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Eliza couldn't help but feel a little giddy as she walked beside Arthur, the cool night air teasing the strands of her hair and sending a thrill down her spine.
They had just finished dinner at a cozy little bistro on the edge of town, the kind of place with string lights hanging above the patio, giving the atmosphere a warm, golden glow.
The kind of place where conversation flowed as easily as the wine. Arthur was quiet beside her, that thoughtful look in his eyes that made her wonder what he was thinking. She had come to love that look, even though she never could quite decipher it.
They were heading back to the car when, just as they were passing through the parking lot, Eliza's heart skipped at the sight of a familiar face. GG was walking arm-in-arm with Mike, their laughter loud and carefree, the kind that made you smile just by hearing it.
Eliza couldn't help but feel a little rush of excitement—GG had been her friend for years, a friend who was more like family. The kind of friend who would tell you the hard truth without sugar-coating it, but always had your back.
"Eliza!" GG called out, her voice warm and full of life. She released Mike's arm and hurried over, pulling Eliza into a tight hug. "It's been too long!"
Eliza squeezed back, laughing. "It really has, GG. How've you two been?"
"Busy, but good," GG replied, giving a glance at Mike who smiled and waved as he approached. "And you know how it is."
GG's eyes, sharp and knowing, flickered from her to Arthur as she sized him up, but the smile that curved her lips suggested that she wasn't about to pass judgment without reason. Eliza cleared her throat and gestured to Arthur, who was standing a little off to the side, hands shoved deep in his pockets. The tension in the air shifted; Eliza could feel it.
"GG, Mike, this is Arthur," she said, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest. Arthur nodded politely, the slight smile on his lips both confident and a little nervous. He extended his hand to Mike first, who shook it firmly, his eyes assessing Arthur with that practiced, knowing gaze that only came with experience.
"Nice to meet you, Arthur," Mike said, his voice deep and rich, a contrast to GG's lighter tone. He pulled Arthur into a conversation about sports that Eliza knew would be quick and to the point. Mike had always been that way—a man of action, no-nonsense. But GG, Eliza knew, was the wild card. The one who could make or break Arthur's standing with her friends.
Eliza watched as GG's eyes settled on Arthur. There was a glint in them, sharp as a blade, and for a moment, Eliza wondered if she'd made a mistake bringing Arthur into this circle of friends. But then GG's smile softened, and she spoke, voice low and sincere. "I'm just letting you know some of our friends don't agree with you dating Eliza, but I'm not one of them. As long as you keep my girl happy, I don't care about anything else."
