“I wouldn’t say that so soon.” Mr. Big raises an eyebrow. “Maybe this is just a start, and after this, The Butterfly Inn becomes the most sought-after place for celebrity weddings.”

“So now we not only have to impress Maddy and the Bruno clan but other celebrities who are eyeing the place for the future?” I joke, though inside I’m wondering if Mr. Big’s words can be true.

“We heard big things happened yesterday.” Chiara waggles her eyebrows, and the iPad almost slips from my hand.

My face heats up, remembering last night. Me giving Lukas a blow job in his car in the lake’s parking lot.

Crap. Could someone have seen us? Does the whole town know about it now?

“I thought I’d be the first to know when your mom made you the official owner of the inn, but Mr. Big beat me to it.”

Oh! The inn. Of course.

“What’s happening? Why aren’t we squealing in delight?”

“Um, I’m happy. Of course I am.” My smile returns as I look between Chiara and Mr. Big, the two people who have seen every moment of this journey as I took tiny steps toward my big dream. “But I’m also…nervous. It’s something I’ve always wanted, and now that I have it, I’m scared that I’m not ready.” I tighten my grip on the iPad to stop the shaking. “Isn’t it silly?”

“Not at all. You’re right to be scared, kid. Your mother and her mother and your great-grandmother, they’ve all left big shoes for you to fill. But we fully believe in you.” Mr. Big pats my face like he used to do when I was a kid.

“You’re going to be awesome, Auttie.” Chiara hugs me. “You’re going to leave such a legacy behind that your kids will be shit nervous when it’s their time.”

I can’t stop my laugh. “Good. Shit nervous is better than disappointed.” I then turn to Mr. Big. “Was Lukas with you this morning?”

“No. But his bike wasn’t in the parking lot when I came in this morning.”

“Really? But you come in around six.” Mr. Big nods in confirmation. “Where would he go this early?” I ask no one in particular. “I’ll call him.”

I’m already marching toward my office when Chiara hollers.

“I’ll get you coffee.”

I shut my office door and call Lukas, but it goes straight to voicemail. A prickling feeling gnaws at my insides once more.

Why didn’t he leave me a message or wake me up?