“I’m so excited for Halloween,” Soph says between forkfuls. “I honestly can't remember the last time we went out with Rose, Marianne, and Timmy. It must’ve been over a year ago.”
“I know, right? It definitely has been too long. I miss them.”
We used to live together in a brownstone my parents own before all three of them moved in with their partners. It was a big adjustment to live alone for the first time in my life. But I'm now totally enjoying the freedom it brings. There's no one to complain about dirty dishes in the sink or my music choices. I get to listen to my girls, Britney, Christina, and P!nk without any comments.
Basically, I get to do whatever I want, whenever I want. And I freaking love it.
Being thirty-four, it was about time I experienced that. At the same time, I always thought I was going to have my own family by now. My parents were ten years younger than me whenthey had me. Heck, I'm already five years older than my biological mother was when she died unexpectedly.
“Where did you go?” Soph asks.
I take a sip of the coffee, enjoying its smoothness. “I was thinking about my mother and how I’m already older than she ever was.”
“She’d be so proud of you and the woman you've become.”
“Thanks.” I say with a melancholic tone to my voice.
“That’s what friends are for.”
While we finish our breakfast, Soph shares hilarious stories from the studio and how she’s been experimenting with some songs. I’m fascinated by the way she’s changing in front of my eyes. I’ve always loved my best friend’s carefree nature. And since she met Jax and he introduced her to his cousin, who happens to own a successful record label, she’s blossomed. Long gone is the lost young woman I met all those years ago.
And I love seeing that. I really do! But I can’t help but wonder if I need change in my life as well. My mind keeps wandering, going back to the feelings I haven’t been able to shake off lately. All my friends found partners and are living the next stages of their lives, and I’m still doing the same things I’ve been doing for years.
“Holy shit, Haisley!” Timmy exclaims as I open the door for him and Marianne later that evening. “You look so damn hot. Our own femme fatale. I didn’t know what to expect, but your outfit is literally fire.”
I shimmy, running my hands down the front of the crimson satin dress that hugs my body perfectly. “Why, thank you.”
“If that ensemble doesn't make every head turn, I don't know what will,” he replies, giving me a long bear hug. “I’ve missed you so much, my sweet angel.”
“Same. The house has been so quiet without you and that cute cat of yours.”
“Pickles misses Auntie Haisley as well.”
Marianne steps inside behind Timmy, balancing her heels and a clutch in one hand while giving me a playful look. “You’re out to slay tonight. I love the hair.”
“Thanks, it took my hairdresser almost two hours to apply the wig.” I twirl a dark mahogany strand around my freshly manicured finger. “I wish I could pull something similar off outside Halloween. These long, sparkling red nails are the cherry on top of my outfit.”
“If anyone can pull this off any time of year, it’s you.”
“I mean, you might be right. But for tonight, it all helps in channeling my inner goddess,” I comment, taking two bottles of sparking rosé from Timmy. “Pregaming?”
“Obviously,” he states, walking toward the living room where Rose and Soph are waiting. “I’ll quickly say hi to the girls and then change into my get-up.”
Soph went all out with a silver sequin dress with dozens of tiny disco balls. Her short, dark curly hair is covered in glitter. It’ll be such a pain to get that all out by the end of the evening.
Rose’s choice for the evening is Belle’s blue dress fromBeauty and the Beast,which fits her curvy body to a T. Her natural redcurls match the outfit, even if that’s not Belle’s original coloring. But that isn’t the most eye-catching part.
“Oh, Rose, show us your bling!” Timmy exclaims, spotting her stunning engagement ring. Rose puts her left hand out, and we all admire the oval-cut diamond on a white gold vintage-styled band that shines almost as bright as our friend does.
“It’s so breathtaking,” I sigh dreamily. “Beyond beautiful.”
“Thank you. I can’t believe Eli custom-ordered it and got the design exactly right. It reminds me of my grandma’s ring, but still looks unique,” Rose explains.
“I love it,” Timmy comments and we all nod in agreement.
When he and Marianne disappear to the guest room after final glances at the ring, I pour us drinks. When they return the room fills with even more excitement.
Timmy has transformed into the Phantom of the Opera, his dark cape sweeping behind him while a white mask covers one side of his face. Marianne, on the other hand, is channeling her inner Mia fromThe Princess Diaries, sporting a short white dress with a tiara, long white gloves, chic sunglasses, and oversized headphones.
