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“I’m not willing to take that chance.”

“But we wanted to be part of the slumber party…”

“Too bad,” Anna said. “Oh, and under absolutely no circumstances are you allowed to moan about the things we have planned. This is a girls’ weekend, and you’re gate-crashing, so we’re in charge.”

Sawyer looked between the three of us before he finally grinned and slapped Wes on the back. “Dude, we’re going to have the best weekend in New York.”

Wes laughed and shook his head at his brother. As annoying as Sawyer was, it was hard not to get caught up in his exuberance sometimes.

The others started chatting about their plans for the weekend, but Wes turned his attention to me. “You really didn’t have to let us impose on your plans,” he said. “I was going to stay the weekend anyway to spend time with my parents, but I understand if you only want to hang out with Cress and Anna.”

“Don’t be silly, it will be even better with you guys there too.” I shared a smile with him. “I can’t wait. I haven’t been to New York before.”

“You’ll love it,” Wes said. “What are you looking forward to the most?”

I paused before I answered. Although I was excited about my first trip to New York and all the sights and sounds it had to offer, there was one part of the trip I had been thinking about all week. The way Noah had spoken about my father the last time we talked had left me desperate to speak to Matthew, to question him about everything. He was too busy to see me while I was in New York, so I was considering taking matters into my own hands.

Wes was still waiting for my answer. I hadn’t told the girls about my plans, and I didn’t want to dampen their excitement for our trip, so I kept my voice low as I spoke to Wes.

“Well, it’s not exactly sightseeing,” I whispered.

“It’s not?” Wes looked intrigued.

“My dad’s staying in New York,” I explained. “I’m not sure if he’s been avoiding me or if he’s just too busy with work, but I’m sick of waiting around for him. I have so many questions for him about Noah, the Hastings family, my mother—all of it.”

“I can imagine.”

“So, I’m planning to track him down and finally get some answers out of him. I just don’t know where he lives, and apparently, he’s too busy with work to see me.”

“Why don’t you just go to his office instead?” Wes asked. “He’ll surely be there at some point, and The LaFleur Corp’s offices are right in the center of town. I could take you there, if you like?”

“Really?”

He smiled. “Yeah, it wouldn’t be any problem.”

“That would be great. Thanks, Wes.”

I felt calmer about the prospect of seeing my father. It felt like I could have the answers I’d been waiting for before the weekend was through.

“Like I said, not a problem,” Wes continued. “So, once you’ve finished tracking down your father and interrogating him, what’s next on your list of New York attractions?”

I rolled my eyes as he smirked at me.

“Well, the girls are keen to do some shopping.” I sighed. “Lots and lots of shopping actually.”

“You don’t sound that excited.”

“I am. I kind of want to see at least one of the sights while I’m there though.”

“I guess we’ll have to make that happen then. Anything in particular?”

My cheeks turned red. “You’re going to think it’s silly.”

He leaned in close across the table, and the corner of his mouth kicked up in a smirk. “Well, if it’s anything like our mission to infiltrate The LaFleur Corp, I’m in.”

“See, you’re already making fun of me.” I pouted at him

“Okay, sorry,” he laughed. “Seriously, I’m sure it’s not silly. I’m intrigued...”