Folding For You

Chapter 23: Sabrina

It's Friday night, and Iyana's having her 21st birthday bash at IVORY, one of the most exclusive nightclubs that has just opened on the Upper West Side. She'd been talking about it for weeks, hyping it up like she was about to throw the party of the century.

Knowing her, I expected her to invite the entire Scrollie world—every influencer, celeb, and socialite who could fit into the place. But I was wrong. She only invited ten people!

And three of those people? Gayle, me, and our Art Director, Andrew Liu.

It's strange to know that while Iyana spends her days rubbing elbows with some of the most famous people on the planet regarding her birthday, she wants to celebrate with the ones who matter to her. Not just anyone but those close enough to feel like family.

"Alicia Keys couldn't make it," she said casually, like it was no big deal, as she swiped on another layer of mascara in her vanity mirror. So, in her make-believe world, Alicia Keys is family.

We were at her entirely pink, three-bedroom condo—or more like one bedroom and two massive walk-in wardrobes. The girl had more clothes and shoes than most people could ever dream of, and she was always ready for her next big moment, convinced she would be the next Ayra Starr, another of her favourite singers.

Every day after work, she made me listen to Ayra's "Commas," which she called her spirit song. We'd sing it together when everyone else left the office. Sometimes, Andrew joined in, his deep voice adding a different vibe. And now, of course, it played in the background while we got ready.

I played along, "And here I thought I'd co-write a heartbreaking track with her."

Iyana, lashes all curled up pretty, gave me a look in the mirror. "Boss, I know you don't want to believe me. Your loss." She returned to perfecting her mascara, her attention shifting to her reflection.

I glanced at myself, smoothing out my black midi dress, keeping it simple with matching black shoes. I didn't know how fancy tonight would get, so I played it safe. But apparently, that wasn't flying with the birthday girl. While dabbing shimmer on her cheekbones, she shot me a look. "So, where's your dress, boss?"

I blinked, confused. "I am wearing it."

She turned to face me, eyes scanning me from head to toe. "Na-ah. You're not wearing that funeral dress to my party."

"What's wrong with my dress? It's simple and elegant!" I protested, but she rolled her eyes and disappeared into one of her wardrobe rooms.

Before she came out, I barely had time to process, handing me a stunning white asymmetric cold shoulder rhinestone top and a matching skirt.

"This should fit you. Try it on," she said, not giving me a choice.

I slipped into the outfit; the soft material felt like air against my skin. I ran my hands over the fabric, almost in disbelief at how good it felt.

"So?" I asked, turning to face her.

Iyana gave me a slow, approving nod, a sexy smile curling up at the corners of her lips. "Now that's what I'm talking about."

She grabbed her makeup brush, standing behind me. "Now, let's do your hair and makeup. We've got a party to slay."

~o~

The VIP section Iyana had reserved for her birthday was breathtaking. It was tucked away in its private alcove within the already gleaming world of IVORY.

Separated from the leading club by frosted crystal partitions, the space felt like a secret haven—an oasis of luxury and exclusivity. The moment I stepped inside, I felt like I was entering a cloud of elegance.