Just One Lie

Chapter 1

Josephine walked to her car, fumbling with her keys to unlock it. She looked up and hadn't expected to see Felix waving across the street from the house across from her. She barely had a second to blink before he was walking to her side, flashing the familiar, easygoing smile that had always made him so approachable, so safe. Felix wasn't an intimidating guy; he was lean but still muscular and had the softest blue eyes, the kind that made people naturally open up. He had short brown hair and a good looking face. He was the type of guy that would help an old lady cross the street, or always making sure to donate to charity and read to sick children. For as long as she could remember, he'd been there, her best friend, her confidant, her emotional lifeline through every high and low.

"Morning, Jo," he greeted her, his voice light as usual.

"Morning, Felix," she replied, smiling as she opened her car door. "What's got you so chipper?"

He shrugged, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets. "What's wrong with being happy to see my favorite person?"

"Felix, I'm pretty sure everyone you talk to is your 'favorite person.'" She laughed, nudging him playfully.

There was a pause, just long enough for Josephine to notice. He stared at her, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes before he responded, "Maybe, but you're... you're different."

Josephine brushed it off, assuming it was Felix's usual charm. The two of them had shared hundreds of moments like these over the years, moments where he'd say something unexpectedly sweet, making her heart skip for reasons she quickly laughed off. Felix, her Felix, would never see her that way—just like she didn't see him that way. They were friends, bound by years of shared memories and a friendship too precious to risk on romantic notions.

"Anyway, where are you driving to this Saturday afternoon?" Felix asked, a curious lilt in his voice as he leaned against the car.

"I'm going shopping with Larisa. She wants me to go partying with her later and needs help picking out a dress," Josephine replied, letting out a little laugh at the thought of Larisa's endless fashion debates.

Felix's expression flickered almost imperceptibly, but before she could interpret it, he nodded and gave her one of his trademark smiles. "Sounds fun. You two have a good time, alright?"

"I will!" She waved as she got into her car, settling into the driver's seat and watching as he strolled back across the street, hands in his pockets. There was something comforting in the familiarity of Felix's presence, always nearby, always steady. She shook her head with a grin and turned the key, heading off to pick up Larisa.

As Josephine pulled into the parking lot of Larisa's apartment building, her friend was already waiting out front, practically bouncing on her heels, her long dark hair catching in the autumn breeze. Larisa, with her usual flair, wore a bright, flowy top and jeans that accentuated her curves—a stark contrast to Josephine's casual outfit of jeans and a cozy sweater.

"Jo! You're finally here!" Larisa exclaimed, sliding into the passenger seat with a grin.

Josephine laughed. "It's only been a few minutes since I texted you! You really couldn't wait to shop, could you?"

"Of course not! I'm on a mission for the perfect dress tonight. You know I need to look good!" Larisa said dramatically, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

Josephine rolled her eyes with a smile. "You always look stunning, Larisa."

"Oh, stop," Larisa replied with a laugh, but Josephine could see she was pleased. "Anyway, are you excited to go out tonight?"

Josephine shrugged. "I mean, it'll be nice to get out, but you know me. I'm not the 'party until 2 AM' type."

"That's what I'm here for—to make sure you have fun!" Larisa said, beaming. "Let's get you a sexy outfit, too. I won't take no for an answer."