“Who do you think you’re talking to? I slept with you for more than half your life.” She gives me a look like I’m crazy.

“You’re different. You’re my twin.”

She shakes her head at me. “I love you, so I’m giving it to you straight.” Her face goes serious, and reminds me of Dad. “You’re running because you’re scared of a challenge that you might fail. That you could get hurt.”

“That’s not true,” I say, cutting in. “Look at where I’ve gotten in life. I worked hard for this.”

“I never said you don’t work hard. You always have. The problem is, you know you’re going to win. It’s why when things might have been hard, you pushed because you knew you could do it. You knew you wouldn’t fail because it was all on you. Nobody pushes like you do, Pan. You’re a warrior, and we all know it. Anyone in a room with you for a few minutes knows that.”

Her words start sinking in.

“You love on us, your family, because you know we love you. There’s no failure in us loving you back. You let us have the soft side that no one else sees because we are safe.” She reaches out, cupping my face. “This guy isn’t safe, because you don’t know what he’ll do with your heart. When I thought Ivan didn’t want me, I was a mess. You remember?”

I nod. I do remember seeing her in pieces. I also remember thinking I’d never let that happen to me.

“Love is scary, Pan. It’s hard and unpredictable. But I can tell you it’s worth every second. Step up to the challenge. I know you, and I know you want it. Go and get it.”

Her words rain down on me. “You’re right. Fuck.”

Her hand drops from my face. “Pan, I meant like right now. Why are you still sitting here?”

I laugh and pull her into a hug. “Okay.” I jump off the bed. “I love you,” I tell her, going for the door.

“Love you, too.”

I’m not shocked when I open the door and see Ivan standing there with a smile on his face. I smile back and head to the backyard to say my goodbyes. When I get to my car, I see Henry, in a suit, leaning against it. Only he would wear a suit to the family barbecue.

“Not avoiding me anymore?” I raise an eyebrow at him.

“Not now. It used to be Penelope we had to do this with.”

I tilt my head, unsure about what he’s talking about.

“Why is Royce Davenport asking me for your address?” His words make butterflies take flight in my stomach.