𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑋𝑜𝑛𝑒

𝑋𝑋𝑋𝐼

Tina's voice cut through the noise, capturing everyone's attention as she leaned forward with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Alright, I have a really good idea," she announced, letting the anticipation build.

"Spit it out!" Gil rolled his eyes, trying to sound impatient but clearly intrigued.

"Don't rush me!" she shot back, feigning annoyance before a giggle slipped out, making her idea seem all the more intriguing. "We should play truth or dare." She practically purred the words, savoring the reaction it stirred in the room.

Nikki and Kelly exchanged eager glances, their eyes lighting up at the suggestion, while Gil smirked, looking over at Shawn as if for a silent vote of approval. Shawn simply shrugged, offering no real commitment but clearly interested enough to stay.

I glanced at Janet, who was already looking at me, her expression torn between curiosity and hesitation. She tilted her head slightly, the playful quirk of her lips suggesting she was in for a little fun but would follow my lead. Her eyes searched mine, as if waiting for a sign, a wordless "Are you okay with this?" that made me feel like she was checking in on me more than herself.

"Come on, guys," Tina urged, shaking the tequila bottle with a smirk. "It'll be fun! And if you're too chicken to play along, you'll have to take a shot." Her smile widened, daring us all as she held the bottle up like a challenge.

"Alright, T, let's play," Kelly said, her voice laced with excitement, speaking for all of us as she leaned forward, ready to dive in.

Tina grinned, holding the bottle up triumphantly. "Now that's what I like to hear!" She quickly moved to the center of the circle we'd all unconsciously formed, twisting the cap off the tequila with a flourish. "Who's up first?"

Gil groaned, rolling his eyes dramatically. "I know you're going to pick me first just to mess with me."

Tina didn't deny it, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, don't worry, Gil. I've got something special for you, but I think I'll start with..." Her gaze swept the room, landing on me with a devilish glint. "You."

I raised an eyebrow, feigning calm while feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on me. Janet gave me a small, encouraging nod, squeezing my hand before letting go, and I took a deep breath, leaning into the game's inevitable chaos.

"Alright, bring it on," I challenged, trying to match Tina's energy.

"Truth or dare?" Tina's smile was wide, waiting to see if I'd go bold right off the bat.

I thought for a moment, catching Janet's amused expression out of the corner of my eye. I didn't want to look too cautious, not in front of Janet or any of her friends, but I wasn't entirely ready to go all in with a dare just yet.

"Truth," I finally said, bracing myself.

The room fell into a hush as Tina tapped her chin, a thoughtful smirk playing on her lips as she plotted her question. "Okay," she began, her eyes dancing with anticipation, "What's one thing you've never told anyone here... but you know Janet knows?"

A murmur of interest ran through the group, and I glanced at Janet, who had her lips pressed together, barely containing her own curiosity. My mind raced, but then I caught Janet's eye, her expression warm and slightly teasing, as if to say, Come on, don't hold back.

I looked around at the circle, feeling a surge of adrenaline as I admitted, "I want to start acting."

The reaction was instant, a few "ooo's" and "ahhh's" broke out among the group, sparking a round of excited glances.

Nikki smiled, nodding approvingly. "Wow, that's cool, Mariah. Janet says you're a model, that's already impressive."

"You've got the small waist for it," Tina added with a playful look, eyeing me up and down.