Party Preparations

Standing in front of my closet, I rifled through the hangers, my fingers brushing over familiar fabrics as I searched for the perfect outfit. Tonight wasn't about basketball or the sting of defeat still clinging to the back of my mind it was about letting go, even if just for a few hours.

The thought of Olivia waiting for me at the party sent a thrill through me, one that I wanted to match with my look. 

I finally settled on a pair of dark jeans that fit like a second skin, hugging my legs in a way that felt both comfortable and confident. They were worn in all the right places, with just enough edge to reflect my tomboy style.

I paired them with a fitted black tee that clung to my athletic frame, the fabric soft against my skin. It was simple, but it made me feel good, like I was stepping into a version of myself that was ready for anything.

As I laced up my favorite pair of sneakers, the white leather gleaming against the dark fabric of my jeans, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

The girl staring back at me looked different from the one who had slumped off the court earlier today. Her shoulders were squared, her chin tilted up with a hint of defiance. The loss still stung, but I was determined not to let it define me not tonight.

I ran my fingers through my short, curly hair, tousling it just enough to give it that effortless look.

The curls sprang back into place, wild and free, just the way I liked them. A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I examined the finished product. I wasn't trying too hard, but I wasn't slacking either. I felt like myself just a little more polished.

Before heading out, I grabbed my leather jacket from the back of the chair. It was old, with a few scuffs and scratches from years of wear, but that only made me love it more.

It was a part of me, just like the basketball that I'd left behind on the court tonight. Slipping it on, I felt the familiar weight settle on my shoulders, grounding me as I stepped out of my room and into the cool night air.

The walk to the party a bit long, but it felt like a world away from the life I'd just left behind. My mother had given me a knowing smile as I'd walked out the door, her silent approval hanging in the air between us.

She knew I needed this, even if I hadn't said it out loud. A chance to breathe, to escape the pressure of being Camille Dubois, star player, eldest sibling, and all-around dependable daughter.

As I reach the villa, my breath caught in my throat. This wasn't the kind of place I usually found myself in. The sprawling estate was bathed in soft, golden light, the windows glowing like something out of a fairy tale.

The lawn was perfectly manicured, the hedges trimmed with meticulous precision, and the driveway was lined with sleek cars that spoke of wealth and privilege.

But I shook it off as soon as I stepped out, slinging my jacket over my shoulder as I made my way toward the entrance. I wasn't here to impress anyone I was here to see Olivia, to have a good time, to forget about everything else.

The music hit me the moment I stepped inside, a deep, throbbing bass that seemed to pulse through the walls. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and cologne, mingling with the faint smell of alcohol and something sweet maybe pot?

The lights were dim, casting a soft glow over the room, while the chandeliers above sparkled like stars against the dark ceiling. People were everywhere, their laughter and chatter mixing with the music, creating a hum of energy that buzzed through my veins.

I wove through the crowd, my eyes scanning the room for Olivia. The people here were different from the ones I usually hung out with older, more polished, their clothes expensive and their smiles just a little too perfect.

But that only added to the allure, the sense of stepping into a world that wasn't quite real.

As I moved deeper into the party, the vibe shifted. It wasn't just the music or the elegant décor it was the way people carried themselves, with a confidence that came from knowing they belonged here.

I felt like I was walking through a movie set, everything just a little too perfect, a little too staged. But it was intoxicating, drawing me in despite the nagging voice in the back of my mind telling me I didn't quite fit in.

I passed a group of girls lounging on a plush sofa, their laughter light and carefree as they sipped on what looked like champagne.

One of them caught my eye, her gaze lingering a little too long before she smiled, a slow, knowing curve of her lips. I nodded in return, but kept moving, my pulse quickening as the anticipation built inside me.

And then I saw her Olivia, standing across the room, her back to me as she talked to a group of people I didn't recognize. Even from behind, she was stunning.

Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, and the dress she wore clung to her curves in a way that made my breath catch.

She looked like she belonged here, like she was part of this world, and for a moment, I felt like I was intruding on something I didn't quite understand.

But then she turned, her eyes scanning the room as if she could feel me watching her. When our gazes finally met, it was like the world around us faded away. Her lips curved into a smile, one that sent a jolt of warmth straight to my heart. In that moment,

it didn't matter where we were, or who else was around. It was just the two of us, our connection as strong as ever, pulling me toward her like a magnet.

I started moving, threading my way through the crowd with a single-minded focus. Every step brought me closer, the noise of the party fading into the background as all I could see, all I could think about, was Olivia.

The way she was looking at me, like I was the only person in the room, made me feel invincible, like nothing else mattered.

As I got closer, I noticed the way her eyes softened, the way her posture relaxed, as if just seeing me had put her at ease. It was a look I'd come to cherish, one that reminded me why I was here, why I'd come despite the exhaustion and the frustration of the day.

Because being with Olivia was like finding a safe harbor in the storm, a place where I could let go of everything else and just be myself.

Finally, I reached her, the noise of the party fading to a dull roar as I stepped into her space. "Hey, beautiful," I said, my voice low enough that only she could hear.

She smiled, a slow, lazy grin that sent a shiver down my spine. "Hey yourself," she replied, her voice just as soft, just as intimate. "You clean up nice."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "You're the one turning heads, Liv. I almost didn't recognize you."

She arched an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Well, I figured if I was going to see you tonight, I might as well look good."

"You always look good," I murmured, my gaze lingering on her face, taking in every detail the curve of her lips, the way her eyes sparkled in the dim light, the flush of color in her cheeks.

For a moment, we just stood there, the rest of the party falling away as we lost ourselves in each other's presence. The music, the laughter, the elegant surroundings all of it faded into the background, leaving just the two of us, suspended in a moment that felt almost unreal.

But then someone bumped into me, breaking the spell, and the noise of the party came rushing back. I shook my head, trying to clear the haze that had settled over my thoughts. "So," I said, trying to sound casual, "what's the plan for tonight?"

Olivia's smile turned sly, her eyes dancing with mischief. "I was thinking we could start with a drink," she said, nodding toward the bar at the far end of the room, "and then see where the night takes us."

I grinned, feeling a surge of excitement as I took her hand, the warmth of her touch grounding me in a way nothing else could. "Lead the way."

As we made our way through the crowd, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building inside me.

Tonight was a chance to forget, to let go of everything that had been weighing me down. And as long as I was with Olivia, I knew that no matter what happened, it was going to be a night to remember.