Cara Playing Cupid

Chapter 6 - Poker

I pressed the doorbell, hoping the sound would pierce through the music blasting from the inside. The door clicked open, revealing Elijah with a radiant smile.

"I'm glad you guys made it," He said warmly.

"Who could say no to a charming man?" I replied, making him chuckle.

I glanced at Daphne, who seemed mesmerized by Elijah, and I nudged her gently to bring her back to the moment.

"Uh-huh. Thanks for inviting us," Daphne managed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"My pleasure." Elijah beamed as he swung the door wide. "Come in."

As we stepped inside his house, the pulsating beat of "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd enveloped us. The living room was alive with energy. People were swaying and dancing, their movements synchronized with the rhythm of the music. Laughter and chatter blended into a vibrant symphony of youthful exuberance.

Even though it was an only-invite party, still the house was almost packed. The atmosphere was electric, with every corner of the space buzzing with excitement. Partygoers mingled, creating a dynamic tapestry of conversation and movement. The flicker of lights, the rhythm of the music, and the hum of animated voices created an intoxicating blend of celebration.

"Enjoy the night, girls," Elijah called out, flashing us one last smile before walking off into the crowd.

I was so stunned by the vibrant environment that I momentarily lost my bearings. In the blink of an eye, Elijah was out of sight.

"Shit," I muttered, catching Daphne's gaze.

"Wow..." Daphne whispered, her eyes wide as she took in the scene. "It's so cool."

"I know," I said, hopping on my feet and scanning the room for Elijah, but my eyes landed on him.

Blake, standing out effortlessly with his tall frame, exuded a relaxed charm as he laughed with friends, a drink casually held in one hand. As if he could feel my gaze, his eyes locked with mine across the room, and in that moment, time seemed to slow.

It was as though the chaotic party dissolved into the background, leaving just the two of us, but I was the only one with that thought.

With a subtle blink, he shifted his attention, and his gaze moved to Daphne. He said something to his friends before he began walking toward us and panic flared within me.

Oh no, you won't.

"Let's go." I abruptly grabbed Daphne's hand and tugged her away.

"Where?" She asked, her voice tinged with confusion as she followed me.

Anywhere away from him.

For the next thirty minutes, I maneuvered us through the throng of people, weaving and dodging until we lost him. My heart raced, both from the escape and the lingering sense of his gaze.

After managing to evade Blake, Daphne and I found ourselves in a quieter corner of the house. The music was still a background hum, but the area was less crowded, offering a brief respite from the chaotic energy of the main party.

As we stood near the wall, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of frustration. "Where is Elijah?" I muttered, trying to catch a glimpse of him through the crowd.

Daphne sighed. "We've been searching for him for the past half an hour. How about we just enjoy the party for a while?"

I could see that Daphne was eager to have a good time, but my niggling worry about Blake kept me on edge.