Sunlight sliced through the half-open blinds, casting golden streaks across Eva Landon's face. She stirred under the soft weight of Lily's guest bed sheets, her eyelids fluttering against the brightness. Downstairs, dishes clinked, a pop song hummed faintly, and footsteps danced across the hardwood—Lily, already awake, moving with her usual restless energy. Eva reached for her phone on the nightstand. 12:03 PM. Her lips parted in a soft groan, the weight of oversleeping settling in her chest.
She shuffled downstairs, her oversized sleep shirt brushing her knees, the hem frayed from years of wear. Lily sprawled across the couch, one leg dangling over the armrest, her neon-green pajama set glowing against the loft's exposed brick walls. Her wild curls were piled into a messy bun, and her fingers flicked across her phone screen. She glanced up, her brown eyes catching Eva's hesitation in the doorway. A warm grin spread across her face, but her gaze lingered, searching.
"Rough night, huh?" Lily's voice was soft, her usual spark dimmed just enough to show she cared.
Eva sank onto the couch, tucking her legs beneath her. She forced a smile, small and fleeting, her fingers twisting the hem of her shirt. "Slept okay," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the distant hum of Neon City outside.
Lily tilted her head, her hoop earrings glinting as she leaned forward. She snapped her fingers, the sound sharp in the quiet loft. "Nuh-uh. We're not doing this sad-girl vibe. You and me—mall, now. Shopping, sunshine, maybe some overpriced coffee. Let's go."
Eva's lips twitched, a real laugh bubbling up. She rubbed her eyes, the tension in her shoulders easing. "You're impossible."
Lily hopped up, already halfway to the stairs. "And you're coming with me. Move it, Landon!"
Twenty minutes later, Lily's red convertible roared to life, its engine purring as she cranked a pop playlist, the bass vibrating through the seats. Eva buckled in, her jeans and loose sweater a stark contrast to Lily's ripped denim and cropped leather jacket. The city unfolded around them—glass towers piercing the sky, billboards flashing ads for VR gadgets and bubble tea. The air carried the gritty scent of asphalt and street food, and Lily's fingers drummed the steering wheel, her voice belting out lyrics as they sped toward the mall.
Neon City's downtown mall was a kaleidoscope of chaos. Shoppers wove through the crowd, clutching pastel coffee cups and glossy bags. Arcade machines beeped, their lights flashing in rhythm with the pop music spilling from overhead speakers. Eva's sneakers scuffed the polished floor, her duffel from last night slung over her shoulder, a quiet reminder of her upended life. Lily grabbed her hand, her manicured nails a pop of pink against Eva's pale skin, and tugged her toward a jewelry store.
The shop glittered like a starfield, glass cases filled with diamond necklaces and sapphire rings that caught the light and threw it back in dazzling arcs. Lily pressed her nose to a display, her breath fogging the glass. "Eva, these earrings!" she exclaimed, pointing at delicate diamond studs. "Picture it: you in a black dress, strutting into some fancy gala, every head turning."
Eva's cheeks warmed, a shy smile breaking through. She let the clerk slip the earrings on, her reflection in the mirror catching her off guard. The studs sparkled, making her hazel eyes glow, and for a moment, she saw someone stronger staring back. She touched them lightly, her fingers trembling.
"Done!" Lily whipped out her credit card, ignoring Eva's protest. "My treat. You're glowing already."
They drifted through boutiques, Lily piling bags with silk scarves and statement sunglasses, while Eva clutched her small jewelry bag, her steps lighter with each store. The mall's energy seeped into her, the chatter and laughter a temporary shield against the ache in her chest. At the food court, they claimed a corner table, the air thick with the scent of sizzling noodles and spicy fries. Eva sipped an iced coffee, the cold sweetness grounding her, while Lily tore into a chicken sandwich, her eyes never straying from Eva's face.
Lily pointed a fry, her brow furrowing. "You're doing that thing again. Staring into your coffee like it's got life's secrets."
Eva's fingers tightened around her cup, ice clinking softly. She glanced away, her gaze catching on a family laughing at a nearby table. Her throat tightened, and she set the cup down, her hands folding in her lap. "Just… thinking."
Lily leaned forward, her voice dropping. "About your parents?"
Eva nodded, her fingers twisting together. She opened her mouth, then closed it, the silence heavier than words. Lily reached across the table, her hand warm over Eva's. "They're missing out, babe. But you've got me. Always."
Eva's eyes stung, but she squeezed Lily's hand back, the knot in her chest loosening just a fraction. "I know," she whispered.
They finished eating, and Lily dragged Eva to the bookstore, its quiet shelves a stark contrast to the mall's buzz. Eva ran her fingers along the spines, lingering on a romance novel with a starry cityscape cover. The image stirred a memory—Stonebridge, the stranger's blue eyes—but she pushed it away, tucking the book under her arm. Lily emerged with three fantasy novels and a lavender-scented candle, her grin triumphant.
Outside the bookstore, Lily's eyes lit up at a boutique across the hall. "One sec!" she chirped, darting inside. Eva leaned against the wall, the late afternoon sun streaming through the mall's glass ceiling, warming her face. Shoppers passed in a blur, their laughter a distant hum. She closed her eyes, letting the moment hold her.
Lily reappeared, arms overflowing with bright bags. Eva raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. "Seriously?"
"They were calling my name!" Lily said, tossing her curls dramatically. "Don't judge my vibe."
Eva laughed, reaching over to ruffle Lily's hair. "You're ridiculous."
"And you're obsessed with me," Lily shot back, dodging Eva's hand with a grin.
Back at the loft, Eva stood under the shower's warm spray, steam curling around her as the water washed away the day's weight. Her damp hair clung to her shoulders as she stepped out, wrapping a towel around herself. In the guest room, Lily had laid out two dresses on the bed—a silky blue sheath that shimmered like moonlight and a fiery red mini dress that screamed confidence.
"Red's mine," Lily declared, tossing the blue dress to Eva. "You're wearing this. You'll slay."
Eva caught the dress, her fingers brushing the smooth fabric. "What's the occasion?"
Lily's grin was pure mischief. "The Young House Club. Hottest spot in Neon City. We're dancing tonight, and you're not wiggling out of it."
Eva glanced at the clock—8:07 PM—and groaned. "It's late, Lil."
"Late's when the fun starts!" Lily bounced on her heels, her eyes sparkling. "Come on, one night. Let's live a little."
Eva sighed, but Lily's pleading look was unstoppable. "Fine," she relented, holding up the dress. "But no promises I'll dance."
Lily whooped, throwing her arms around Eva. "That's my girl!"
The Young House Club, 9:30 PM
The bass slammed into Eva like a heartbeat, vibrating through her chest as she and Lily stepped into The Young House Club. Strobe lights pulsed—pink, blue, electric green—painting the crowd in neon flashes. Bodies swayed on the packed dance floor, glittery dresses and tailored shirts blending into a sea of motion. The air was thick with perfume, sweat, and a faint metallic tang, like the city's pulse had seeped into the walls.
Lily, radiant in her red dress, grabbed Eva's hand and pulled her into the crowd. "Move, girl!" she shouted, her curls bouncing as she spun to the beat.
Eva hesitated, the blue dress clinging to her curves, its fabric catching every light. She swayed, tentative at first, then let the music take over. Her hips moved, her arms lifted, and for a fleeting moment, she was weightless—the girl who used to dance in her childhood bedroom, unafraid. Lily laughed beside her, her energy infectious, their movements syncing like they'd done this a hundred times.
A group of guys edged closer, their cologne sharp in the air. One, with slicked-back blonde hair and a too-tight shirt, leaned in, his grin all teeth. "Hey, gorgeous," he said, his eyes raking over Eva's dress. "Dance with me?"
She stepped back, her pulse spiking. "I'm good," she said, her voice firm but her hands trembling.
He moved closer, undeterred. "Come on, just one—"
Her arm brushed his, and he grabbed it, his grip tight enough to make her flinch. Lily spun around, her smile gone, but before she could speak, the music cut off.
The club plunged into silence, the crowd's murmurs rising like static. Every head turned toward the VIP lounge above, where a figure stood, his silhouette sharp against the neon glow.
Max Elridge.
He descended the stairs, each step deliberate, his tailored black shirt hugging his broad frame. His leather jacket gleamed, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the crowd, landing on Eva—and the guy still holding her arm. The air thickened, the room holding its breath.
Max stopped a few feet away, his presence a quiet storm. He tilted his head, his voice low but sharp enough to cut glass. "You think you own this place?"
The blonde guy puffed out his chest, but his bravado wavered. "Who're you?"
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
"It's Max…"
"The owner…"
"Dude, you're screwed."
The guy's grip loosened, his eyes darting as realization hit. Behind Max, Tiger loomed, his broad frame a silent warning, his calm gaze unyielding. The guy muttered a shaky apology, releasing Eva's arm and melting into the crowd with his friends.
Max's gaze shifted to Eva. Her breath caught, her heart pounding as their eyes locked. The blue dress shimmered under the lights, and for a split second, his expression flickered—something raw, unguarded, gone as quickly as it came. Then he turned, vanishing into the shadows of the VIP lounge.
The music roared back, but Eva stood frozen, her skin tingling where his gaze had lingered.
Lily appeared, clutching Eva's hand, her nails digging in. "You okay?" she asked, her voice sharp with worry.
Eva nodded, her eyes still on the empty staircase. "Yeah. Who… was that?"
Lily's lips curved, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Max Elridge. The king of Neon City's nightlife. And, girl, I think he just noticed you."
Eva's heart skipped, her mind replaying that fleeting look—cold, yet burning with something she couldn't name. A spark flickered inside her, like a star breaking through cracked glass, whispering of paths unseen and fates unwritten.
To be continued…