Unconditional

Chapter 4: Before, During, and After Dinner

Iona got done getting ready at five fifteen, she wore black leggings and an oversized shirt. She wore her glasses instead of her contact lenses to be more comfortable. She opted for her hightop shoes and when she was done, she went downstairs. Samantha was back and helping set the formal dining table.

'Do you guys need help?' Iona asked.

'No, sweetie. We're all done.' Samantha answered.

'You girls better behave tonight and don't get drunk.' Nikko teased.

'What are you talking about, we always behave.' Sam and Iona said at the same time. The doorbell rang and Samantha ran to the door to greet whoever it was.

'Are you alright, Anca?' Nikko asked.

'Yeah. Just a little anxious. But I'm fine.' She smiled.

'It's gonna be okay. Sam and I will make sure that you can escape when it gets too much.' Nikko hugged his sister.

'Thanks Nikks.'

Samantha came back in with three guys following her. Nikko approached them and bro hugged all three then walked back to Iona, 'Guys, this is my sister Iona. Iona this is Woodland, Tanner, and Matthias.'

She shook their hands and stood quietly behind Samantha.

'Ah. The infamous Iona.' Matthias said, eying her.

She smiled as Samantha pushed her to talk to him. 'Sorry, Matt. She's really shy.'

'No need to be shy. We don't bite plus we will be all working together at Spellbound.' Tanner interrupted.

'I know. I'm just... Starstruck? I don't even know if that's the word I'm looking for.' Iona nervously giggled. She felt her phone vibrate and checked it.

New message from Seb. She tapped it and read it.

Can I bring a friend with me? If not, that's totally fine too.

'Hey Nikks, can my friend bring a plus one?' Iona asked.

'Of course, the more the merrier.' He smiled.

She texted Seb back Bro said yes. Are you on your way? She put her phone on the dining table and joined the boys and sam in the living room. Before entering the living room she told herself 'Cut it out Anca. You're okay. Nikko is here and Sebastian will be here soon.' She put a smile on her face and plopped beside Nikko.

'Anca, what time is your friend getting here?' Samantha asked.

'Soon.' She looked at the clock across the room, 'He said he's gonna be here by six, so any minute now.' She smiled and after a few minutes the doorbell rang.

'That's probably them.' Iona got up and walked to the door and opened it. Her eyes widened when she saw who it was. Chris Evans is standing in front of her holding a small bouquet of flowers. She froze until Sebastian snapped his finger in front of her.

'Iona, are you okay?' Sebastian asked.

She shook her head and smiled, 'yeah I'm fine. Come in.' Sebastian walked in followed by Chris. She lead them to the living room and cleared her throat.

'Guys, my friend is here with his plus one.' She looked at Samantha. 'Sebastian, Chris, this is Nikko, Samantha, Tanner, Matthias, and Woodland.' They got up and shook their hands, 'Guys, this is Chris and Sebastian.'

'ANCA!' Samantha raised an eyebrow at Iona.

'FEKETE!' Iona mirrored her.

'Upstairs, now.' She took Iona's hand and pulled her away.