Monet let out a mocking laugh. "That's rich. Zoya, please spare us the humble act. You may be a model now, but you are certainly no actress."
"Well, at least I can hold my liquor," Zoya teased, hinting at Monet's notorious attitude after a few drink...
Monet's brows furrow with concern as Zoya stands hesitantly before the door. "Forgot something?" she queries, her voice laced with curiosity.
Zoya's expression is conflicted as she begins to speak. "Maybe we made a mistake," she murmurs. "I mean, did you see us in that video? I know we were drunk, but look how happy we were. Remember what the therapist said in our first session? There was something deep between us, and if you look past the insanity, you can see its real love." Her words carry a deep sense of contemplation.
Monet lets out a weary sigh, her gaze softening as she meets Zoya's eyes. "Zoya... like I mentioned in Martha's Vineyard, nothing has changed except that we're in a good place right now. Look at us; we're starting to become friends, something I never thought would happen. I don't want to jeopardize this. Even though we're not together romantically, I don't want you out of my life," she confesses, her voice with genuine affection.
Zoya's eyes shimmer with unshed tears, her gaze searching for the right words. "We can't be friends," she murmurs softly, her voice barely audible. With a defeated sigh, she turns around and leaves, her departure heavy with unspoken emotions.
*****
Monet paces back and forth in Luna's living room, her mind repeatedly replaying the conversation with Zoya. "I should have said yes or kissed her the moment I saw her at the door. I don't know why I told her we would just be friends," she mutters to herself, frustration evident in her voice.
"Friends? Seriously, Mone... ew," Luna comments casually, her attention still fixed on her phone screen.
Monet's frustration simmers as Luna's nonchalant response fails to ease her troubled mind. "Your sarcasm isn't helping, Luna," she asserts. She resumes pacing, the weight of her emotions bearing down on her. "Even though I don't remember much from that night, watching that video stirred up too many emotions. And when Zoya was at that door, saying maybe we made a mistake... it was just too much for me," she confesses, her vulnerability laid bare.
"What am I supposed to say? One moment, you're drowning in a sea of depression, surrounded by junk food and donning that hideous buffalo shirt, and the next, you're wavering about your desires. It's like a never-ending cycle with you both. It's become so predictable that Shan and I have stopped placing bets on your relationship. You could have at least brought that wedding video here so I could be entertained," Luna continues, her tone uninterested. Then, noticing Monet's expression of annoyance and hurt, Luna sighs. "Why didn't you just go find Zoya instead of coming here?"
Monet pauses, her thoughts swirling as Luna's question lingers. "Because deep down, I'm not ready," she finally admits, her voice carrying a mix of uncertainty. "I've been caught up in everything—Zoya, my family—but I need to focus on myself now. Building my PR firm is what I want, what I need."
Luna responds with a smile, "It's about time you put yourself first, Monet."
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