The Sebastians are eating breakfast on the veranda, where Julian takes me first thing in the morning. There’s Rachel and another man who resembles Julian. The resemblance is uncanny because I can’t tell who is older, but there is one distinction. Julian has darker hair.
So, this is probably Carter.
“My darlings,” Rachel says as she notices our arrival. She invited us to join them, which Julian and I had already planned.
“Good morning,” I say with a small smile as I glance at Julian’s brother, who appears to be preoccupied with his coffee and iPad.
Rachel gives me a sweet smile. “Good morning, Anya. That dress suits you perfectly. Please take a seat.” Now I understand where Julian got his polite demeanor. “Carter, turn that device off before I throw it into the pool!” She pats his son’s arm to chastise him.
“Mom!” Carter grumbles angrily, splattering coffee on his tablet screen.
“There is a time and a place for that. Your brother and his girlfriend are here.”
Carter’s expression softens. Rachel has already made our presence known, but it is only now that he notices us.
“Oh. I can see that.”
“It’s fine, Mom.” Julian pulls a chair and lets me sit on it before joining his brother. “Carter, how was your final semester? This is your senior year.”
“Very good.” He cracks a slow grin. “When did you arrive?”
“Last night. Hey, this is Anya, my girlfriend.” Julian places his hand on my shoulder.
Carter looks for my face. “Hello there, new sis. Mom told me about her this morning. I didn’t think she was being serious.” He takes a sip from his half-full cup of coffee.
“Um... Hello,” I say. I can see how Carter differs from all his brothers as well. Adam is almost as friendly as their mother but seems lost in his own world.
“Carter currently works at SEG as CMO,” Julian whispers, answering my thoughts, “but he’s already completing his chemistry and perfumery degree in Columbia. When he graduates, he plans to launch a fragrance business.”
“That sounds fascinating.” What a career shift! And I guess he’s working while he goes to university.
Cater raises his eyebrow at me. “You think? It’s different from the current business.”
“Yeah, why not?” I shrug. “There’s nothing wrong with being different.”
“But it’s only Julian I’m sensing a future grandchild,” Rachel says as she eats her breakfast gracefully.
Whoa. A grandchild! Already? I still don’t have a ring on my finger.
“Anya is still a student,” Julian clarifies.
Yes! And I still have a lot of plans after I graduate!
“It doesn’t matter when.” Rachel flashes a genuine smile at me. “Please give me a girl, dear. I don’t mind having a boy, but having so many men in the family has exhausted me. While a girl gives balance,” she says, as if what she wants can be done tomorrow.
My cheeks begin to flush. I came up with a quick but witty response. “I’d also like my first child to be a girl.”
“That’s more like it!” She laughs as she claps her hand. “It’s wonderful to hear that from you. Anya, a woman must have a family.”
We’re moving too quickly. I look at Julian, who smiles and appears pleased with his mother’s idea.
“She’s still a student, like Jules said,” Carter adds. “Ask Rafe instead.”
“Rafe never cared what I thought.” Rachel sighs. “He’s thirty-five. He is expected to marry first.” She slowly picks up her tea and drinks it.
Why are we suddenly discussing marriage? Julian reaches under the table and gently squeezes my hand.
I guess I’m okay with marriage if it’s him.
“Are you okay?” Julian asks softly.
“I’m good. You have a lovely family,” I whisper in his ear.
A few moments later, a housekeeper appears beside me, carefully setting out plates of pancakes, bacon, fruits, and cheese and a separate plate for Julian. She brings each of us a cup of English breakfast.
Wow. Is this how they usually live? Julian, on the other hand, lives alone and cooks for himself...
I dig in and try not to hum too loudly because the pancakes are so fluffy. I’ve always had pancakes, but this can only be ordered at a good restaurant.
“Say, Anya,” Rachel begins, and Carter returns to reading. “When are you going to graduate?”
“If I’m lucky, in a year and a half.”
“That’s great! I’ve heard you’re a brilliant student. Julian told me a lot about you, and I’ve wanted to meet you ever since. I heard you’re also a scholarship recipient—”
Julian cuts her off, which surprised me as well. “Anya prefers not to discuss it.”
He’s right. I don’t. Sometimes, especially in school. “It’s fine. Keeping my GPA high enough for the scholarship is also an accomplishment.” I’m glad I can say that now.
“Anya, I have nothing against scholarship students. I’m very proud of what they’ve accomplished,” Rachel says. “Even I. I help aspiring musicians and students in a variety of fields. It brings me great joy.” She smiles and winks at her son.
“That’s what this family does,” Julian says, then eats a small portion of his breakfast.
That’s it! They both help poor students like me who are in desperate need. This is probably why they are so accepting of my situation. I’m not wealthy or well-known, but they understand people like me better than anyone else. I know now that the Sebastians are unlike other wealthy families I’ve met. On second thought, I envied such families. I no longer have anyone I can call my family.
“And thank you so much for your kind words, Rachel. It means a lot,” I say gratefully.
“No, Julian is lucky to have you. I haven’t seen him smile like this in a long time.”
My fingers intertwine with Julian’s. He’s looking down at me, hot“I just hope she doesn’t turn out like the last one,” Carter states suddenly, as if I’m not there, dropping a bomb on everyone.
“That’s disrespectful, Carter!” Rachel scolds.
“Don’t start something you won’t be able to finish.” Julian smirks proudly. “I’ve never won a debate with this one.”
“Oh, really?”
Honestly, Carter has every right to think that. Julian had previously been hurt by someone. I understand where he’s coming from because any normal family member would. I just don’t like being judged without first knowing who I am.
“It’s fine. I’m actually glad Carter has a say in this. It means I’m not too small to see,” I jokingly say to lighten the mood. This is nothing new to me when it comes to bullies. He’s not even really bullying me.
Carter raises his head, his lips curved in a half-smile. “I think I like you.”
“I would be lying if I said the same,” I fire back, smiling.
A vOh, really? One can play a game. “What’s on your mind? That will surely not suffice. Your brother is a keeper.”
“I like you even more now.” He smirks, then reverts his gaze to his gadget. “I’m sorry. It’s just that Stella signed with Rafe. She’s cunning. I’m just trying to see if you’re different.”
“What?” Rachel’s voice rises an octave. “What is he saying, Julian? Is that true?”
Julian’s face contorts. “Unfortunately.”
“What is your brother thinking?” Rachel puts down her spoon. “I need details.”
“I’ll explain later, just not here,” Julian says.
“I’m sorry.” She sighs and shakes her head. “Anya, dear. I hope this isn’t causing you any issues. Are you aware of this?”
“Yes, but I trust your son. Julian has never been anything but honest to me,” I state unequivocally.
“That’s good because I don’t want any more problems in this family.” She wipes her lips with a napkin. “This can’t wait. Please excuse me, my darlings. I’ll call Rafe right now.”
Rachel stands up, still as refined as ever, and rushes back into the house.
“Did you see what you did?” Julian scolds.
“What did I do? It’s best if Mom is aware of this early on. She may appear soft, but she has claws. I can’t work with your scam of an ex-girlfriend,” Carter hisses sternly. “You’ll thank me later if Mom gets her kicked out.”
That’s the right word. She makes me feel the same way after what she did to Julian. My respect for her as a singer and musician has disappeared.
Julian sighs and rolls his eyes, then turns his attention to me. “I’m sorry about that.”
I smile and shake my head at him. “Don’t worry, this is nothing. Your mother’s reaction is completely understandable.”
“Alright. Are you done?”
“Done, just this tea.”
“I’m taking you to the beach today when you’re finished.” He smears the maple syrup on my lip with his thumb. “I’m taking you somewhere, so bring a swimsuit and some clothes.”
My eyes widen with delight. “Are we going swimming?”
“No, but something like that.” He winks.
I drink my tea straight. “Alright, I’m done. Let’s go.”
Julian taps his younger brother on the shoulder. “I’m taking Aleph.”
Carter wishes me luck, and then Julian shows me the way back inside.