Chapter 88

Lauren's POV

“It’s so good to see you again, Lauren,” Tessa said warmly as we finally separated from each other’s embrace. Her voice carried that same familiar tone

“It’s good to see you too,” I replied, unable to stop my eyes from trailing over her figure. She looked slightly different, sharper somehow. “Did you lose weight?” I asked, tilting my head as I scanned her from top to bottom.

“Yeah,” she said with a playful roll of her eyes. “I’ve been hitting the gym lately. The calories were already getting too much, and I needed to get my sexy on. But speaking of looking good — damn, girl Italy has given you a major upgrade. Your skin is glowing.”

Her words instantly pulled a smile out of me. Only Tessa could tease me in such a way that felt like both a compliment and a nudge to laugh at myself. “Thank you,” I said softly.

Without wasting another moment, Tessa’s attention shifted. Her gaze landed on Aria, who stood a little behind me, sil