When Ava finally woke up, it was well past noon. She had been so restless the night before that she had turned to sleeping pills, desperate for an escape from her swirling thoughts. But now, the harsh sunlight flooding through the window made her realize how late it was.
"Damn it," she muttered, squinting against the brightness as she tossed the blanket aside. "What time is it?" Sitting up sluggishly, she reached for her phone, only to have it buzz loudly in her hand, startling her.
She almost dropped the phone but managed to catch it just in time, and her eyes widened as she saw the caller ID.
"Lilianna!" she murmured, feeling a warmth stir within her.
It was Dylan's twin sister, the only person in the entire Brooks family who had treated her with genuine warmth. All thoughts of bitterness vanished momentarily as she quickly answered.
"Hello?" Her voice was thick with sleep, but a genuine smile softened her features.
