Sophia—leaned against the hood of the car, her sunglasses perched low on her nose as she gazed out at the sparkling water. “We could head to the bar in a couple of hours,” she suggested, a playful glint in her eyes. “Get a head start on the night. You know, ease into the festivities.”

Isabella snorted, elbowing her gently in the ribs. “You just want an excuse to start drinking early. ‘Ease into it’—please. You don’t even know the meaning of moderation.”

Sophia shrugged with a sage nod. “Maybe. But I’m still right.”

Evelyn laughed, patting Sophia on the back. “I’m with her. Why wait? It’s not like anyone’s going...