The Next Line ( The Lineage Series #2)

Aurora

The café wasn't anything flashy. No white tablecloths or polished silver spoons—just mismatched mugs, too many plants, and a chalkboard menu that hadn't changed in weeks.

And most importantly, no one here cared that I was a Sinclair.

"Do not tell me you're ordering the kale salad again," Lena says, looking up from the menu like it personally betrayed her.

"I'm not," I say, scanning the options. "I'm feeling brave today. Might even add goat cheese to something."

Ginny snorts. "Goat cheese. Damn, watch out world."

We laugh, the sound curling like warmth around the table, and for a second, it almost feels normal. Like I didn't have a secret buzzing under my skin. Like my life hadn't completely derailed over the past few weeks.

The waitress swings by with waters, and we order—Lavender lemonade for me, grilled chicken sandwich for Ginny, and yes, the kale salad for Lena (with extra vinaigrette to keep her from complaining about it being dry).

And then, it's just us again. No distractions. No polite smiles. Just the hum of conversation and the clinking of coffee cups in the background.

"So..." Lena starts, draping her arms over the back of her chair, "...you gonna tell her, or should I?"

I blink, caught off guard. "Tell who what?"

Lena flicks her chin toward Ginny, who's already narrowing her eyes. "Tell me what?"

I let out a breath, already feeling the nerves crawling under my skin. "Okay. Fine. But you have to promise not to freak out."

"Too late," Ginny mutters. "Your tone already says this is gonna piss me off."

I glance at Lena, who nods like she's braced for it. Then I look at Ginny and finally say it.

"Preston hit me."

Ginny's expression snaps. "What?!"

Lena reaches across the table, gently squeezing my arm. "Let her finish."

"It was at the gala," I say quietly, voice tight. "After I performed. He got upset about the dress, said I embarrassed him. We argued. He lost it."

Ginny looks stunned. "He slapped you?"

I nod.

The café fades away for a second, background noise drowned out by the roar of silence in Ginny's expression.

"I'm going to kill him," she says flatly.

I almost laugh. "You're, like, five feet tall."

"I don't care," she growls. "I'll shank him with a butter knife. He hit you?"

"He's gone now," I say quickly. "My dad punched him in front of everyone."

"Good," Ginny mutters. "Wish I'd been there to see it."

"You would've gotten blood on your dress," Lena says, deadpan.

"I'd have burned it happily."

I manage a small smile. "Thanks."

Ginny sighs, visibly softening. "Ro, why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I couldn't," I say quietly. "I didn't know how. I still feel like... it's my fault."

"No," Lena says, firm. "It's not. Don't do that."

"Seriously," Ginny adds. "He's the one who should feel ashamed."

I nod. And then, I pause—because I know what's coming next.

"There's more," I say, looking down.

Lena leans back with a sigh. "Here we go."

Ginny straightens again. "More?"

I bite my lip. "Me and Joshuan slept together."

Ginny's eyes widen like she just watched a twist ending in a movie. "Y'ALL DID WHAT?!"

Lena sips her lemonade like she's been waiting for this.

Ginny smirks. "You started this. I figured it was fair game."

"You're actually insane," I mutter.

"Maybe. But I'm not the one sneaking off with my brother's best friend in a dance studio," she teases.

I bury my face in my hands. "Please stop."

Despite the teasing, the confessions, and the emotional overload—I feel lighter. Like I've finally stopped holding my breath.

Then I glance down at my phone.

My stomach flips.

6:55 PM.

"Oh my God," I whisper.

Lena frowns. "What?"

"I have tutoring with Joshuan in five minutes."

Ginny's eyes widen. "Wait—you're still going over there?"

"Do I look like I have a choice?"

"Tell him you're sick!" Ginny blurts.

"Tell him you broke your ankle," Lena adds. "Or your Wi-Fi."

I'm already grabbing my bag and standing up. "Too late. If I'm not there on time, he'll think I'm avoiding him."

"Which you are," Lena points out.

"Doesn't mean I want him to know that."

I toss a few bills on the table, throwing them a look as I back toward the door.

"I'll text you both if I survive. Or if he brings up... you know."

Ginny yells. "Don't forget to ask about his brother for me!"

I groan. "Bye Felicia!!"

"Love you!" Lena calls.

"Wear lip gloss!" Ginny shouts.

The bell over the café door jingles as I push out onto the street, my pulse already speeding to get to the estate.