Meet Scarlett Striker, a bold and quirky journalist for the Seattle Times. She's fun, confident, sassy, and just the right amount of weird. Scarlett is determined to rise to the top, no matter what it takes.
When her boss offers a golden opportunity...
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It's Friday and I'm on my way to Chris's Halloween party. I adjust the neckline of the dress Scarlett lent me, feeling a bit self-conscious as I take in the deep red fabric that clings to my curves. The plunging neckline reveals more cleavage than I'm used to, and the dramatic cape adds a flair of mystery that Scarlett insisted would make me stand out. I finish the look with dark, smoky eye makeup, bold red lipstick, and a pair of fangs that Scarlett added along with fake blood dripping from the corner of my mouth. I look like I just stepped out of a vampire film.
I can't believe I'm actually going to this party. Chris's Halloween bash, no less. I'm nervous, especially with how revealing this dress is, but Scarlett, Eva, and Josh are coming with me, so at least I won't be alone. Scarlett looks stunning in her Catwoman costume—a sleek, form-fitting black catsuit made of shiny, faux leather that hugs her curves in all the right places. She's paired it with black, knee-high stiletto boots, leather gloves, and, of course, cat ears. She looks fierce, and she knows it.
Eva and Josh, on the other hand, opted for a coordinated look as Greek gods, their togas matching perfectly. The way they've dressed to complement each other is beyond adorable, and I can't help but smile at how in sync they are.
As we walk into the building, my nerves start to creep in. The sight of so many people in costumes heading to the same party makes my stomach flip. The elevator ride up feels like it's taking forever, but it's nothing compared to the jolt I get when we hear someone yell, "Stop!" just as the doors are about to close.
We hold the elevator for a man in a Mad Hatter costume. At first, I'm confused, but then I see him look me up and down, and realization hits.
"Elizabeth?" Tom asks, his voice laced with surprise and a hint of amusement.
"Tom?" I reply, equally shocked. His outfit is ridiculous yet somehow fits him perfectly. The oversized hat, the quirky suit—it's so him.
Scarlett raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Nice costume, Tom," she says, giving him a once-over.
Tom grins, tipping his hat. "Likewise, Catwoman." He then turns back to me, still grinning. "You look... wow."
I feel my cheeks flush. "Thanks, I guess. Scarlett picked it out."
"She has great taste," he says, glancing between us. "You ready for this party?"
"Not really," I admit with a nervous laugh, adjusting the cape to cover a bit more of my chest.
"Relax," Scarlett chimes in, placing a reassuring hand on my arm. "You look incredible, and Chris is going to lose his mind when he sees you."
"That's exactly what I'm afraid of," I mutter under my breath, but I can't help the small smile that creeps onto my face.
Eva gives me a gentle nudge as the elevator dings, signaling our arrival. "Come on, Elizabeth. Let's have some fun tonight."
As we step out of the elevator and make our way into Chris's penthouse, the first thing that hits me is the sheer size of the crowd. The room is packed with people, all in various costumes, laughing, talking, and swaying to the beat of the music. The energy is electric, and for a moment, I feel completely overwhelmed.
