Blare's birthday party was shaping up to be the perfect night. She and Aria had spent half the day setting up everything. The decorations were a stunning combination of white and silver, with a disco ball adding that extra sparkle. Everything looked amazing. They were pretty proud of their efforts.
Once the setup was complete, Blare and Aria headed upstairs to get ready. They did their hair, makeup, and picked out their outfits. Blare chose a sleek black dress with gold sparkly earrings and a matching necklace, while Aria opted for a chic white shirt dress.
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Once they were ready, they made their way downstairs just as guests began to arrive.
The house soon filled with people, many of whom Blare didn't recognize—they were Aria's friends, but Blare didn't mind. It wasn't long before Nicholas and Nathan walked in. Blare greeted them with a smile. "Hey guys," she said.
"Hey, birthday girl!" Nicholas replied, pulling her into a warm hug. "Happy birthday."
"Thanks," Blare said, smiling back.
"Happy birthday, Blare," Nathan added.
"Thanks, Nathan," Blare said. She noticed him glancing around the room. "Looking for Aria?" she asked, a playful grin on her face. She nodded in Aria's direction, and Nathan smirked before heading over to talk to her.
"What did I miss?" Nicholas asked once Nathan had left.
"Oh, just a lot. Those two are in their talking stage now," Blare said, grinning.
"Really?" Nicholas asked, clearly surprised.
"Yep," Blare confirmed. "Want a drink?"
"Yes, please," Nicholas replied.
Blare went to get him a drink, returning quickly. "Here you go."
"Thank you," Nicholas said, taking the drink from her.
"You're welcome," Blare replied, smiling.
After a while, Nicholas finished his drink and they chatted some more. Then he looked at her and said, "Come on, let's join the others."
Blare grabbed his hand and led him to where the rest of the party was. They sat down next to Aria and Nathan, who were talking animatedly.
"What are you guys up to?" Blare asked.
"We're about to start karaoke!" Aria said excitedly. "Want to be my partner?"
"Of course!" Blare agreed.
They watched a few friends perform before it was their turn. Blare and Aria grabbed the microphones and chose "Super Bass" by Nicki Minaj. The two of them sang and danced, earning applause from everyone when they finished. They returned to their seats, flushed and happy.
"You two were great," Nicholas said, smiling at Blare.
"Thanks, Nicholas," Blare said, smiling back.
Later, Blare's birthday cake was brought out, and everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to her. She smiled, blew out the candles, and cut the cake. It was official—she was 26. As everyone enjoyed their cake, the party continued well into the night.
Eventually, guests began to leave. Before Nicholas left, he approached Blare with a small bag. "Here, happy birthday, Blue," he said, using the nickname he'd given her.
"Thanks, Nicholas," Blare said, smiling as she took the bag. She opened it to find a small box inside. When she lifted the lid, she gasped. Inside was a beautiful Tiffany & Co. necklace.
"Do you like it?" Nicholas asked, watching her reaction.
"I love it," Blare said, throwing her arms around him in a hug. He hugged her back.
"Nicholas, you didn't have to... It must have been expensive," she said, pulling back to look at him.
"It's nothing. You deserve it and more," Nicholas replied, his warm smile making her heart flutter. She smiled and kissed his cheek before hugging him again.
"Thank you, really," Blare said.
Nicholas just smiled at her, and Blare couldn't help but think how handsome he looked with that smile.
Just then, Nathan came over. "Let's get going," he told Nicholas.
"Bye, birthday girl," Nathan said, smiling at Blare.
"Bye, Nathan. Bye, Nicholas," Blare said, her smile widening.
"Bye, Blue," Nicholas said before they both left.
Aria came over as Blare admired her new necklace. "Wow, who got you that?" she asked.
"Nicholas," Blare replied.
"Damn, he really likes you," Aria said with a knowing look.
Blare frowned, confused. "Huh?"
"God, you're stupid, aren't you?" Aria teased before walking away.
Blare stood there, processing what Aria had said. Nicholas liked her? She rolled her eyes, not wanting to overthink it. She slipped the necklace on and admired it for a moment before heading upstairs to get ready for bed.
