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NIKA MÜHL (narrative)
Rylee had been talking about the All-Star Hockey Gala for a while now, dropping hints about how "fancy" it was and how the league loved to make a big deal out of it. But for someone who rarely lacked confidence, she'd been weirdly awkward about bringing it up directly.
Finally, a week before the gala, she sat on my couch, her foot tapping nervously on the floor. "Okay, so... there's this thing. It's the All-Star Gala for the league, and I have to go."
I looked over at her, curious. "Uh-huh. And?"
She fidgeted, running a hand through her hair. "And it's a suit-and-tie thing, like super formal, and I was just wondering..." She trailed off, suddenly finding the hem of her hoodie very interesting.
"Wondering if I'd go with you?" I finished for her, my lips curving into a smile.
Her eyes shot up to meet mine, cheeks flushed. "Yeah. That. Would you?"
I bit back the urge to tease her—she looked too endearing, sitting there all fidgety and hopeful. "Of course I'll go, Rylee. I'd love to."
The way her whole face lit up in that moment made it worth every second.
The night of the gala, I stood in front of my mirror adjusting the sleek black dress I'd picked out. It was elegant and just the right amount of daring—form-fitting with a slit up one leg and an open back that dipped low. My hair fell in soft waves down my shoulders, and I'd gone for a bold red lip to add a little edge.
I was just finishing my earrings when I heard a knock on the door.
"Come in!" I called out, expecting Rylee to stroll in casually like usual. Instead, the door opened, and she froze in place like she'd been hit by a freight train.
She stood there in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, the jacket molding to her broad shoulders, and her tie sitting slightly undone in a way that somehow made her look even better. But it was the look in her eyes that made me stop.
She didn't speak at first—she just stared. Her gaze traveled slowly from the sweep of my hair to the cut of my dress, lingering at the slit before she met my eyes again.
"Rylee?" I prompted, trying not to laugh.
Her mouth opened slightly, and she blinked as if trying to remember how to function. "Nika," she said softly, her voice a little rough. "You're... You're killing me here."
"You're not so bad yourself," I teased, though my cheeks flushed at the intensity of her gaze.
She swallowed hard and stepped toward me, her eyes never leaving mine. "I don't think I'm gonna survive tonight."
I laughed softly, reaching for the undone tie hanging around her neck. "Here, let me fix this for you."
But before I could, her hands gently wrapped around my waist, stopping me.
