As Pamela worked on Alessia’s hair, curling it into loose, elegant waves, Zane wandered into the room, his arms crossed and a smirk plastered on his face.
“What’s this?” he said, leaning against the doorframe. “Getting all dolled up for Theo Deveraux? The same Theo you used to call an annoying know-it-all?”
Alessia groaned. “Please don’t start, Zane.”
“Oh, I’m starting,” Zane said, grinning. “I still remember you two play-fighting in the backyard when we were kids. You’d always come running to Mom, saying Theo was the most annoying person on the planet.”
Pamela snickered. “Wait, what? I need details.”
Zane rubbed his chin as if recalling a fond memory. “Let’s see. There was the time Theo stole her favorite book and hid it under the couch just to annoy her. Or the time they had a full-blown argument over who got the last popsicle. Alessia called him ‘insufferable.’”
“Because he was insufferable,” Alessia said, rolling her eyes. “He always had to be right about everything.”
“And now you’re going to dinner with him,” Zane said, raising an eyebrow. “From enemies to… something else entirely. Who would’ve thought?”
Pamela cackled. “Oh, this is rich. You hated him, and now you’re getting dressed up for him. Life really does come full circle.”
Alessia threw a pillow at Zane. “It’s not a date. It’s just dinner.”
“Sure,” Zane said, dodging the pillow effortlessly. “Just dinner with the guy who used to drive you crazy and now clearly gets under your skin in a very different way.”
Pamela pointed her curling iron at Zane. “Stop teasing her. We’ve got serious work to do here.”
After what felt like hours of Pamela’s fussing and Zane’s relentless teasing, Alessia finally stood in front of the mirror. The navy dress fit her perfectly, hugging her figure without being too revealing. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and her makeup was subtle but flawless, highlighting her natural features.
Pamela clapped her hands together. “You look amazing. Theo’s not going to know what hit him.”
Zane leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “Alright, I’ll admit it. You look great. But if Theo pulls any of his old tricks, let me know. I’ll have a chat with him.”
“Thanks, Zane,” Alessia said dryly. “But I think I can handle Theo.”
Zane grinned. “I’m sure you can. Just don’t let him steal your popsicle again.”
As Alessia slipped on her heels, Pamela handed her a clutch. “Remember, confidence is key. Walk in there like you own the place.”
“I don’t need confidence lessons,” Alessia said, smirking. “I’m the CEO of Kane Enterprises.”
“Exactly,” Pamela said, grinning. “Show him why you’re a boss.”
Zane walked her to the door, his teasing tone softening. “Have fun, Alessia. And seriously, if he gives you a hard time, let me know.”
“I will,” she said, giving him a quick hug. “Thanks, Zane.”
Pamela gave her a thumbs-up as she headed out. “You’ve got this, girl. Go knock him dead.”
Alessia took a deep breath as she stepped outside, the cool evening air calming her nerves. As she saw Theo’s car pull up, her heart skipped a beat. No matter how much Zane and Pamela teased her, she couldn’t deny the spark of anticipation she felt.
“Alright,” she whispered to herself. “Let’s see what this night brings.”