The night was cold and dark, the normally bright full moon hidden behind a low blanket of clouds that promised a significant snowfall. Lisa briefly regretted not wearing her boots, picturing the fresh layer of snow that would likely cover the ground on her walk home. She usually loved the soft crunch her shoes made on the snow, the sound accompanying the white puffs of her breath in the frigid air, a combination that felt both tranquil and invigorating. Shoving her hands deeper into her coat pockets, she lowered her head into her collar and quickened her pace. Despite her affection for winter, it was undeniably cold, and she was eager to reach her destination. Tonight's dinner with her two closest friends felt like a reward after a demanding week of modelling – a bright spot in an otherwise tiring period. The cold was a small price to pay for good food, engaging conversation, and some much-needed lightheartedness.
Lisa made a point of arriving early. Shifting from the intensity of work to a relaxed evening out had always been a challenge. This was especially true during her trainee days, and even more so now with her rising fame, filled with long hours of taping, fashion shows, and filming. Ironically, it was during those early training days that Lisa had forged her strong bond with Rosé and Chris. The inseparable trio had navigated their first year together, spending many nights honing their skills side-by-side. Lost in these fond memories, Lisa barely registered her arrival at the restaurant. Stepping inside, the sudden warmth was a welcome change. With fifteen minutes to spare before her friends were expected, she headed to the bar for a glass of mulled wine before settling in front of the restaurant’s grand wood-burning fireplace. Years ago, their tradition had been to skip the formal dining tables and instead share meals in the lounge, all three squeezed onto the leather loveseat by the fire. Over time, their gatherings had evolved to include a proper table, better wine than their initial cheap beer, and the addition of their respective partners of the moment.
The lounge was unusually quiet, a contrast to the bustling main dining area. Lisa appreciated the solitude, sinking deeper into the leather sofa, the warmth of the wine and the memories creating a cozy bubble. After a few minutes, she sensed someone behind her. Assuming it was one of her friends, she reached a hand back over the top of the sofa. A warm, soft hand met hers, and she instinctively thought it was Rosé. Giving it a gentle squeeze, she murmured a quiet, "Hello." The unfamiliar voice that replied sent a jolt through her. Lisa practically spilled her wine in her haste to get off the couch and away from the unexpected stranger. Amidst the ensuing stumble and mumbled apologies, she regained her composure, placing her wine safely on a nearby table before extending her hand again, this time with more formality, to the woman now standing before her. The startled woman slowly took Lisa’s hand, offering a brief but firm shake before returning her hands to her sides, where she smoothed her skirt. The stranger began to apologize repeatedly for startling her. Finally, Lisa couldn’t bear the awkwardness any longer and interjected with a simple, "I'm Lisa."
Silence hung in the air for a moment. Then, a warm smile spread across the woman’s face. "I'm Jennie. Sorry again for... well..."
"Don't even worry about it. Personally, I love holding hands with strange women," Lisa quipped, hoping to ease the tension. She rubbed her hands nervously on her thighs, glancing around the quiet lounge. It struck her as a little odd that this woman had chosen to stand directly behind her when she was the only other person present.
Before Lisa could voice this thought, Jennie began to explain. "When I asked the hostess about the reservation Chris made, she said someone from our party had already arrived and was in the lounge." Jennie glanced around the room and then back at Lisa. "Thankfully, you were the only one here, so I assumed – hopefully correctly – you were one of Chris’ friends. Lisa, you said?" Jennie’s raised eyebrows held an unexpectedly endearing quality.
