Same Same But Different

TEN

TEN ➳ Mickey is at a huge-ass party (again).

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Mickey was at the party, he'd already texted Beth to let her know he was there. She was on her way.

A bunch of people instantly grouped around him and his friends, mostly girls, trying to get his attention. He stared at the door, wondering about each and every girl that walked in: is this her?

Suddenly, a young woman walked through the door and his heart jumped. She looked a little lost, and a bit anxious. She was dressed in a pair of black pants - of course Beth would wear pants to a party - high heeled boots, and a blouse that showed her shoulders. Her eyes wandered for a bit, looking for someone and, finally, they found his eyes.

The moment seemed to go on forever as they shared that look, but then, she glanced away, smiling shyly to herself. That's her. She picked up her phone from her pocket and disappeared into the crowd. She looked so much prettier than her profile picture.

His phone buzzed, and he knew exactly who texted him.

[I'm here]

[where do I find you?]

[oh btw, you won't believe who I just crossed paths with at this party]

[who?], he texted, grinning to himself, anticipating the answer.

[ur neighbor's favorite artist: mickey roscoe!]

[I feel like he's a bit of or own private joke, u know?]

She had no idea.

▬ ➳ ▬

The party was a bit overwhelming, lots of people, lots of fancy people... Beth felt so out of place.

[no way], Mike texted her.

[u should go up to him and tell him how tacky you think he is]

[what? why in the world would I do that?!]

[if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all, u know what I mean?]

[then u should tell him u liked the jazz version. he probably doesn't get that a lot]

Beth bumped into someone and, when she looked, it was someone she'd seen before, probably on TV as she recalled it, some Netflix show. She'd never been to a Hollywood party, a proper Hollywood party with celebrities and stuff. As much as she was starstruck, there was something she wanted to do more than to meet those people.

[no, mike, I'm not doing that]

[why not?]

[cause I'm here to see YOU]

[are you avoiding me? I asked where I could find you and u ignored the question]

[I'm not avoiding you]

[and I think I can see you]

[come here then!!]

Beth raised her head from the screen, looking for a guy waving at her or something. She saw no one who stood out. No one was even looking her way.