I had some help

Thirty

Alex walked off the stage, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins, leaving her with a mix of exhilaration and contentment. Standing on the side, she watched the rest of the acts, feeling proud of their performance and the energy they had brought to the stage.

After the show, the group decided to unwind at a nearby bar, conveniently close to their hotel. Disguised in their hats, sunglasses, and outfits that deviated from their usual style, they blended effortlessly into the crowd. The bar was alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses.

As the night wore on and drinks flowed, the group's spirits soared. Alex found herself arm in arm with Morgan, navigating the journey back to their hotel amidst fits of laughter and playful stumbling. The cool night air was a welcome contrast to the warmth of the bar, and their shared merriment echoed down the quiet street.

Finally reaching their room, Alex couldn't contain her giggles. "Look, I told you we'd make it back."

"Barely." Morgan replied, following her inside. They kicked off their shoes and collapsed onto the bed, their laughter echoing around them.

The dim light cast a warm glow, and as their laughter faded, the playful energy between them shifted to something more intense. Alex felt her heart pounding in her chest as she looked into Morgan's eyes. The air was thick with unspoken feelings, each moment stretching into eternity.

Morgan's gaze locked onto hers, filled with a mixture of longing and vulnerability. He reached out, tracing his fingers along the curve of her cheek, sending shivers down her spine. "Alex." He said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

She leaned in, their faces inches apart, her breath mingling with his. Time seemed to stand still as they hovered on the edge of a decision that could change everything between them. The room was silent except for the sound of their breathing, each heartbeat echoing in her ears.

Just as their lips were about to meet, a sudden memory of her boyfriend Bailey flashed in Alex's mind. The thought of him, his kindness and understanding, made her pull back abruptly. She realized what crossing this line would mean, and guilt washed over her.

"Morgan, I can't." She said, her voice shaky but firm. "I can't do this to Bailey."

Morgan froze, his expression shifting from longing to understanding. He nodded slowly, respect for her decision clear in his eyes. "It's okay, Alex." He said softly, pulling back. "I get it."

She looked at him, grateful for his sensitivity and the respect he always showed her. "I'm sorry." She murmured, wrapping her arms around herself.

"Don't be." Morgan replied, giving her a reassuring smile.

The tension in the room eased as they both took a deep breath. Morgan shifted, pulling Alex into a comforting hug, and she rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth and support of his presence.

"Let's just sleep it off." He suggested softly, and she nodded, feeling the weight of the evening's emotions settle.

Alex closed her eyes, grateful for Morgan's understanding and for the clarity that had stopped them from making a mistake. As they lay together, wrapped in a cocoon of friendship and shared history, she felt a sense of peace knowing they could navigate this new chapter of their relationship with honesty and respect.

One afternoon, Morgan received a text from Katie asking him to come over. The tone of her message was serious, devoid of their usual casual banter. Curiosity mixed with apprehension as Morgan made his way to her house.

When he arrived, Katie greeted him with a forced smile, but her eyes betrayed her unease. They sat down in the living room, the air heavy with unspoken tension. Morgan's mind raced with possibilities, but nothing could have prepared him for what Katie said next.