to join him and Oliver for a drink.”

“Why don’t you?”