Heaven is on earth (Loubbie)

23 .Happy Birthday.

The vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant resonated with laughter and clinking glasses as the girls, Lou, and Debbie gathered to celebrate Debbie's long-awaited birthday. Eight months had passed since Debbie and Lou got together.

Sitting around a large table adorned with colorful decorations. The room buzzed with excitement as the evening unfolded.

Debbie, glowing with happiness, raised her glass to address the group. "Thank you all for being here tonight. It means the world to me to have you all together for my birthday. Cheers!"

The friends clinked their glasses together, their eyes brimming with warmth and joy.

Lou leaned closer to Debbie, a twinkle in his eyes. "Speaking of celebrations, there's something we'd like to share with everyone tonight."

Lou took a deep breath, his voice filled with excitement. "Well, Debbie and I. We're moving in together!"

The table erupted into cheers. Excited voices filled the air as the friends congratulated the happy couple.

Nine, grinned mischievously. "Well, well, Lou, looks like you've won the lottery, getting to live with the birthday girl!"

Constance playfully nudged Nine. "Oh, please, Nine. You're just jealous that you didn't snatch her away."

Nine laughed and raised her hands in mock surrender. "Yeah right"

Daphne excused herself from the table, feeling a sudden urge to step away and gather her thoughts. Tammy quickly followed her to the bathroom.

Inside the bathroom, Daphne leaned against the sink, her expression troubled. Tammy approached her gently, concern etched on her face.

"What's wrong, Daph ?" Tammy asked softly.

The pretty brunette sighed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I think I'm in love with Lou."

Tammy's eyes widened in surprise, but she maintained her composure. "What ? You're kidding me, right ?"

Daphne shook her head,. "Fuck...I wish I were, Tammy..."

Tammy took a step closer, her voice gentle yet skeptical. "But , Lou and Debbie are moving in together... You know this isn't going to lead anywhere."

Daphne looked down. "You think I don't know that, Tammy ? I've tried to convince myself that it's just a passing fancy, but the more time I spend with Lou..."

Tammy's frustration was evident in her tone as she struggled to make sense of the situation. She continued, "Then avoid her. What the heck, Daph? Since when? We all knew you had a little crush, but we thought it was just a passing thing."

Daphne looked up, her eyes glistening with tears. "I tried to ignore it, Tammy. I really did. I thought it would fade away, but the more I try to distance myself, the stronger my feelings become."

Tammy's concern softened her features, and she put a comforting arm around Daphne. " Lou and Debbie are together, and you'll end up with your heart broken because there is no way Lou is feeling the same."

Daphne nodded. " I want Debbie and Lou to be happy together. But see, I'm not so sure about that. Lou always compliments me, says I'm pretty. Always laugh when she's with me. Maybe she's not that in love with Debbie. She confessed to me that they argued a lot about moving in together. And Debbie is my friend, I don't want to hurt her. But what if Lou feels the same way about me ?"

Tammy looked at her with disbelief. "Really, she told you that ?"

Daphne nodded, her expression a mix of confusion and hope. "Yes, Tammy, she did. Lou mentioned that they've been having arguments and doubts about moving in together. And the way Lou treats me, it's different, you know? The compliments, the laughter, the connection we share... It makes me wonder if there could be something more."