Chapter 1. Not So Little Anymore
Étienne called his best friend Edward and asked him to pick up his younger sister from the airport.
“Your little sis? Sure thing. What time does her flight land?” Edward asked. He knew he had to step up for Étienne, who had recently become a father and couldn’t make it to the airport himself.
“Well, not exactly little anymore. And don’t call her by that nickname. You know she hates it,” Étienne advised.
“Oh, come on, she doesn’t mind. Your fiery-haired sister wouldn’t dare say a word against me,” Edward replied with a cocky grin.
“Hey, when was the last time you actually saw her?” Étienne asked, curious.
“Hmm, definitely at your wedding. Maybe a few other events. But she’s always off gallivanting abroad,” Edward mumbled, chewing on something.
“She’s not gallivanting—she’s studying and working. She just finished her semester and decided to visit us and little Sophie. Ed,” Étienne’s tone grew more serious, “you’re my best friend, my business partner, and soon-to-be godfather to my kid. But I’m warning you, no matter how close we are, I’ll knock you out if you upset Solene.”
“Who’s planning to upset her? Pfft... She’s still a kid, let her have her fun. Don’t I remember how she used to look at me like I was some kind of god?” Edward boasted dramatically.
“I hate to break it to you, but your glory days are over. Time to come down from Mount Olympus. Those red boxers of yours aren’t cutting it anymore,” Étienne teased.
“Oh, what do you know about women’s psychology?” Edward shot back, trying to sound authoritative.
“Well, I’m the happily married man and father here,” Étienne said with pride.
“Touché. You just got lucky with Sophie. If you weren’t my friend, I’d have stolen her from you. Back in ballet class, it was just bad timing with those ripped leggings,” Edward said with mock arrogance.
“Real charmer, huh? You don’t steal a woman—you love her! You go through girlfriends like they’re disposable gloves.”
“Guess I haven’t met the one worth loving yet. Maybe my mission is to be a free spirit, spreading happiness far and wide, not tied down to just one,” Edward declared with over-the-top flair.
“Ed, you’re not winning an Oscar with that performance. Alright, I’ll text you all the details. Just don’t be late, and make sure you pick up Solene—not chase after some cute flight attendant,” Étienne pleaded.
“Ooh, flight attendants, now that’s a topic! I don’t have one of those in my collection yet,” Edward mused dreamily.
“Hey! Should I ask someone else to pick up Solene? I can tell your mind’s already wandering to flight attendants.”
“Relax, man. I’ll pick up your little sis. I’ll do it in style, don’t worry. Say hi to Sophie for me!” Edward said before hanging up.
Edward received the text from Étienne with all the necessary info. The idea of sparking a romance with a flight attendant was too tempting to resist, and he latched onto it immediately. He got dressed, doused himself in cologne (so much that he might as well have been embalmed like an ancient mummy, his scent detectable from a mile away), checked himself out in the mirror, and gave his reflection a nod of approval.
“Looking sharp! No one can resist this!” he said confidently to himself before heading out.
Edward arrived at the airport. The place was buzzing with activity—people rushing to catch flights, others arriving, tears of goodbye, and warm hugs of reunion everywhere.
Ed quickly spotted a group of flight attendants rolling their small suitcases into view. There were still about ten or fifteen minutes before Solene’s flight landed. Why stand around like a statue? Might as well introduce himself to these lovely ladies who were now passing by.
“Greetings, goddesses of the skies,” Ed said, puffing out his chest like a peacock.
“Nice line. That’s a new one,” one of the women replied with a smirk.
“It’s not just a line—it’s the honest truth. Beauties like you make life worth living,” he continued, laying on the charm.
“Had your look? Life improved? Feel free to move along, truth-teller,” one of them shot back, while the others burst into laughter.
“So, the goddesses have a sense of humor too? Perfect! I love a good laugh—maybe we can joke around together?” Edward pressed, showing off his full repertoire.
“Didn’t you get the hint? Joke your way out of here,” another flight attendant snapped. “We’re not waiting for you.”
“Well, I can wait with you and brighten up these dull moments with some vibrant colors,” Edward persisted, undeterred.
“Listen, Mr. Truth-Teller, buzz off before we paint you in some bright colors ourselves,” one of the women warned.
“Oh, there she is!” one of the flight attendants suddenly exclaimed.
“Yes, that’s her! I recognize her!” another chimed in.
Blocked by the tall, model-like women, Ed couldn’t see who they were so excited about. Seizing the moment, he casually draped his arms around a couple of them, who surprisingly didn’t resist. Feeling like the cat that got the cream, Ed finally tore his gaze away from the women and looked ahead. Walking straight toward him was a tall, leggy, stylishly dressed redhead with striking green eyes and faint freckles peeking through her makeup. The sunlight played in her fiery hair, making it look even more vibrant.
“Well, I’ll be damned!” was all Ed could manage, his jaw dropping in shock. He’d expected to see Étienne’s little sister, the girl who used to be head over heels for him, but instead, here was a stunning woman radiating confidence and charisma.
“Soli, hey!” one of the women, who moments ago had told him to get lost, greeted her in French. “Welcome to Ukraine!”
“Thanks!” Solene replied in Ukrainian. “I’m finally home!” she added, surprising the group.
“So, you’re Ukrainian?” one of the women ventured to ask, while Ed stood there, mouth still agape, arms around the flight attendants.
“Yes. I’m from Odesa. I’m thrilled to be back,” Solene answered.
“So, you’re Soli? The photographer and model?”
“That’s me,” Solene replied simply.
“We heard you’ve got a new project coming up, shooting ads for new flight attendant uniforms. Can we send you our portfolios?” the women continued, bombarding her with questions.
“Here’s my card with my email. Please send everything there. Are all of you interested in modeling?” Solene asked, nodding toward Ed.
“Oh, no, this guy’s just some burr that got stuck to us,” one of the women Ed was holding said, lifting his chin to finally close his mouth.
“Hmm, I think I know this burr. Clings easily, spreads fast, but brings no real value. Blooms and smells, but a weed’s still a weed,” Solene quipped, making the women laugh.
“Hey there, Red,” Edward finally said, watching a flurry of emotions cross Solene’s face. Étienne had warned him not to use that nickname! What a mess!
“Ladies, send all your info to my email. We’ll be in touch with whoever fits the bill,” Solene said to the group of brightly uniformed flight attendants, handing out her business cards.
Solene headed toward the exit, dragging her large suitcase behind her.
“Hey, wait up! Where are you rushing off to? I’m here to pick you up,” Ed called out, snapping out of his shock at how much Solene had changed and forgetting the flight attendants.
“Picking me up? Sure, sure,” she said skeptically. “You can’t pass by a single skirt without making a move, and now you’ve set your sights on a flight attendant paradise?”
“Hey, it’s not me—they couldn’t resist my charm,” Ed tried to joke.
“A charming burr. Now that’s something!”
“Hey, beautiful, need a hand?” a burly guy offered Solene.
“Hey! Back off. She’s got help!” Ed barked, snatching the suitcase handle from her.
“Time passes, but gentlemanly manners still haven’t found you. I’d hoped Étienne’s friendship would rub off on you. Or is it just you dragging him into trouble and wild schemes?” Solene asked pointedly.
“Red—er, Solene, I’m not that bad. Do you know how many girls have fallen for me, and still do?” Ed tried to puff himself up again.
“Only the naive and clueless fall for you. Once they get a closer look, they run. Seems like the ladies at the airport figured out you’re not quite their type. Or rather, not a bird at all—just a burr,” Solene shot back.
“But you fell for me once too,” Ed reminded her, digging up old memories.
“Because I was young and foolish. I’ve grown up, gained some sense, but you, as I can see, haven’t,” Solene said. “Thanks for meeting me. See ya,” she added, yanking the suitcase handle from him and heading toward the taxi stand.
“Where do you think you’re going? Étienne asked me to pick you up and bring you home,” Edward protested.
“Thanks for the concern. I’m a big girl now; I can manage on my own. I’ve lived abroad for almost a year and a half and somehow survived without your help,” Solene said with a hint of pride.
“I can see you’re all grown up and Miss Independent, but since I dragged myself here, you’re stuck with me,” Ed said, pulling her suitcase toward his car.
“Sorry you had to drag your sorry self here, but I didn’t ask you to pick me up,” Solene replied, though she followed him.
“So, you’re thinking about my sorry self, huh?” Ed grinned from ear to ear.
“Oh, please, as if there’s anything worth thinking about,” Solene rolled her eyes but got into the car as Ed politely opened the door for her and gestured to the front seat.
Edward loaded the suitcase into the trunk and slid into the driver’s seat. His phone rang, and he had to take the call. Solene noticed how he instantly switched to a serious tone, discussing business matters with precision and authority. She was aware of the struggles their construction company had faced and was ready to pitch in financially if Étienne and Edward needed to buy back shares. Thankfully, they’d managed to sort everything out, and now they were secure with plenty of new orders and projects.
Solene couldn’t help but notice how much Ed had changed. He still goofed around with her, cracking jokes, but when it came to work, he transformed. Losing his father had hit him hard. From a spoiled, lazy rich kid, he’d been forced to become a workhorse. It hadn’t been easy—far from it! He’d never paid attention to the company’s affairs the way Étienne had. But he had to learn, catching up on everything he’d ignored before. Luckily, Étienne was there to help. And when Étienne had to go to Milan to settle inheritance issues, Edward had stepped up and handled things admirably. He’d matured, grown into a man, but to his friends, he remained the same carefree joker he’d always been.
“Real big boss energy,” Solene teased in an exaggerated tone after his call ended.
“What, you thought otherwise? What are we singing? ‘The Show Must Go On’?” Edward asked with a smirk.
They had a tradition: whenever they were in a car together, they’d sing duets. Neither had a great voice—Edward’s was especially bad, as if a bear had stomped on his ear—but they belted out songs loudly and with heart. Étienne, when he rode with them, would cover his ears and beg them to stop. But now, what an opportunity!
“Crank it up!” Solene exclaimed.
Ed quickly found the song on his phone and played it while starting the car. They both sang (or rather, shouted at the top of their lungs!), drawing curious glances from passersby at the strange noises coming from the vehicle.
Edward drove skillfully, but as the song ended, Solene asked with a puzzled look:
“Wait, where are you taking me?”
“Uh…” Ed scrambled for an answer. He’d been driving toward his own place without thinking. What a blunder! He didn’t know Solene’s new address and hadn’t thought to ask Étienne. “We’re heading to Sophie’s, of course,” he improvised. “I figured you’d want to see her.”
“Oh… But why this route?” she asked, logically, since her place wasn’t far from where her brother and Sophie lived.
“Didn’t you hear? Roadwork,” Ed lied, racking his brain for a detour that would lead to Sophie’s place. “Why are you just sitting there? Find some Måneskin!” he grumbled, glancing at Solene intently. She felt so familiar, like family, and now she was such a stunner. How had he not noticed her before? Étienne was right—he was clueless!
Ed opened the car door and helped Solene out.
“Whoa, are you running a fever?” Solene asked, touching his forehead.
“You wanted a gentleman. Here’s a little chivalry for you,” Ed replied.
“Hold on. I brought gifts for Sophie. Can you open the trunk? I want to give her the packages, including some from Bernard,” Solene requested.
“Ugh, always this Bernard! Who is this guy, sticking his nose everywhere?” Ed muttered with a tinge of jealousy.
His eyes lingered on Solene’s figure.
“Hey! Are you going to help me or what?” Solene snapped her fingers in front of his face. “What are you daydreaming about?” she asked as he stood there, seemingly lost in thought while she rummaged through her things.
“Uh, sorry. What do you need?”
“Take these packages.”
“What’s in here? Man, this is heavy,” he remarked.
“A toy for little Gordie and a modern mini sewing machine for Sophie,” Solene explained.
“Sophie’s going to sew?” Ed asked, surprised.
“She’s going to try designing her first pieces for her own brand. Bernard promised to help with promotional support for her project.”
“When does she find the time for all this?”
“Well, you’ll help, won’t you? You’re the godfather. I’m just the aunt,” Solene said with a smile, watching Ed’s eyes widen.
“Oh, I’ve already been tested as a godfather. I’ve seen a diaper up close, stood right next to it.”
“And changed it?” Solene asked skeptically.
“Well, I didn’t go that far.”
“Figures!” Solene exclaimed.
Sophie warmly welcomed her friend and was delighted with the gifts. Little Gordie had grown and was now reacting to everything colorful. He was immediately drawn to Solene’s bright hair. While Sophie figured out the sewing machine, Solene played with the little boy. Gordie examined his glamorous aunt’s golden-red locks, while Ed watched the scene, a bit envious of the child as Solene tenderly cuddled and kissed him.
Solene’s phone suddenly rang, and she handed the baby to a nervous-looking Ed.
Edward had never dealt with such a small child before. He was barely breathing! In his arms was a tiny, fragile life reaching out to him.
“Hey! I think someone’s made a mess, and it doesn’t smell great,” Ed announced, lifting Gordie up to sniff and confirm his suspicion. “Yup, that’s it. What are you laughing at, godson?” he asked seriously as Gordie giggled loudly.
Ed realized it was Bernard Drew on the phone, and Solene passed it to Sophie to take his greetings.
“Listen, I think something’s not right here,” Ed said, gesturing with his eyes toward the baby.
“What are you talking about?” Solene asked, confused.
“You handed me Gordie, but something smells off,” Ed explained, holding the baby out to Solene.
“Ugh, and you want to be a godfather?” Solene said with a hint of disappointment. “When it comes to a diaper, you’re ready to bolt?”
“Hey, I can handle anything!” Ed declared, immediately regretting it. He’d only seen videos on how to do this. “Find the diapers; I’ll take care of it.”
“Now that’s a first,” Solene said, intrigued.
“Don’t believe me?” Ed asked with bravado.
“We’ll see,” Solene replied, laying the baby on the bed and heading to Sophie to grab some diapers.
Ed quickly googled a tutorial video and managed to watch it just as Solene returned with the diapers.
“Where’s the baby powder and wet wipes?” Ed asked, less confidently, looking pale.
“Wow. I’ll get them,” Solene said, a bit surprised.
Ed watched another video, smiled at Gordie, took off his jacket, washed his hands, and got to work changing the diaper. He didn’t cover his nose or hold his breath—well, not entirely, though he did pause at one point. Sophie and Solene stood nearby, exchanging glances but staying silent. When the task was done, Sophie delivered her verdict:
“Almost perfect. You did better than Étienne the first time,” she praised a pale Ed, taking Gordie into her arms.
“Impressive,” Solene added.
“See? I’m full of surprises,” Ed said, starting to preen again.
“Oh, I saw your hands shaking,” Solene teased, but added, “Still, good job!” to soften the jab.
Sophie put her son to bed, and Étienne returned home. He thanked Ed for picking up Solene, and Ed proudly shared that he’d passed the test and triumphed over a dirty diaper.
“Solene, could you watch Gordie for a couple of hours tomorrow? We need to go to the notary to finalize some documents for the brand and the company,” Étienne asked.
“Sure, if Ed agrees to help. I’m not exactly a pro at diaper changes yet,” Solene replied.
“Of course, I’m in!” Edward answered immediately. It was a perfect chance to spend more time with Solene. Who cared if he had to change another diaper? It wasn’t that bad.
While the girls chatted in the living room, Étienne and Ed headed to the kitchen.
“Hey, why didn’t you send me Solene’s address?” Ed asked. “I almost took her to my place by mistake.”
“I’ve told you a hundred times that she lives in the building across from ours. She moved out from Mom’s and bought her own apartment. I’ve mentioned it before. Though, you weren’t exactly paying attention. You were too busy ogling some blonde at a café. And why would you take her to your place? Out of habit? I warned you, if anything happens, I’ll rearrange your face. Solene is my sister. Keep your wandering eyes away from her!” Étienne said sternly.
“She’s changed, though. A lot. Not just on the outside. I remember how she used to blush and run off if you paid her even the slightest compliment. Now she’s different. More grown-up, definitely more confident. Those flight attendants at the airport called her something else—not Solene, but Soli. What’s that about?” Ed asked, genuinely intrigued.
“Yeah, she’s not the shy redheaded girl you used to tease anymore. She can hold her own against anyone, but remember what I said about keeping your distance! You never showed much interest in her before, but Solene has built an incredible career for herself. Look up Soli_photographer on Google. You’ll find plenty of interesting stuff. She made it on her own and is confidently moving forward. Bernard spotted her potential right away and cast her in a car commercial. You remember that. The shoot was in Paris, where there are always tons of artistic events happening. Solene got another offer there and took photography courses while interning at a top French modeling agency. You know how much she’s always loved photography—she wanted to learn the ins and outs of the industry, not just be a model. But fate had other plans, and she was selected as a model for a fashion show. Her striking looks and figure caught the eye of a designer who works with Sophie, and Solene became one of his key models. She’s closed several of his shows, showcasing what he considers his most brilliant designs. Later, she worked as a photographer at a children’s fashion show. Her attention was drawn to a young girl with disabilities who was modeling. Solene took some of the most stunning shots, and her photos won recognition. After a few more successful shoots, she was offered a full scholarship at a prestigious French university. She’s back now for a break between projects to relax a bit, but I overheard her telling Sophie she’s got a new gig coming up soon, something to do with French airlines—or rather, uniforms for flight attendants,” Étienne recounted, proud of his sister’s achievements.
“Wow! Sweet little Red—er, Soli. Wait, where was I? Why didn’t you tell me all this?” Ed asked, sounding a bit hurt.
“I did tell you. But were you even listening? Your mind’s always on something else,” Étienne said with a smirk.
“Hey, don’t start! No need to paint me as completely clueless.”
“If the shoe fits,” Étienne stated matter-of-factly.
“So, Soli, huh…” Ed muttered, typing something into his phone.
After Edward finally dropped Solene off and got back to his car, he immediately grabbed his phone. He was itching to see Solene in action and learn more about her.