Chapter 32

Anne had invited Riley, Sienna, and Mia to a casual gathering at the bar where they used to perform. It wasn't anything extravagant—just a simple get-together before she tied the knot with her girlfriend, now fiancée, Tonnie Collins, a well-known writer. Harriet, Nyx, along with close relatives and friends, were also in attendance.

"Glad you three made it!" Anne called out, waving excitedly as she spotted Riley walking in with Sienna and Mia.

"Of course," Riley replied, leaning in to kiss Anne on the cheek and handing her a gift bag. Anne playfully nudged her before turning to embrace Sienna, planting a kiss on her cheek, and doing the same with Mia.

"We had no idea you were getting married," Sienna said, her arm comfortably linked with Riley's.

Anne laughed, ushering them to a table. "Well, Tonnie and I have been planning this for quite some time," she admitted, sitting down beside them. "And it's not like getting married will stop me from completing my international exchange program," she added with a chuckle.

Mia scanned the room, clearly on the lookout for someone. Anne noticed and smiled knowingly. "Looking for someone, Mia? Tonnie isn't here yet," she teased. "I hear you're a fan?"

Mia blushed slightly, clasping her hands. "I hope you don't mind," she said shyly.

Anne, Riley, and Sienna all laughed. "Oh no, I don't mind at all! I'm thrilled someone appreciates her work so much," Anne said warmly. "She'll be here soon, and I even asked her to bring a signed copy of her unreleased book, just for you." She winked at Mia, enjoying the excitement on her face.

Mia gasped, covering her mouth in shock. "Oh my gosh, Anne! Will you please just adopt me?" she pleaded dramatically, earning more laughter from the group.

Riley shook her head, chuckling as she wrapped an arm around Sienna's waist.

Anne laughed at Mia's playful plea, shaking her head. "Sorry, Mia, I think Riley and Sienna might get jealous if I suddenly adopt you," she teased, glancing at the couple with a smirk.

Riley snickered, squeezing Sienna's waist affectionately. "You can have her for a day," she joked, earning a chuckle from Sienna.

Mia dramatically sighed, "I'll take what I can get," she said, still in disbelief that she'd soon meet Tonnie Collins and even get an unreleased book signed. "Honestly, though, congrats on everything. Seven years is such a long time—how did you guys manage it?"

Anne grinned, leaning back in her chair. "It wasn't always easy, especially with her traveling for book tours and my exchange programs, but we made it work. Communication was key, even during the tough times. And now, well, here we are!" she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement for the upcoming wedding.

Harriet and Nyx approached the table, waving. "There you are! Thought you'd hide away in some corner," Harriet teased, sliding into the booth with Nyx beside her.

Anne laughed, "Oh please, it's a small bar, no place to hide. Plus, I wouldn't want to miss out on all the fun tonight."

Just as they were about to respond, a sudden chime from the glass door caught their attention. Harriet, Nyx, and Anne exchanged worried glances with Riley. Sienna rested her hands lightly on Riley's lap, gently pressing down to ensure she was okay.

"Isn't that...?" Nyx hesitated, trying to gather her composure. Anne stood up, her expression shifting. "Izzy..." she murmured, surprised by the unexpected guest.

"Well, well, look who we have here," Isabella Ross announced as she strode in, a smile on her face and her gaze landing on Riley, a smirk forming on her lips. Riley met her gaze but remained expressionless.

"Izzy, what are you doing here?" Anne asked, trying to gently usher her aside.

"Well, am I not supposed to be here? You're my former bandmates, after all," Izzy replied, reaching out as if to pinch Anne's cheek. But a hand stopped her mid-motion.

"Hands off, please," came a monotonous voice, its intensity focused directly on her. Izzy chuckled and raised her hands in mock surrender.

"Alright, alright. Jeez, you haven't changed a bit, Tonnie. Still overreacting, I see," Izzy quipped, a playful glint in her eyes.

Mia, looking puzzled, couldn't help but notice the woman beside Izzy. Tonnie wore a navy blue polo shirt tucked into gray trousers, paired with black loafers, her hair styled in a wolf cut.

"You really haven't changed at all," Tonnie said, emphasizing the word you. "You still love barging into parties uninvited."

The party had begun, and while the awkward atmosphere had lessened, Izzy's presence still left Riley feeling uneasy. Tonnie Collins, Anne's fiancée, sat beside them, looking apologetic.

"Again, I'm so sorry about her," Tonnie said, nodding slightly in Izzy's direction. "I had no idea she was even in the country."

Anne glanced over at Izzy, who was surrounded by guests that seemed to know her. Turning back to Riley, she asked, "How are you feeling?"

Riley raised an eyebrow and looked from Sienna to Anne. "What's there to feel? I'm good, as long as she stays away," she replied, lightly tapping Sienna's waist.

"What's up with her?" Mia asked, still confused.

Nyx chuckled and fed Mia a nachos. "She's a nuisance, kid," she said.

Mia stared at Nyx, surprised by the mouthful of nachos. "What the hell was that, Nyx?" she exclaimed, chewing.

Nyx just laughed. "You know what they say—curiosity kills the cat."

"Oh well, but satisfaction brought it back. So what's going on?" Mia replied, glancing around at everyone. "I'm lost here. Anyone?"

Harriet crossed her arms and explained, "Ah, Izzy Ross is our former vocalist. We parted ways on not-so-good terms, that's all."

Mia nodded and nudged Nyx, who was sitting beside her. "What now?" Nyx whispered.

"Harriet's scary when she talks, though," Mia mumbled.

Nyx laughed. "You still haven't gotten used to her?"

Mia shrugged. "Nope, never," she said.

Sienna leaned forward to look at Riley, who was absentmindedly playing with her drink's straw. "You okay?" she asked softly.

Riley met her gaze and smiled. "I'm good, don't worry. Thanks for checking, love," she replied, ruffling Sienna's hair playfully.

"Oh, right, I remember. Anne asked me to bring some signed, unreleased books. Who should I give them to again?" Tonnie said, glancing at Anne as she pulled out the book.

"Right there, for Mia," Anne said, pointing to her. Tonnie looked at Mia and nodded. "Oh, so you're Mia. I'm Tonnie," she said, extending her hand for a handshake.

Mia hesitated, glancing at Anne. Anne smiled encouragingly and gestured for her to accept it. Mia returned the smile and shook Tonnie's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you! I'm a huge fan of your work," she said.

Tonnie laughed softly, rubbing the back of her neck shyly. "Thank you for that. Here," she said, presenting three books. "These are my newly finished, unreleased books, and I've signed each one. Thank you again for appreciating my work."

While they were busy chatting, Sienna excused herself to go to the washroom. "Do you want me to come?" Riley asked.

Sienna leaned in, whispering in Riley's ear, "No, I'm fine," lightly biting her ear.

"Be back soon," Sienna said before walking toward the corner where the washroom was located.

Upon entering, she stopped short as she saw Izzy Ross washing her hands. Izzy raised an eyebrow, assessing her from head to toe before meeting her gaze. "If this isn't Sienna Reed," Izzy said, rolling her eyes.

Sienna scoffed and nodded before heading to an available cubicle. She heard a creaking sound from the washroom door—maybe Izzy had left? After a while, she exited the cubicle, expecting to be alone, but saw Izzy leaning against the door.

Raising an eyebrow, Sienna walked to the sink to wash her hands. "So, what's with you being with Riley?" Izzy asked, and Sienna paused, letting out a soft laugh.

"Do I owe you any explanation for that?" Sienna replied, grabbing a piece of tissue to dry her hands.