Chapter 11

MIRA

The view from Lorenzo's penthouse is a sweeping panorama of Manhattan that makes me feel like I'm living in a dream. The city sprawls beneath me, a vibrant mosaic of lights and life, but inside these walls, it's a sanctuary, a haven I'm quickly coming to love.

Yet, amidst all this happiness, there's a niggling guilt that tugs at my heart. I've been avoiding my sister's calls, hesitant to face the inevitable questions and concerns that come with telling her the truth about my new life. Lila's my only family, and she deserves to know. But I have no idea how to explain the whirlwind that has brought me here.

Nestled in the plush comfort of the living room, I absently scroll through my phone, seeing the four missed calls from Lila. I take a deep breath, knowing I can't avoid her forever. She deserves to know where I am, who I'm with, and why I haven't returned to Florida.

"Lost in thought?" Lorenzo's voice pulls me from my reverie. He's standing by the kitchen counter, a warm smile on his face as he finishes pouring two cups of steaming coffee.

"Just thinking about Lila," I admit, looking up at him with a mixture of love and worry. "I need to talk to her, Lorenzo. She's left so many messages."

He walks over and hands me a cup before sitting beside me. "I know it's hard, Mira, but she's your sister. She'll understand. You need to rip off the Band-Aid and get it over with."

I nod, taking a sip of the coffee. Its warmth and richness settle my nerves, giving me the courage I need. "I just don't know how to explain everything. It feels so complicated."

Lorenzo places a gentle hand on my knee, his touch grounding me. "Tell her the truth. Start with the basics and go from there. She loves you. She'll want to know you're happy and safe."

"Okay," I say, taking another deep breath to calm my frazzled nerves. I love my sister, but I also love Lorenzo. I don't want to be forced to choose between the two of them. "I'll call her now."

He gives me a reassuring squeeze before getting up. "I'll give you some privacy. I'll be in the study if you need me."

As he walks away, I open my messages and type out a quick text to Lila, asking her to call me when she's free. Almost immediately, my phone buzzes with her incoming call and I take a steadying breath before answering.

"Hey, Lila."

"Finally! I've been worried sick," she exclaims, her voice a mix of relief and frustration. "Where have you been? Why haven't you called me back?"

"I'm sorry, Lila," I say, my voice soft. "I know I should have called earlier. Things have been… complicated."

"Complicated how? Are you okay?" Her concern is palpable, and it tugs at my heart. "What in the heck is going on?" She suddenly sounds like the older sister.

"I'm okay. More than okay, actually. I'm in New York."

"New York? What are you doing there?" Her surprise is evident, and I can picture her wide-eyed expression.

"I met someone. His name is Lorenzo, and… well, he's the reason I'm here. I know it sounds sudden, but he's… he's amazing, Lila. He makes me feel safe and loved."

There's a pause on the other end, and I can almost hear her processing the information. "Mira, this is a lot to take in. Who is this Lorenzo? How did you meet him?"

I bite my lip, trying to find the best way to explain without diving into the complexities. "We met at the resort while I was on vacation. He's… different, Lila. He's kind and protective, and he's given me a home here in his penthouse. I know it sounds crazy, but I've never been happier."

"Wow," she breathes, shock evident in her voice. "You've moved in with him already? What about your job? And your new apartment?"

"I'll answer all your questions, but I want to do it in person. I'd like you to come visit us. I'll book you a flight next week if you're willing to come."

"You want to book me a flight?" she repeats as if she can't believe what I'm saying.

"Please." I pull out the big guns. Since our parents died, I've been the stable, reliable sister. I know this is all out of character for me and I need to show my sister firsthand how much Lorenzo means to me.

Her sigh echoes through the phone line. "I… I need some time to process this, Mira. It's a lot to take in, but I love you. If you want me to come visit and meet him, I'll come."

"Thank you, Lila," I say, relief washing over me. "I'll make the reservation and email you the plans."

We talk a bit longer and it feels good to reconnect, to share my happiness with Lila, even if it's through a screen for now.

After we hang up, I sit back, feeling a weight lifted off my shoulders. The conversation went better than I expected, and her willingness to visit and meet Lorenzo relieves the stress I've been carrying around lately.

Standing up, I make my way to the study, where Lorenzo is sitting at his desk, focused on some work. He looks up as I enter, his eyes softening when he sees me.

"How did it go?" he asks.

"Better than I thought," I reply, smiling. "She's surprised, but she's supportive. She wants to visit and meet you."

He stands, walking over to wrap me in a warm embrace. "I'm glad. She's important to you, and I want her to see how much you mean to me."