Heaven.
Everyone has a different idea of what that is.
Mine? Simple, curled up at home on the sofa, a warm blanket, a crackling fire, and my Kindle.
Bliss.
So I was thankful Cassandra, my best friend, had convinced me to come out tonight. I almost hadn't. Events like this were a big deal for me. I didn't do... people.
Well, lots of people, all together, in one place. It was overwhelming.
Let's just say I had some anxiety issues, and me plus a crowd usually didn't mix well. But this trip was important.
It was a celebration. And considering my best friend was about to hit the big time, I didn't want to let her down.
And when I say big time, I mean her wedding, she was getting married to the love of her life. Two years of dating, and now they were tying the knot. They made such a wonderful couple.
"No, no, no, you'll mess up my makeup, babe!" Cassandra squealed, laughing as she pushed her fiancé away. "It's the bachelorette party, no men allowed. It pains me to say it, but you are so not invited!"
"Babe, you know I'd do anything for you... hi, Luce." Max, the groom-to-be smiled at me where I stood quietly against the wall, watching the scene unfold.
"It's also your bachelor party tonight, so go and have your fun. Because after today, you won't be free to do whatever you want anymore," Cassandra teased.
A hand slung casually over Max's shoulder.
"Yeah, Maxxy boo, better enjoy it while you can," said Chase, Max's best man. "There'll be girls... you know what I mean."
Cassandra frowned at that.
"Yeah, yeah, you should be on your way, Maxxy boo," chimed in Amy, one of Cassandra's other friends. "We've booked a spot at the hottest club tonight. And guess what? We hired the best dancers Greek, like Cass loves," she added with a playful wink.
Max's expression shifted, a hint of jealousy flashing across his face.
"Okay, that I'm not too thrilled about," he grumbled.
Cassandra raised a brow. "I don't see why. You'll be out with your guys too. And like Chase said there'll be girls."
"But they're not you, babe," Max said, stepping in to kiss her.
The room faded for them lost in their little bubble.
Oh, young love, I thought with a smile.
"Um... I think you two either need to get a room, or skip the party entirely and stay cuddled up at home," Amy said, folding her arms.
She turned to me. "Lucia, won't you say something?"
"Anything Amy says," I replied softly, wishing I had a cup of coffee and a werewolf romance to read instead of being in this room.
"And Amy says you two should keep your hands to yourselves," she grinned.
There was no way Amy would let them get away with too much before the wedding.
Cassandra gave Max one last peck. "Okay, now leave."
Max winked at her, Chase grinned at Amy (with a smile she clearly did not want to interpret), and the guys finally left.
Amy turned to us. "Now that the boys are gone Cassandra, go touch up your makeup. And Luce you're too quiet tonight! The other girls texted they're on their way."
I sat quietly, listening. Honestly, I didn't know Amy that well. She was one of Cassandra's gym friends. Nice enough, full of energy , but we weren't exactly close.
"Okay, enough weird tension!" Cassandra said brightly, heading to the vanity. "Amy, could you please do Luce's makeup? If we let her, she'll show up to the club looking like that."
I glanced down at my outfit, gray sweatpants, a sweatshirt, hair lazily pinned up with a pencil.
Comfort first. Always.
Amy sighed playfully. "Oh dear... this is going to take work."
"She's a fashion designer, you know," Cassandra added. "One of the top people at Nike. And she designed all our wedding dresses!"
Amy's eyes widened. "Omg, you did all that? The dresses are stunning! Honestly though you don't look the part."
She gently pulled the pencil from my hair. My blond waves fell down my back.
"Wow... your hair is gorgeous. And those blue eyes... you're a natural beauty, Luce. You really don't need much makeup."
I smiled politely. I'd been told I was pretty before but I always felt... average. Everyone in my family had the same blond hair and blue eyes.
"Thanks," I said softly. "That means I'm good to go then?"
"No way are you getting out of this," Cassandra laughed, joining Amy. "Doll her up, please."
Thirty minutes later ,traitorous minutes , Amy finished with my look. She'd gone easy on me, just a little enhancement that made me look like I wasn't the one staring at the mirror I gave her a grateful smile.
"Thank you."
I slipped off to grab something from my wardrobe. We were at my house tonight — the biggest, most spacious one, thanks to my career. Architecture had been my first love, fashion came after so my house was my pride.
"The other girls are here!" Amy called, heading downstairs.
I watched her go, feeling a tiny pang of jealousy. Amy made friends so easily she'd bonded with everyone in less than three months, while it had taken me a whole year to feel comfortable.
I glanced at myself in the mirror and smiled. Tonight, I'm going to have fun. Just let go a little.
"Hi Cassie!" I heard voices below.
I turned to see the girls entering they all greeted me warmly.
"Hi, Luce!"
They knew crowds weren't my thing and I appreciated their kindness.
"Omg, is that makeup on Luce? She looks so pretty!" Amber squealed.
I blushed. Compliments from pretty girls always hit differently.
"Okay," Amy clapped her hands, "we should head to the club or we'll lose our reservation."
"Now I'm really curious where you booked," Cassandra grinned.
"You'll find out soon enough," Amy teased.
"Let's carpool," Amy suggested as we got ready to leave. "We're all getting drunk anyway."
"Dibs on Luce's car," Cassandra announced, squeezing my shoulder playfully.
"I'm riding with Luce too!" Amy added.
"Me too!" another girl chimed in.
"Alright, that's settled!" Amy cheered. "Let's move!"