𝐜𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧' 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 ─────⋆⋅★𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘺

𝟐𝟖. 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞

Suki scrolled through the barrage of headlines on her phone, unimpressed by the predictable onslaught of "reports" and "anonymous sources." There it was: "Is Suki Monroe Burnt Out?"; "Secret Rehab Stint?"; "Diva or Damaged?" Then, the outrageous one: "Suki Monroe Hiding Secret Family." She laughed out loud, almost entertained.

Then there were the conspiracy theorists. One Twitter thread had spiraled into a mini-series about how she was an undercover agent, using the tour as a decoy for "international missions." She almost wished they were right—at least it would give her some excitement to look forward to.

She tossed her phone aside, shrugging into an oversized leather jacket bedazzled on the back "baddest bitch", the leather cool against her skin. 

Tonight's look: iconic but effortless. Vintage leather jacket, sunglasses and a simple black vest showing off her cleavage and midriff, a tiny mini black sequined skirt to match with clear heels, glinting under the low light. This wasn't the night for "off-duty chic"; tonight she was here to remind everyone exactly who she was.

Just then, Drew stepped in, dressed in an effortlessly sleek black suit, collar slightly open, his eyes scanning her with a mixture of awe and concern. "Ready?" he asked, slipping a protective arm around her waist. He knew how to do it just right—not claiming her but making it clear she wasn't to be messed with.

They pulled up to a private club downtown, her entourage in tow. The crowd parted like the Red Sea as they stepped out, cameras flashing wildly. Drew held her hand tight as she glided forward, practically floating, and when someone from the crowd yelled a snide remark, he pulled her closer, throwing the fan a glare that screamed, watch yourself.

Inside, waiting at a back booth, were Madelyn and Gracie, who rose from their seats, waving and laughing when they saw her. The girls squealed as they caught sight of each other, and Suki rushed forward, enveloped in their hugs, suddenly more grounded and at home.

"Look at you!" Madelyn exclaimed, her eyes trailing over Suki's look approvingly. "My girl really said 'try me' tonight."

"Try me and lose," Suki smirked. "It's my new motto."

Drew gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "It suits you," he murmured, planting a kiss on her cheek that lingered, his touch grounding her.

"Excuse me," Gracie said, nudging Drew. "Don't you dare steal her from us tonight! We came all this way, and we demand our girl time."

Drew held up his hands, backing away with a laugh. "All yours, I swear. I'll be the designated fan-club president in the corner, should you need anything."

Suki laughed, slipping into the booth with her friends, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. Madelyn leaned in, giving her a pointed look. "Alright, tell us everything. How're you holding up?"

"Honestly? I'm having the time of my life," she said, laughing at the surprise on their faces. "The tabloids, the rumors—it's like I've finally hit the jackpot of public interest. All I have to do now is sit back and let them talk. Isn't that the game?"

Gracie shook her head, still smiling. "Where's the girl who used to stress out at every little comment?"

Suki shrugged, flashing a self-assured grin. "She got tired of carrying the weight of everyone else's opinions. I don't need to justify my choices, and that's been... freeing."

"Thank God for that," Madelyn said, taking her hand across the table. "We knew she was in there somewhere."

Drew looked on from the side, proud but relaxed, content to see her shine. His protective edge softened, but he didn't stray far, still keeping an eye on her and the crowd around them. The DJ cued up her latest hit, and the whole club seemed to recognize her at once. She flashed Drew a grin, a silent dare that he read instantly.