Poison Ivy | Jordan Poole

forty eight.

But at your best, you are love, yes
You're a positive, motivating force within my life
Should you ever feel the need to wonder why?
Let me know, let me know

Ivy settled into the couch, ready for another work-focused FaceTime with Yara. Between the two of them, managing their event planning business across both coasts had turned into a daily balancing act, especially with a flurry of events scheduled over the coming months. But today, Yara looked particularly mischievous, even before they dove into business talk.

"So, Ivy," Yara started, peering at the screen with a sly grin. "I was going over the new caterer list and hold up, wait a second." She leaned in closer, clearly catching a glimmer on Ivy's left hand. "Is that...?"

Ivy laughed, lifting her hand up to show the ring sparkling in the light. "Yep. It's official!"

Yara let out a cheer. "I knew it was coming! I mean, I saw it from day one. Do you even remember the night you two met?"

Ivy's smile turned sheepish, shaking her head as she looked down. "Vaguely," she admitted with a laugh. "I was so tipsy, to be honest. I barely remember rambling to him about my breakup with Darius and probably some other nonsense. But I definitely remember how he looked at me at your wedding a few months later."

"Oh, believe me, I remember too," Yara laughed. "The man could not take his eyes off you that night! He made such a beeline for you, I was certain he'd just knock someone over in his path."

Ivy nodded, her gaze softening at the memory. "I remember how he was just...there, making me laugh and asking questions. It was like he wanted to know everything about me. He caught my attention that night, no question."

Yara raised an eyebrow knowingly. "I bet he did. He was already smitten from that first night, even if you don't remember much. Do you know he actually chased me down to ask for your name after I got you in the car?"

Ivy's eyebrows shot up. "Are you serious?"

"Oh yeah. He wouldn't leave me alone until I gave him it.  I told him if he wanted you that badly, he'd have to do the chasing, and he sure did" Yara teased "Matter of fact I remember it like was yesterday"

Ivy laughed, shaking her head "I can't believe you remember all that."

Yara smirked "How could I forget? I saw him staring at you for about twenty minutes before he finally made his approach. It was such a scene."

-

The club lights flickered over Ivy as she sat at the bar, visibly tipsy, her cheeks flushed and her glass nearly empty. Every now and then, a giggle would escape her, and she'd hiccup with a slightly dazed expression, her eyes bright despite the sadness lingering beneath. Jordan couldn't help but watch, a little mesmerized, as she lifted her glass for another sip. She had this undeniable spark, even in her slightly drunken state, and something about her felt refreshingly real. The bartenders all seemed to be infatuated with her, hovering around and keeping eyes on her when they weren't engaging in conversation.

Unable to ignore the pull, he crossed the floor and sat down next to her, trying to keep his approach casual.

"Tough night?" he asked, keeping his voice warm and easygoing.

She looked up at him, blinking as if she hadn't even noticed anyone nearby. After a beat, she let out a hiccup, then shrugged, the corners of her lips lifting in a wry smile.

"Oh, you could say that," she replied, laughing as she raised her nearly empty glass. "Cheers to finding out my boyfriend's a cheat and thinking, 'Maybe I just imagined that perfect relationship.' Turns out I did. In reality, he's just... terrible." She let out another laugh that came out more like a sigh and took a sip, not bothering to hide the bitterness in her voice.