There was no need to tell them about the blind date waiting for her when she returned to Northbridge. By then, whatever existed between them now would be over, so it was not that important.
Elliot continued to study her, his gaze sharp and probing. Rosetta resisted the urge to look away, fearing he might detect the slightest hint of her plans.
"What kind of friend? Is your sister's friend really that important?" he asked.
"Yes, a very important person."
Though Elliot still looked somewhat unconvinced, he did not press further, eventually convincing himself he was just overthinking things.
The next day, the awards ceremony was held and Rosetta attended as a special guest.
After changing into her dress, she gracefully walked down the stairs where Elliot and Edric had already been waiting for a long time. When the brothers finally saw her, warm smiles were immediately etched on their faces.
"Rosie, you look gorgeous today," Edric praised without hesitation.
Elliot's smile was equally gentle. "Let's go, Rosie. It's almost time."
As she looked at them, for a fleeting moment, Rosetta felt transported back to the time before Sierra had come into their lives.
Unfortunately, the joyful illusion shattered soon enough.
On the way to the ceremony, Edric's phone rang. Sitting beside him, Rosetta clearly heard a soft, familiar voice on the other end, addressing him as "Edric."
It was Sierra. She could not catch all the words, but whatever Sierra was saying seemed to unsettle him. Edric's expression turned visibly anxious and uneasy.
After ending the call, Edric turned to her with a tense expression. "Rosie, Sierra's grandmother fainted. I need to go see her right away."
"What? How's she doing?" Before Rosetta could even respond, Elliot interjected.
"The situation doesn't look good," Edric replied, his brows knit in concern. "Sierra sounded shaken. Her voice was trembling. She must be really scared."
Almost as soon as he finished, Elliot leaned forward and spoke in a low voice, "Stop the car."
Once the vehicle halted, Elliot turned toward Rosetta. Usually composed and unruffled, he now appeared a bit flustered. "Sierra needs us, Rosie. Do you mind if you go to the dinner on your own? When we're done, we'll come find you. Is that alright?"
You'll come to find me when you're done? Really?
She managed a calm smile and nodded. "Of course, I don't. Go on ahead."