XVIII

Summer Preston

A/N: Merry Christmas Eve!

After what felt like a lifetime of small talk with strangers, I finally spotted Adrianna and Nolan at the bar.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in," Adrianna quipped, sipping her martini with a smirk.

"You look exhausted," Nolan added, giving me a quick once-over.

"That's because I am," I sighed, signaling the bartender and ordering a Hennessy on the rocks. The moment it was placed in front of me, I took a generous sip, savoring the warmth as it burned down my throat.

"Going hard already, huh?" Adrianna teased.

"You have no idea," I muttered, setting the glass down. "Do you know how many times I've been asked the same question today? I could recite the answers in my sleep."

"Repetition means you're doing something right," Nolan said, nudging my shoulder. "Success isn't for the faint of heart."

"Grateful, sure," I replied, "but I'd trade all the press interviews for an extra hour of sleep."

Nolan grinned mischievously. "Come on, let's hit the 360 camera. That'll cheer you up." Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed both Adrianna and me by the hand and led us across the room.

Adrianna leaned in close and whispered, "He just wants to use it again. This will be, like, his sixth video tonight."

I couldn't help but laugh as we stepped onto the platform. Adjusting my dress, I pulled a lip gloss tube from its hiding spot.

"Wait, let me touch up real quick."

"Did you just—was that in your bra?" Adrianna asked, eyes wide.

"Obviously. My purse is checked in, I can't risk crusty lips," I replied, expertly applying the gloss and blending it with my liner. "How do I look?"

"Like a bag of money," she said, smoothing a strand of my hair.

The camera spun around us, and we immediately struck our best poses. Nolan flexed his chain, Adrianna flipped off the lens, and I finished with my signature move—a kissy face with a peace sign.

"That was way more fun than I expected," I admitted as we headed for the photo booth.

The three of us crammed into the tiny box, striking a mix of silly and serious poses. When the pictures printed, I pulled the strip from the slot and held it up. It was styled like a vintage film reel, complete with the event's colors and the movie's title in elegant cursive.

"This one's mine," I declared, clutching it to my chest.

"Not fair! I want one too," Nolan whined.

"Same here," Adrianna agreed.

Naturally, we did two more rounds so everyone could have their own.

Checking my watch, I realized it was almost time for the movie. "Give me a second, guys," I said, heading to the stage.

Scanning the room, my gaze landed on Solené, who was laughing a little too hard at something with another woman near the cookie skillet bar. The stranger's hand lingered on Solené's arm, her head thrown back in exaggerated laughter.

I didn't know a cookie could be that funny. Calm down.

Grabbing the microphone, I cleared my throat, and the room quieted. Plastering on a polite smile, I began, "Good evening, everyone! I hope you're all having a great time." Cheers erupted, drinks raised in celebration.

"The movie starts in twenty minutes, so feel free to start heading in. There's plenty of food, drinks, and snacks—popcorn, candy, chips—help yourselves! And don't leave me with leftovers," I joked, earning a round of laughter. "The seats recline, and there are tables for your food. Enjoy!"

Stepping offstage, I spotted Adrianna and Nolan already in line for food.

"Of course, you two fat asses are first. Where are your dates?"

"They're around," Nolan said vaguely.

"Yeah, they know we're besties," Adrianna added with a shrug.

"And me?" I asked, feigning offense.

"You too, I guess," Adrianna teased, making all three of us laugh.

"Who was that girl with Solené?" I asked casually.

"Someone's jealous," Nolan sing-songed, piling his plate with desserts, mac and cheese, fried chicken, and meatballs.

"First of all, none of that goes together. Second, yes, I am. What's so funny about a cookie? Just eat it."

"That's Natalie," Nolan said, grabbing a second plate. "She's a model. From New Zealand."

"Of course she is," I grumbled, slamming a brownie onto my plate.

Adrianna stifled a laugh. "Don't take it out on the brownie."

Shaking my head, I grabbed some popcorn and water before heading to the theater. My thoughts kept drifting back to Solené and New Zealand. Did they have history?

"Snap out of it," Adrianna said as she took her seat.

"I'm trying," I muttered, sitting down beside her.

Minutes later, the lights dimmed, and the previews started. I spotted Solené approaching, making me roll my eyes. She moved her table aside, reclined her seat, and leaned close.

"Hi, pretty," she murmured in my ear.

I hummed noncommittally, refusing to look at her.

"You good?"

"Fine."

"Are you sure—"

"Shh, the movie's starting," I cut her off, making her lean back with her hands raised in surrender.

Moments later, she grabbed my chin, turning my face toward her. "I don't like when you're mad at me. Talk to me."

Sighing, I stood, grabbing her hand. "Come on."

I led her out to the empty lobby, where her gaze searched mine. "Why are you being short with me?"

"I don't know. Go laugh with your friend some more."

Her brow furrowed. "My friend?"

"Yeah, the one who's apparently a comedian at the skillet bar," I snapped, folding my arms.

Understanding flickered across her face, and she let out a soft laugh. "You're upset about Natalie?"

"I'm not upset," I said quickly, though the tone of my voice betrayed me. "I just don't see what's so funny about baked goods."

"She was telling me a story about a photoshoot gone wrong," Solené said, stepping closer. "The photographer tripped into the catering table, and apparently, the whole crew ended up covered in pie. It wasn't about the cookies."

I rolled my eyes. "Sounds hilarious."

"Summer," she said gently, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "Are you jealous?"

"No."

"Liar."

I opened my mouth to argue, but the way she was looking at me—soft, teasing, and just a little smug—made my words catch in my throat. I looked away, feeling my cheeks heat.

"Okay, maybe a little," I admitted. "She's gorgeous, and you two seemed... close."

"She's a friend, Summer. Nothing more," she said, her voice steady and reassuring. "And for the record, I only have eyes for you."

I glanced up at her, my arms still crossed. "You're sure?"

"Positive," she said, stepping closer and cupping my face with both hands. "Now, are you done sulking, or should I keep reassuring you?"

I couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips. "I guess I'm done."

"Good." She leaned in, her lips brushing close to my ear, her warm breath sending a shiver down my spine. "But if you keep acting jealous, I might have to invite Natalie over to join us. Wouldn't that be fun?" she whispered, her voice low and teasing.

I pulled back, glaring at her. "You're insufferable, you know that?"

She smirked, clearly pleased with herself. "Maybe. But you like me anyway."

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't hide the small smile tugging at my lips. "Come on, let's get back. The previews should be over by now." I said, letting her take my hand as we walked back toward the theater.

As we stepped inside, Adrianna shot me a knowing look, while Nolan gave a dramatic thumbs-up.

"You good now?" Adrianna whispered as I sat down.

"Yeah," I replied, glancing at Solené, who was already reclined beside me.

"Good. Now shut up. The movie's starting," she teased, mimicking my earlier tone.

With that, the lights dimmed completely, and the movie started. But even as I settled into my seat, I couldn't help sneaking another glance at Solené. Her hand found mine and I smiled, feeling the tension from earlier finally fade away.