Nightcall - Billie Eilish

12 -

The week flew by in a blur. With the holidays coming up, the store was a madhouse. Dylan and I did our best to keep up, but seriously... we were dead. I love my job, but some customers make me wanna quit on the spot and scream. Dylan looked just as exhausted, but he kept his chill vibe, which kind of kept me going too.

Tonight's Billie's party. All week, I've been trying to figure out how to tell Kate. Every attempt has been an epic fail. So now I've convinced myself it's better to stay quiet. She's been talking about Billie forever, so why would she be mad, right?

When I get to work a little early, Dylan's already there, leaning against the counter with a coffee in his hand. He sees me walk in and casually holds out a cup.

"What's the occasion?" I ask, suspicious, as I grab the coffee.

He shrugs, all relaxed.

"Just being a gentleman in a good mood."

"Right, sure. This wouldn't have anything to do with you finally getting with Lisa?"

He bursts out laughing, shaking his head as he takes a sip of his coffee.

"Nope, actually. I'm done with that shit."

I just stare at him, stunned. Lisa? The girl he's been obsessed with since he was three?

"Wait... you're serious?"

He nods, with this calm, sincere smile on his face.

"I finally realized it was just a stupid obsession. I was stuck on this idea of us being together."

I look at him, both impressed and kind of emotional. It's rare to see Dylan this grown-up. I put a hand on his shoulder, genuinely.

"Hey, I'm proud of you."

"Me too."

The day flies by, and by 7 p.m., I finally make it home and collapse onto my bed. My feet are killing me, and the week's exhaustion has me glued to the mattress. I barely have time to close my eyes when a loud noise makes me jump. The door swings open, and Kate storms in. Of course, she's already dressed: black dress, heels, perfect makeup. Stunning, as always.

"Dina, are you serious?"

I groan, rolling over and burying my face in the bed.

"I don't wanna go."

She plants her hands on her hips, already annoyed.

"Dina, get your ass up. You really think I'm letting you ruin my night? You're the one who dragged me into this."

I mumble into my pillow.

"I didn't drag you."

"Are you kidding me? Get up and get ready before I do it for you."

My heart speeds up. She's right, I'm the one who insisted we go. If I back out now, she'll definitely lose it. She leans against the doorframe, looking fake-casual.

"I just hope there'll be cool people there. I'm not in the mood for an awkward night stuck in a corner."

This is THE perfect moment to tell her the truth. But, as usual, I chicken out. Screw it. She'll find out when we're there. It's a surprise, right? I already know she's gonna be pissed I didn't warn her... but whatever. I don't even know what to expect myself. What's a party at a multi-millionaire my age even like?

I drag myself to my closet, throw together an outfit, and hop in the shower. The hot water feels incredible, washing away all my bad vibes. By the time I'm done, I feel way better. Ready, even.

In the living room, Kate's sprawled out on the couch. Her fancy dress totally clashes with her slouched, dude-like pose. She looks up at me and grins.

"Holy shit, you look hot tonight."

"Shut up."

"No, for real, you're gonna wreck some hearts."

"I'm way too tired for that."

"You said the same thing before you ended up in Skeet's bed."

I shoot her a glare.

"Don't remind me of that disaster."

She laughs, clearly proud of herself :

"I just hope there'll be some hotties. I'm dying over here."

"Finally over Clément?"

"Nah, just putting him on pause."

I flop down next to her with a sigh. She looks at me, practically buzzing with excitement.

"So, this client of yours. She knows how to throw a party, right?"

"Pretty sure she's the best at it."

Kate tilts her head back with a little laugh.

"Mmh... we'll see."

Oh, she's definitely gonna see. But she's SO not ready. Not even close.