The state I'm in COMPLETED

Getting There

Cathrine had been crushing on Leo for a while now, but the truth was—he didn't even know she existed.

He was three years older than her, a self-proclaimed rebel without a cause, as I often liked to call him. That, of course, made him all the more attractive. Girls seemed to fall for him effortlessly, and I had seen him with a different one almost every night—never the same girl twice. But despite his reputation, he wasn't a player. He never made false promises; they all knew exactly what they were getting into.

Which meant Cathrine had been fairly warned.

My role in all of this was simple: introduce them, and that was it. No matchmaking, no talking him up, no interference. Just a straightforward, This is Leo, this is Cathrine. End of story.

I had made myself clear.

"I know, I know! You've told me like a hundred times," Cathrine groaned over the phone. "I just need you to tell me if my outfit is okay for tonight."

She had sent me a picture—black skinny jeans, black pumps, a white tank top, and long, handmade golden earrings.

"It's great! You'll look amazing," I assured her. "Don't even worry about it. You're gorgeous, even in your pyjamas."

Which was true. With her slim figure, long blonde hair, and sparkling eyes, I was sure she would catch Leo's attention. The real question was—for how long?

"What are you wearing?" she asked curiously.

"Hmm... my black jumpsuit and nude heels. Plain and simple."

"Cool. Text me if anything goes wrong."

I smirked. "If something goes wrong, I won't have to text you. My mom's screaming will be heard all over town."

Cathrine burst into laughter.

By the time midnight rolled around, my parents were in deep sleep. I was ready—makeup on, shoes in hand, my small purse packed with my phone (on silent mode), my keys, and my wallet.

I texted Cathrine. She was already waiting at the park near my house, stressed to the bone.

Less than five minutes later, I was there.

"No screaming, so no one saw you leave?" she asked anxiously.

"I think so."

"Your brothers?"

"They don't live here anymore, remember?" I said, my voice still tinged with nerves.

She grinned, her excitement making her forget her own anxiety. "Then off we go!"

With that, we set off in her tiny blue Fiat, ready for the big night.

"May God help us," I whispered as we drove toward the club.

Finding parking was always a nightmare, but not for us. Thanks to my cousin's connections, we had a guaranteed spot in the VIP lot.

As we stepped inside, we didn't even have to wait in line. The moment the doors opened, we were hit with blinding lights and the deafening pulse of house music.

The place was huge—but completely packed. You wouldn't have guessed it was a Wednesday. If this was a weeknight, I couldn't imagine what it looked like on a Saturday.

Cathrine was overwhelmed. I could feel her nerves buzzing beside me as she scanned the crowd, searching for Leo. Her breathing was uneven, her hands fidgety.

Meanwhile, I was completely at ease. I waved at a few familiar faces, exchanged smiles with the bouncer—who happened to be a friend of my brother's—and made my way toward the bar.

For a brief moment, I forgot I had even snuck out.

Cathrine clung to my side as I ordered two vodka oranges. George, my cousin, was behind the bar. He pulled me into a quick hug before sliding the drinks over.

"These are on me," he said with a wink.

I smiled. "Thanks, George."

Cathrine's grip on my arm tightened.

"He's here!" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the music.

I turned to her. "Relax. You look fantastic."

I smoothed a stray curl from her face and turned to greet my best friend.

There was just one problem.

Leo wasn't alone.