Chapter 83

Aria

I pull up at Joy Park, practically sprinting out of the car like I’m running for a meet-and-greet with Beyoncé. The place is crawling with people, kids screaming, couples taking selfies, some dude trying to juggle flaming torches. Classic Saturday chaos.

I’m on a mission, though. Mia and Lily are somewhere here, and I need to find them before I lose my mind. No time to waste, I go full bloodhound mode, sniffing the air. And then I catch it…their scent. Bingo.

I follow it straight to the pool area, weaving through the crowd like it’s Black Friday at Target. And there they are…Mia and Lily, standing in the corner. The moment they spot me, they jump up in excitement.

“Aria!” They scream my name like I’m a long-lost celebrity, and next thing I know, they’re bolting toward me, arms open wide. I brace myself for impact because these two hug like they’re trying to crack my ribs.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Mia says, squeezing me so tight I feel my s