Is this destiny?

At the party…

Imani managed to get close to Masika when Zack went to fetch drinks.

"Aaaand?" Imani asked Masika in a singing voice.

"What?" Masika pretended that she does not know what Imani is talking about.

"Come on…" Imani nudged Masika. "Yesterday, you were keeping your distance from Zack, so whatever happened, happened today. When? Where? Who made the first move? I'm telling you for three years that he is after you, but you don't believe me. You were always like: we are only friends, there is nothing going on… Now you need to tell me. All. The. Details. And don't leave anything out."

Masika stifled a laugh. "Zack waited for me after class, and he took me out for lunch…"

Masika stopped talking when she saw that Zack is approaching. She does not want Zack to hear that she is talking about him. That would be embarrassing.

Imani didn't see Zack but she noticed that Masika stopped talking abruptly and that she is avoiding her gaze, and Imani was sure that there is something juicy that Masika is trying to avoid. Now, this is something Imani must know! "Yes, yes… Continue… Lunch… Did Zack eat you up for lunch?"

Zack was shocked for a moment, but then he stifled a laugh. "I didn't eat her up. Yet."

Imani froze and turned around robotically. "I think Jamari is calling…"

Zack was surprised by the speed Imani dashed away.

"I didn't know that you have those kinds of talks." Zack told Masika teasingly.

"I don't. I only told her that we went for lunch, and she came up with the rest herself. Some of us have dirtier minds than others." Masika said grumpily while silently cursing Imani.

Masika took the drink Zack offered and she remembered… "What was that about you didn't eat me up, YET?"

Zack looked at her innocent (and slightly angry) expression and thought about how she is adorable. Well, he was holding back for three years, while making sure he does not act out of line. But now they are dating, and he knows that she likes him, so the line moved further… a lot further away.

Zack leaned toward Masika and spoke in a low voice, only for her to hear: "If you need an explanation, ask Imani. She is the one who brought it up."

"Why don't you tell me?" Masika asked in a whisper, flustered by his sudden proximity.

He inched closer, and his breath splashed on her ear: "I will not talk about it. I will show you."

Masika was sure that she is about to explode how hot her face was. It's not about what Zack said, but how he said it. His breath hit her ear, causing her hair to stand on ends. This was more intense than any kiss they shared so far. And she really wanted to kiss him, but he said later… in privacy.

…

Sarah, Aiden, Jeff, and JoAnna returned to the party and took their seats at the table.

Sarah noticed that Hong is not present. He does not stay late and prefers quiet, so Sarah concluded that he went to retire for the night.

A couple of minutes after they settled down, Sarah's phone lit up with a notification. Sarah checked the message and bolted to her feet.

"The baby is coming!" Sarah exclaimed and excitedly waved to Aiden, Jeff, and JoAnna that they should start moving.

Jeff's and Aiden's phones vibrated, and they got the same message: Felix and Sophia are on their way to the LA Medical Center because Sophia's contractions indicate that she is in active labor.

JoAnna's phone lit up last out of the four.

"Why am I getting the notification last?" JoAnna grumbled. "I am the doctor."

"Maybe you just need a new phone…" Sarah said teasingly.

JoAnna was about to retort, but Jeff pulled her to the side, and toward the garage. This is no time for bickering. They need to board the helicopter. Aiden will be piloting.

Sarah called Nala and Oni, and Aiden called Haru and Michael. They have instructions for their assistants while they are out of the house.

Before heading to board the helicopter, Sarah dashed toward Masika and gave her a big hug.

"Sorry, sweetie. We need to leave the party early. Sophia is in labor."

Masika smiled. She was happy that with all the rush, Sarah thought of informing her. "Don't worry about it. I hope all goes well. Do we need to do something?"

"Everything is covered, and you only need to enjoy your birthday party." Sarah responded. "If all goes well, there will be good news in the morning."

Sarah glanced at Zack. "Take care of Masika."

Zack nodded solemnly. "Always."

Sarah gave another quick hug to Masika. "Happy birthday."

Masika looked after Sarah who dashed away and smiled. This quick exchange between Sarah and Zack told Masika that Sarah is aware of how Masika and Zack are an item, and that Sarah approves. Or at least she is not objecting.

…

Corey and Merve were sitting on the bench and holding hands when Michael approached them.

"Will you stay here overnight?" Michael asked.

Corey was surprised that the question was directed at him. He visited the Cliffside Villa many times, but he never stayed overnight. "What?"

"Will you stay here overnight?" Michael repeated and clarified: "It is getting late, and if you want to stay, I need to tell Genie to get a room ready for you. You will get sleepwear and toiletries."

Corey glanced at Merve and her expression told him that she wants him to stay. That will give them more time together.

"OK." Corey responded.

Michael waved and walked toward Zack and Masika. He also needs to ask Zack if he is staying over, to give instructions to Genie, and then he can go back to being lovey-dovey with Oni.

"Thank you for staying." Merve said when Michael was out of the earshot. She knows that Corey decided to stay because of her.

Corey smiled. "No need to thank me... Like this, we can stay up late, and in the morning we can go for a run and have breakfast together."

Merve likes that he is planning for all that with her, but… "Don't you have school tomorrow?"

Corey lifted his chin smugly. "I am a high school senior. And the school is almost over, so there is not much going on. How about I call in sick, and we spend a day together?"

Merve's eyes lit up. A day with Corey sounds wonderful. "Do you have something on your mind?"

Corey bobbed his head while coming up with various options. "I don't have a change of clothes. After breakfast, we can go to my apartment. By then, I will have something figured out for the rest of the day. What do you think?"

"Sounds great." Merve's cheeks hurt how much she smiled. She will get to see Corey's apartment! He came to the Cliffside Villa, and they went to the Beach house and a few more places, but never to his apartment. She is excited!

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