Mom gives me a quick hug before we split up - she's running to check out some crash from the ceremony hall. Probably someone breaking glasses again.

Heading back to my room, I run into Stella. "Where've you been hiding?" she asks, working this little black mini dress.

Someone's trying to make waves tonight.

Stella catches me checking out her dress. "Like what you see?" She smirks. "Look, I know what Mom's up to, but we both know we're not mates. Besides..." She grins wickedly. "Girls are more my speed. Nothing beats eating p-"

"Whoa!" I laugh. "TMI, Stella!" For real though - she's hooked up with more girls than me and Henry combined.

"You clean up nice though," I tell her. She gives me a quick hug. "Hey, we could play along tonight - keep Mom off our backs. But I've got plans with Chelsea after. Been seeing her on the down-low."

"Better not let your mom hear that," I snort, heading into my room.

Stella gets serious in the doorway. "For real though, Leo - I'll play pretend if you need cover. Got your back, dude."

"Thanks Stella. I'll catch you at the stairs," I tell her with a smile.

After she leaves, I stare at the clothes Mom laid out. Leave it to her to plan everything perfect. My mind's racing though - all I can think about is Ava, even though I know I can't see her right now.

Quick shower and change. Better check in with Henry.

"Yo Henry, quick question - you haven't told anyone about Ava being my mate, right?" I mind-link him, stomach kind of tight.

"Nah, man. Mom tried fishing for info, but I just said Ava's got beef with Dad and the family. I've got your back on winning her over - just help me connect with her as her brother too."

"Think we both got our work cut out for us. Maybe give her a couple days to settle in first?"

"Yeah, good call. Could maybe get Olivia to help, if she's down." Crap, totally forgot about her cousin Olivia.

"Hope she'll help us out," Henry says, sounding pretty optimistic. After that scene at the cafe though, we should probably wait till after the ceremony to talk to her.

"Speaking of the ceremony - you see what your sister's wearing?" I ask, knowing he's probably going nuts.

"Don't even start, bro. She's gonna have every girl in the place fighting over her," he laughs.

"She's crashing at my place tonight - your mom's trying to play matchmaker with us."

"Man, Mom's driving her crazy. Wish Stella would just tell her she's into girls," he sighs. "Let's talk more after - you, me, and Stella should get wasted."

Connection breaks, but I'm with him on that plan.

Missing Ava like crazy though.

Definitely need some drinks and a good time tonight.