Page 127 of A Perfect Fit

“I’m excited about making pizza for the first time tomorrow.” Isabelle’s voice slices through my thoughts as she stops to inspect a few onions.

“As long as you don’t risk burning down my kitchen again, everything will be good.” I’m unable to resist the urge to tease her.

Isabelle turns around, giving me a scowl, and I bite down the urge to laugh. She’s cute when she gets annoyed like that. Even now that we’re officially dating, I still love deliberately riling her.

“Next time I’m baking or cooking, don’t wear gray sweatpants.”

A few days ago, Isabelle was baking a cake when she spotted me wearing gray sweatpants for the first time, after I’d just come out of the shower. I swear she immediately started looking at me like I was the cake. Long story short, we ended up in my bedroom, occupied, until the smoke alarm went off. We raced to the kitchen, only to discover a badly burned cake in the oven.

Who knew that a pair of gray sweatpants would be capable of causing a kitchen disaster?

I flash Isabelle a cocky grin. “Duly noted.”

A teenage girl walks up to us—specifically, Isabelle. “Excuse me, sorry to interrupt, but are you Isabelle?”

“Hi!” Isabelle greets. “Yeah, I am.”

“I read your Sparkes Magazine interview,” the girl says, beaming. “It was so cool. I bought a dress from your website, too.”

After Isabelle’s interview was published, she gained over four thousand followers—and counting—on her social media accounts, which led to increased sales for her business and fashion show.

She still can’t believe what’s happening, but I’m not surprised. I know my girl can achieve anything she puts her mind to, and it’s only a matter of time before the whole world sees her talent.

Isabelle’s face lights up with joy, and warmth thunders in my chest at her reaction. I love seeing her happy more than anything. “Thank you so much for your support.”

“You’re welcome!”

As the girl heads off, I give Isabelle another smile, lacing my fingers with hers. “I’m so proud of you, Bella.”

The smile she gives me back is everything.

When I open my apartment door on Saturday evening, Mom’s wearing a casual T-shirt and jeans, her luggage behind her.

“Hi, honey!” she chirps, pulling me into a hug. She smells like the same citrus perfume I remember that she always wears.

“Hey, Mom.” I offered to pick her up at the airport, but she told me to save the hassle. “How was your flight?”

“It was great!”

When we pull apart, I lead Mom inside my apartment and grab her a gift bag in the living room, which has some spa vouchers and a box of her favorite dark chocolate.

“This is for you,” I say. “A reminder that I’m your favorite son. Or only son. Same thing.”

“Aw, thank you, honey.” Taking the gift, she squeezes my cheek. “You look happy.”

I grin. “I’m happy to see you, Mom.”

Mom rolls her eyes. “That’s not what I meant.”

My face softens. “I am happy.”

“Any chance this has something to do with getting into a relationship?”

“I think you might be onto something here.”

A laugh spills from her mouth. “Well, I’m looking forward to meeting Isabelle in person.”

Her words bring a warm and fuzzy feeling to my chest. Isabelle’s obviously met my mom over FaceTime already and Lucy as well in person—and most definitely Anna—but I’m still excited to have us all together.