Midway through the evening, I walked into Ella's place. Lights sparkled across every wall, bouncing off glass ornaments. Music hummed softly under loud laughter and overlapping voices. The scent of warm spices and baked sweetness clung to my coat as soon as I stepped inside. Faces from years back stood clustered in corners - some familiar, others completely new to me.
Among those gathered stood Daniel, alongside Jayce, tucked within the throng without notice.
Footsteps near me, then Ella was there, holding out a glass. Took one look at my face, handed me wine without asking. This, she said, you will want right now.
"Are they - "
"Both here. Daniel's in the kitchen. Jayce is by the fireplace. They've been very carefully avoiding each other."
I swallowed deeply from the glass. Fine
"You look amazing, by the way." She squeezed my arm. "Ready?"
"No. But let's do this anyway."
Barely inside the party now. Five steps in, his face appeared.
