RIVALS NEXT DOOR

chapter 3

The sound of water from the upstairs shower slowed to a trickle, while Ralph and Lena relaxed in Clara’s cozy living room. The space was dimly lit, a soft glow from the lamps creating a warm, cozy atmosphere after the day’s adrenaline rush. Ralph, phone in hand, scrolled absentmindedly, a quiet smirk playing on his lips, while Lena sprawled across the couch, legs stretched out, her eyes half-closed in a state of post-heist bliss.

"I swear, if I had to wear that wig for one more second, I would’ve set it on fire," Lena grumbled, running her hands through her now free-flowing hair. "And that dress, ughh!! don’t even get me started on the dress. How do rich people manage to look comfortable in those things?"

Ralph barely looked up from his phone, his attention caught in a conversation. "You wore it well though. You looked just like Mrs. Ravenscroft."

Lena scoffed, pulling at her comfy, oversized shirt. "Thanks, but I’ll stick to normal clothes. The whole 'rich snob' thing gets old real fast."

Just then, Clara padded down the stairs, her hair damp from the shower, dressed in soft pajamas, and looking much more relaxed than she had earlier. She greeted them with a casual smile, her pace unhurried, as though all the tension from the day had melted away.

"Did you two freshen up yet?" Clara asked, leaning against the doorway, her eyes flicking between her friends.

Lena lifted a hand and waved it lazily. "Washed my face, changed into something that doesn’t make me want to claw my skin off. These are much better."

Clara laughed, turning her gaze to Ralph, who seemed completely absorbed by his phone. "And what about you, Ralph? Still glued to your screen?"

At her words, Ralph jolted slightly, fumbling with his phone as he locked it quickly and shoved it into his pocket. "Uh, no! I mean, yes, I haven’t... freshened up yet. I was just—" He paused, his cheeks tinting slightly as he cleared his throat. "Just chatting with a friend."

Clara raised an eyebrow, smirking. "A friend, huh?"

Ralph’s face turned even redder as he gave an awkward laugh, looking everywhere but at Clara. "Yeah, yeah, just a friend," he mumbled.

Lena glanced at him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ralph, we didn’t ask."

Ralph groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Why do I always do this?" he muttered, shaking his head in embarrassment.

Clara chuckled, walking over to join them on the couch. "Relax, Ralph. It’s all good."

Lena, not one to miss a chance to tease, leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Looks like Ralph’s no longer our sweet, innocent boy. He’s a man now, huh?"

The room burst into laughter, Ralph slumping back into the cushions in mock defeat, joining in the laughter despite his embarrassment.

The cozy warmth of Clara’s apartment was filled with soft laughter and conversation. But Clara, sitting on the couch, couldn’t help but glance at the clock.

"Oh shit, it's already 6:00 p.m.," she muttered. "What’s taking Damon so long?" She turned her gaze to Ralph. "And you didn’t order food, did you?"

Ralph's guilty laugh confirmed it. "Uh... no. I kind of forgot."

Clara groaned. "No food and no drinks. Damon better not be flirting with every girl in town, and come back fast. I'm starving." She sighed, rubbing her temples as Lena chimed in.

"He probably is. Flirting with every girl on his way back," Lena said with a scoff, not knowing the teasing was about to turn on her.

Clara grinned mischievously. "Are you... perhaps jealous, Lena?"