A few days later, Stella met her friends for a long-overdue catch-up.
Nora, Noami, Milo, and Stella sat at a cozy corner table in a bustling café, their laughter blending with the ambient hum of chatter and clinking glasses.
"Software is exhausting," Noami sighed dramatically, leaning back in her chair. "I feel like my brain's been wrung dry."
Stella smiled sympathetically. "At least it keeps you sharp."
Noami perked up, raising her glass. "True. Plus, the perks aren't bad." She clinked it against Nora's.
Nora grinned mischievously. "You should all switch to my life motto: work less, enjoy more. I mean, working at an amusement park? Best job ever."
Their laughter rippled across the table, but Nora's gaze wandered out the café window. Her eyes sparkled as they landed on an ice cream parlor across the street.
"Milo," she said sweetly, tilting her head toward him, "how about getting us some ice cream from over there?"
Milo shot her a flat look but stood up anyway, grumbling under his breath.
"I'll come with you," Stella said, grabbing her purse.
The two walked to the café door and crossed the threshold into the crisp evening air. As they approached the crosswalk, Stella instinctively reached out and yanked Milo back by his arm, just as a car sped past.
"Where the hell were you looking?" Stella demanded, her voice sharp with alarm.
Milo blinked, startled.
"Can't you see the light's still red for us? Is everything okay with you, Milo?" she asked, her tone softening as her concern deepened.
For a fleeting moment, something unreadable flickered in Milo's eyes, but it was gone just as quickly. He straightened and gave her a lopsided smile.
"Everything's fine, Stels. Just distracted, that's all."
"Hmm," she replied skeptically, not entirely convinced.
They crossed the street, bought the ice creams, and returned to the café, where Noami grabbed hers eagerly.
"You guys took forever!" Noami teased, pointing at Milo.
"Well, maybe someone shouldn't send me out like a personal delivery service," he shot back, handing Stella another cone to pass to Nora.
Their conversation flowed seamlessly as they reminisced about college days and filled each other in on their lives. The easy camaraderie was interrupted when Milo glanced at his watch and stood up.
"I've got to go," he said abruptly.
"What? Already?" Noami pouted. "We barely had time to catch up!"
"I'd stay longer if I could," Milo said with an apologetic smile. "Work calls."
Stella tilted her head. Work? On a Saturday night with Sunday off? She didn't voice her suspicions but watched him carefully.
"Take care," she said, offering him a warm smile despite her unease.
"I'll tag along," Nora announced with a groan.
"You didn't bring your car, did you?" Noami asked knowingly.
"Why would I? I have my lovely neighbor right here," Nora said, nudging Milo's shoulder.
Milo rolled his eyes but didn't protest. After saying their goodbyes, the two left together.
Stella and Noami stayed behind, ordering another round of coffee.
"I have something to confess," Noami said suddenly, her cheeks turning pink.
Stella raised a brow, leaning closer with interest. "Do tell."
Noami fiddled with her napkin, a shy smile spreading across her face. "I have a boyfriend."
"Damnn! Who is he?" Stella asked, her excitement bubbling over.
"He's actually coming here to meet us," Noami replied, glancing toward the door. Her face lit up as she waved. "Oh, there he is!"
Stella turned to see who it was, her smile freezing mid-turn. Her breath hitched as her eyes landed on two familiar figures stepping into the café.
What were they doing here? Stella thought, her body stiffening as her eyes darted between the two men. Without hesitation, she rose abruptly from her seat, her glare sharp enough to cut through glass.
"Is this some sick game you're playing?" she demanded, her voice low but laced with anger.
Rocco raised his hands in mock surrender as he slid into the seat beside hers. "Relax, Stels. It's not what you think."
Blake, meanwhile, ignored Stella's glare entirely. He crossed the room with purposeful strides, leaning down to place a soft, tender kiss on Noami's lips. Noami returned the kiss without hesitation, her face glowing with happiness.
Stella's eyes widened in disbelief. "Blake is your boyfriend?"
Noami flushed but nodded. "I'm sorry, Stella. I couldn't help it."
"And neither could I," Blake added, his voice gentle as he gazed at Noami with unmistakable adoration.
Stella crossed her arms, her piercing gaze shifting between the two men. "If you have an agenda, spit it out. Don't drag her into your mess."
Blake's expression softened, and he shook his head. "There's no agenda, Stella. She works with me, and we... clicked. I have no intention but to be sincere, faithful, and to love her."
"He's so whipped," Rocco teased, smirking as he leaned back in his chair.
Stella let out a reluctant laugh, her tension finally easing. A small smile tugged at her lips, though an ache settled deep in her chest. The way Blake looked at Noami reminded her of a love she once had but could no longer touch.
"He is," Stella murmured softly, the faintest hint of jealousy flickering in her voice.
Then Noami's hesitant voice cut through the moment. "I know about you guys. About Simon, Rocco, and Blake."
Stella froze, her heart skipping a beat as her wide eyes locked onto Noami's. "What?"
"They're vampires, aren't they?" Noami said nervously, fidgeting with her fingers. "And Simon left for... some reason."
Stella's jaw tightened, a mix of emotions swirling within her—shock, guilt, and a faint sense of relief.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you," Stella admitted quietly, lowering her gaze. Yet, a small part of her was grateful. Simon had kept her in the dark, even from those closest to him, and it made her hate him just a little less.
Noami reached out, placing a comforting hand on Stella's. "It's okay, Stella. I trust him. And I trust you."
For the first time that evening, Stella felt her heart lighten.