ONCE MORE, WITH YOU

XIX

As the elevator doors closed, I leaned my head against the cool wall.

I just kissed Solené.

And I loved it.

A smile tugged at my lips. Instead of resisting, I let it take over.

The elevator chimed, announcing my floor. I stepped off and made my way to my room, unlocking the door with the key card. Kicking off my heels, I sank onto the bed for a moment before peeling off my dress.

Rummaging through my suitcase, I found my Skims x Dolce & Gabbana leopard-print tank top and light-wash, rhinestone-studded Zara jeans. After slipping them on, I grabbed my black Dolce & Gabbana patent leather slingback pumps.

Sitting in front of the mirror, I touched up my makeup and released my hair from its updo. It fell in soft waves down my shoulders, and I ran my hands through it until it looked just right.

Satisfied, I spritzed on more perfume, grabbed my purse and phone, and headed out.

As I stepped into the elevator, my phone buzzed. Solené had texted, saying she was waiting in the lobby. I hearted her message, switched off my phone, and let the elevator descend.

When the doors opened, I spotted her leaning casually against a pillar.

I approached her and tapped her shoulder, drawing her attention. She turned, dressed in low-rise, light-wash jeans, a Kansas City Chiefs jersey tucked under her bra on one side to show off her toned abs, and Timberland boots that made her slightly taller than usual. Her hair cascaded in soft, fluffy curls, one side tucked behind her ear to reveal diamond earrings.

"You look stunning," she said, breaking the silence.

"So do you," I replied, looping a finger through her belt loop and tugging her closer. "This outfit is very cute."

"You think so?" she asked, tilting her head.

"I know so," I said, letting my nails trail lightly over her exposed skin, sending goosebumps along her arms.

She leaned in, brushing her lips against mine in a soft kiss before pulling back. "Come on," she said, lacing her fingers with mine. "We have to celebrate you. Now that you can drink as much as you want..."

I laughed as she led me to the car, opening the door for me. "I really need a drink."

"I bet you do," she teased with a smile as she slid in beside me.

The drive to the after-party felt like a blur. The house was alive with people spilling inside and out. Hand in hand, we navigated through the crowd, receiving congratulations on the premiere.

I couldn't help but smile, grateful for the recognition of the effort behind it all.

In the kitchen, we found Nolan and Adrianna playing bartenders, pouring questionable amounts of liquor into mismatched cups.

"My favorite lovebirds!" Adrianna slurred, her grin wide.

"She's had a lot to drink," Nolan whispered, still mixing drinks.

"Hi, Adri," Solené and I said in unison.

Adrianna's bleary eyes lit up at my outfit and then flicked down to Solené's boots. "Skims x Dolce & Gabbana and Timberlands?! Two things I want so badly!" She looked on the verge of tears.

"Hey," Solené said, stifling a laugh. "I'll buy you both for Christmas. How's that?"

"Really?" Adrianna's face lit up, and she threw her arms around Solené. "Thank you, Lennie!"