𝑳𝑬𝑺𝑺𝑶𝑵𝑺 & 𝑳𝑨𝒀𝑼𝑷𝑺

𝑻𝑬𝑵; 𝑪𝑶𝑵𝑭𝑬𝑺𝑺𝑰𝑶𝑵*

Haven and Sloane's apartment buzzed with anticipation as they prepared for the party. Music blared from Haven's speaker, and the smell of hair products and perfume filled the air. Haven stood in front of the mirror, expertly applying her makeup.

"How's this look?" Haven asked, turning to show Sloane her perfectly winged eyeliner.

Sloane, who was struggling with her own lashes, glanced over and smiled. "sexy, as always. I don't know how you do it so quickly."

Haven laughed. "Practice., let me help you."

She took the lashes from Sloane and carefully applied them as Sloane closed her eyes, trusting Haven's steady hand.

"Are you excited for tonight?" Haven asked, moving on to add some finishing touches to Sloane's eye makeup.

"Yeah, but also kind of nervous," Sloane admitted. "At least I won't kiss Paige this time."

Haven paused, giving Sloane a sympathetic look. "I know you still have feelings for her. With time it'll all work out."

Sloane nodded, feeling a bit more reassured. She admired her reflection once Haven was done, impressed with the transformation. "Thanks, Haven. You always know how to make me feel better."

"Duh." Haven said with a wink. "Now, let's get dressed and turn some heads tonight."

Half an hour later, they were both ready, dressed in their best outfits. Haven wore a sleek black dress that hugged her curves, while Sloane wore a black cropped shirt and a very very mini mini skirt courtesy of Havens closet. "Are you sure it's not too short? I feel like my ass is hanging out." Sloane said looking in the mirror.

"That's the point of a mini skirt!" Haven said grabbing her purse.

Sloane just laughed and headed out the door with her.

Like the last time party was already in full swing when they arrived. The house was packed with people, music pounding from the speakers, and lights flashing in time with the beat. Haven and Sloane immediately went to the makeshift bar getting shots before going to the crowd where they danced with each other, Sloane noticed a guy checking out Haven and being the good wingwoman she is she ushered Haven towards him before she went off on her own.

She spotted Paige near the kitchen, on her own. Sloane made her way over, trying to quell the butterflies in her stomach.

"Hey, Paige," Sloane said with a warm smile when she finally reached her.

Paige turned, her expression unreadable. "Oh, hey, Sloane."

"How's are you?" Sloane asked, attempting to keep the conversation alive.

"Good," Paige replied curtly, taking a sip of her drink. "Just hanging out."

Sloane's smile faltered a bit. "Cool, cool. You look great tonight."

"Thanks," Paige said, her tone still distant. "You too."

The conversation stalled, and an awkward silence settled between them. Sloane felt a pang of disappointment. She had hoped for a warmer reception, but Paige seemed cold and disinterested. After a few more strained attempts at small talk, Paige excused herself to talk to someone else, leaving Sloane feeling deflated.

Trying to shake off the awkward encounter, Sloane grabbed a drink and joined Haven and some other friends, hoping to enjoy the rest of the night. As the evening progressed, she had a few more drinks, each one dulling the sting of Paige's rejection a little more.

Eventually, Sloane noticed Paige heading towards the bathroom, and the alcohol had given her a sudden surge of courage and a determination to get to the bottom of why Paige was being so weird and distant so, she followed her.