24 My Boyfriend (2/2)

”This is Kurtis, my famous brother-in-law.”

Mr. Wellington didn't quite appreciate the attack on his philosophy to maintain a low-profile, but still extended his hand.

The girl then turned to her in-law and with a radiant smile introduced, ”Antoine, my boyfriend.”

”So what are you doing here?” Lyra asked in a light manner after directing her boyfriend on where to bring the pot.

There was something in the way she repeated the question that made Kurtis feel obligated to answer.

”Came to visit Rose and get a bouquet,” he said, standing in the same spot.

Lyra looked up at her brother-in-law who was just as gorgeous as the last time she saw him. ”I told Rose to sleep in a little longer today. You won't mind if I sub in?”

Kurtis shook his head, but remained where he was.

”Who's the lucky girl this time?” Lyra asked while tying her hair back a ponytail. It was longer now and got in the way easier.

”Angie.”

”Hmmm…” the younger sister contemplated before picking out some lilies and roses. ”Let's see what else…” she ran her hand over a few types but didn't find one fitting for her twin. When she got up to head over to the section she was looking for, he beat her to it.

”How about these?” Kurtis lifted the carnations in his hands to give to the florist who didn't take nor refused them.

He straightened his arm further, obviously expecting her to take them, but Lyra only found herself staring at the shades of pink and red.

”My heart-aches for you. I'll never forget you,” Rose sang as she appeared from nowhere and threw her arm around her favorite cousin's neck. ”You have an eye for flowers, mate.”

Kurtis didn't tear his eyes away from Lyra who met him with an equally stern pair.

Sensing the lack of response from both parties, the jubilant girl grabbed the carnations and shoved it in the pile of flowers in Lyra's arms.

”Take it. They fit the occasion and the colors blend well with the flowers you already selected,” she said with a yawn before trekking up the stairs.

As if switching places, Antoine came back from the storage room just in time to receive an invitation for dinner with Kurtis and his wife, in which he found no reason to decline.

”I'll have someone pick you up at six,” Kurtis confirmed before anyone from the other party had time to change their mind. With his lavish mixed bouquet of flowers, he walked out.

Lyra didn't say a word before tending to her flowers again. Of course she knew they were going to meet again some time this trip, but today at the flower shop was a little too soon.

It wasn't that she wasn't ready, but more that she didn't want to see him.

”Ly, everything alright?” Antoine's soothing voice called her back from her daze.

His tired-looking girlfriend nodded. ”Jet lag and haven't caught up on the sleep I sacrificed for my finals,” she said with a pout.

”Can't wait for our double date tonight,” the loving boyfriend said and planted a kiss on her forehead.

Lyra had butterflies in her stomach just thinking about it. Meeting Angela after a whole year and a half without contact would definitely not be the best mood. As if Kurtis wasn't already intimidating enough, already exerting his brother-in-law status concern!

How she wanted to call for a raincheck, but seeing Antoine's excitement, she couldn't bring herself to.

He was meeting her family for the first time. This was important to him. And that mattered to Lyra.

”Me too,” Lyra said, slipping her hand into his.