Elaine let out a soft sigh, closing her notebook as he last class of the day finally wrapped up. She tucked the journal neatly into her bag, slowly standing from her seat as she waved goodbye to a few classmates.
She walked out of the classroom into the warm sunlight outside, stretching while navigating the pathways to her car. Before she could even unlock it, her phone was buzzing with a text from Eleanore.
╭────────────╮
{Eleanore Davies} (Text)
u ready to join girls day?? 😏
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Elaine smiled faintly, unlocking the car door to slide inside, closing the door behind her. She started it, mentally preparing herself for the day to come.
╭────────────╮
{Elaine} (Text)
On my way. Don't let Simone pick the playlist again.
╰────────────╯
╭────────────╮
{Eleanore Davies} (Text)
too late he's already dancing 💃
╰────────────╯
Elaine groaned softly, sliding into the driver's seat. "Perfect," she muttered, though a faint smile crossed her lips as she started the car.
Traffic hummed with that lazy blend of worn patience and loud car horns. She drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, thinking briefly of the amusement park a few days earlier. Everyone seemed to have fun… Hopefully, we can do it again sometime. She pushed the thought away before she could delve further into it.
Eventually, she arrived at their first destination of the day. The Prisma Salon, a little hole in the wall that offered everything from hair styling to nail care, was a favorite among the group.
The room was buzzing with laughter, chatter, and the whirring of blow dryers. Mirrors flashed under soft golden lights. The smell of citrus and hair products hung in the air like heavy perfume.
Eleanore sat cross-legged in a plush chair beside Kendra and Maya, all three in the middle of gossiping while getting their nails done. Simone, draped in a stylist's cape, was flipping dramatically through a magazine.
"This article says 'confidence is the best accessory,'" Simone declared, dramatically sighing. "Which is tragic, because mine's out of stock."
Samantha, waiting to get her hair blow-dried, raised a brow. "Lies. You came into class wearing a silk shirt and a gold chain at ten in the morning."
"That's not confidence," Simone said, snapping the magazine shut. "That's survival."
Elaine laughed softly from across the room, holding her phone in one hand as Isabel stretched her fingers toward the ceiling to admire her nails.
"I swear, if these chip by tomorrow," Isabel said, "I'm suing."
Elaine smiled as she approached the group. "You'll have to stand in line behind Simone."
"Exactly!" Simone said. "The audacity of cheap polish." He turned his head, grinning as he turned his head to Elaine, "Nice of you to join us, finally!"
"Yeah, yeah." Elaine rolled her eyes, sitting in an empty chair nearby, "What's the plan for today?"
"Oh, the norm," Eleanore beamed, looking at her nails as they were finished, "We're going to the spa next, then shopping at the mall, and I made a reservation at The Lighthouse."
Elaine nodded, checking her phone before chuckling, "Yeah, sounds about right for a girls' day."
"I vote we find Elaine some new outfits!" Simone chimed.
"What? No, I don't need more clothing."
"Sweetheart, your wardrobe is screaming for help," Simone tossed his hand up, waving it back and forth, "And help has arrived, darling."
Eleanore grinned, bouncing beside Elaine, who groaned. "No getting out of it now, who agrees?"
"Ooh, yes!" Samantha beamed, Kendra and Maya nodding to her words as Isabel blinked.
"I think her wardrobe is fine."
"Thank you, Isabel."
"No," Simone turned in his seat, shaking his head, "You two came to a girls' day wearing denim and hoodies. You both need styling help."
"Simone-"
"Nope!" He shook his head, "You're both getting a make-over, starting with clothing that caters to your feminine sides!"
Isabel and Elaine groaned, both slouching in their seats as everyone finished up with their appointments. Eleanore took Elaine's hand, grinning as she tugged her out the door, leading the way to their next destination: The spa.
After their spa trip, the group migrated to the mall. Perfume counters, clothing stores, and the kind of charm that made people spend way too much money on items that they definitely did not need.
Simone had already taken charge the moment they'd stepped inside. "Rule number one," he declared, marching toward the nearest boutique with a dramatic wave of his wrist. "No one leaves looking like they have a job interview."
"That's rich coming from you," Samantha said, raising a brow. "You wore loafers to a farmer's market."
"They were Apexi loafers," Simone shot back. "It's called setting standards."
Elaine laughed, trailing behind the group as they filed into a store. Racks of dresses lined the walls, all competing for attention, much like the group she found herself with. Kendra and Maya were already comparing two similar pairs of shoes, as if their lives depended on it.
"These are elegant," Kendra said, holding up a pair of sleek nude heels.
Maya's eyes narrowed. "They're safe. You're too pretty for safe. Try something with personality." She snatched a pair of glittering stilettos from a display and held them to the light, "Like these."
Simone was in his element at the perfume counter, wrist-deep in scented strips. "This one's Paris Bloom," he announced, dramatically waving the bottle under Samantha's nose. "Smells like a sugar-coated breakup."
Samantha coughed, fanning the air. "It smells like regret."
"Same thing."
Elaine picked up a smaller bottle labeled "Morning Mirage" and sprayed a little on her wrist. It was crisp, citrusy, and not too strong. "This one's actually nice," she said.
Simone sniffed her wrist and nodded approvingly. "Yes, it says 'I'm not trying too hard, but you'll think about me later.' I approve."
"Thanks, I think," she replied, laughing.
"Speaking of which," Eleanore called from a nearby rack, "Elaine, you're officially banned from buying anything black. You need color."
"Color?" Elaine eyed the bright rack suspiciously. "That looks like a highlighter exploded."
"Exactly," Simone said. "Stand out, darling, don't blend in."
Before she could argue, he was already draping a jewel-toned jacket over her arm. "Trust me," he said with absolute authority. "This screams 'successful but mysterious.'"
"Pretty sure it screams 'I'm trying too hard,'" Samantha muttered, earning herself a playful shove.
They bounced from store to store. Simone began testing sunglasses shaped like hearts, Maya tried on anything that sparkled, Isabel wandered through a sea of pastel skirts, and Eleanore took selfies in every mirror they passed.
At one point, Simone stood before a full-length mirror, adjusting the heart-shaped sunglasses. "How do I look?"
Maya held up her phone for dramatic effect. "Like a celebrity on trial."
"Good," Simone replied.
Elaine grinned, tugging a pair of dark-lensed aviators down her nose. "You'd actually pull that off in court."
"Obviously. I'd object on fashion grounds."
Kendra rolled her eyes. "You'd object to the weather if it messed up your hair."
"Exactly," Simone said without missing a beat.
By the time they reached the makeup counters, Simone was testing lipstick shades on his hand, each more dramatic than the last.
"I can't decide," he said, holding up two swatches: one bold red, one muted rose.
"Go red," Maya advised. "If you're going to threaten hearts, do it properly."
Simone gasped. "I feel seen."
Kendra snorted. "You're always seen. You make sure of it."
"That's because invisible people don't get compliments," Simone replied.
Elaine shook her head, smiling, her own shopping bag already heavier than she'd planned. "You know," she said, glancing between them, "This was supposed to be a calm day."
"You came with us. That was your first mistake." Samantha laughed.
They emerged from the last store with their shopping bags in hand, walking out of the mall. Maya hooked an arm through Eleanore's. "Okay, but be honest," she hummed, "Who spent the most?"
"Simone," the group said nearly in unison.
Simone gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "How dare you! You can't put a price on self-expression!"
Eleanore snorted. "That receipt says otherwise."
"I choose to ignore negative energy," he said primly, strutting ahead in his new sunglasses.
Kendra balanced her bags with a sigh. "My feet hate all of you."
Samantha grinned. "You say that every time and still show up."
"I'm loyal, not smart."
Elaine lingered for a moment behind them, taking in the glow of the fading sunshine. Simone glanced back over his shoulder, waving her forward. "Come on, slowpoke! There's a martini calling my name."
Elaine chuckled, adjusting her bag as she caught up. "You're impossible."
"Flattering, but redundant," he said, tossing her a grin.
Their final destination of the night was The Lighthouse. A stunning restaurant that was hard to get a reservation at, yet Eleanore somehow managed to get a rooftop table for seven. A miracle that Elaine questioned at breakfast.
The group settled in at a rooftop table, under string lights. The sunset painted the skyline gold as the waiter scurried off with their order, Kendra snapped some selfies, utilizing the natural lighting of the sky.
"I told them seven of us, preferably somewhere with good lighting," Eleanore said proudly as she waved her phone.
"Priorities," Simone murmured.
Kendra leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "We should make this a monthly thing."
"My wallet disagrees," Isabel said, "but yes."
"Beauty has a price," Simone said dramatically. "Mine's nonrefundable."
"So," Kendra said suddenly. "Who's dating who? Come on, someone's got to have a story."
Samantha snorted. "I'll go first. The answer is no one."
"Lies again," Simone cut in. "You're texting that film major, aren't you?"
"He's just a friend."
"With benefits?"
"Simone!"
Elaine shook her head, taking a sip of her water as the others laughed. Eleanore leaned forward towards her, grinning. "And what about you, Elaine?"
"Just school, work, and," she gestured vaguely, "you guys dragging me out for this."
"Boring," Simone said, stretching. "We'll fix that."
Elaine was mid-laugh when she noticed Eleanore's expression shift. She turned just in time for a shadow to fall over the table. Oh, great.
Summer Phenomenon's, Xavier Gale, stood wearing a polished asymmetrical outfit with his signature smile that made Elaine want to gag.
"Xavier."
"Elaine." He smiled brightly. "It's been a while."
Simone leaned subtly toward Eleanore. "What's with this tall drink of disaster?"
Eleanore whispered, "Later."
Xavier's gaze shifted around the table before resting on Elaine. "Can we talk? Just for a minute."
Elaine stifled a frustrated sigh, nodding as she stood. They stepped aside near the restaurant's glass railing, away from the group's eyes but not their hearing.
"You look good," Xavier said. "Are you still writing?"
"Occasionally."
"I heard your track. Pushing Buttons, right? It's solid. You've grown."
"Thanks."
"That's actually why I came over," Xavier said, leaning on the railing. "I wanted to talk business."
Her gaze shifted from the skyline to glance at him with a raised brow. "Business?"
"Yeah. Summer Phenomenon's gearing up for a comeback. I want you to join us as a songwriter, maybe even a performer."
"No."
"Just hear me out-"
"No, Xavier. I said no."
"You're wasting potential sitting behind someone else's stage."
"I'm happy where I am."
He tilted his head, a subtle scoff hidden behind a smile. "I'm offering you what you always wanted, Elaine. Exposure, fame, and recognition."
Elaine's eyes narrowed faintly, but her voice stayed even. "What I wanted was respect. You made sure I didn't get that last time."
His mask faltered, but before he could open his mouth, Eleanore appeared beside them, resting a hand on Elaine's shoulder as she looked between them. "Everything good here?"
Elaine let out a slow breath, casting a faint glare at Xavier. "We were just done, actually."
"Perfect." Eleanore looped her arm through Elaine's.
They walked back to the table, everyone staring at the two.
Maya leaned forward, her mouth open as she held her phone. "Okay, but seriously… Xavier Gale is so much hotter in person."
"Hotter than Premise?" Simone asked immediately.
"Absolutely not," Kendra said. "Summer Phenomenon peaked in, what, 2022?"
"2023," Samantha corrected. "But yeah. Premise of Design has more range."
"They also don't wear sunglasses indoors." Eleanore grinned.
"Yet," Simone said. "Give them time."
Elaine smiled faintly, still trying to shake off her conversation with Xavier.
Maya brightened suddenly. "Oh! Speaking of range, I ordered some new outfits from Redway's fall line. Talia Summers modeled them. They're insane."
Kendra whistled. "Of course she did. That woman could wear a curtain and make it couture."
Simone lounged back dramatically, sipping his drink. "If I had her legs, I'd rule nations."
Samanta blinked, about to take a bite of her meal. "Isn't she Luca Hunt's ex?"
Maya nodded. "Yeah. Honestly, if that was my man, I'd never let him go."
"Please. I'd guard him like the crown jewels." Kendra laughed.
Simone pointed with his glass. "You just know she regrets it. No one leaves Luca Hunt and wins."
Elaine blinked before clearing her throat. "When did they break up?"
"Over a year ago," Samantha said, pulling out her phone. "If I remember correctly, it was a few months before he stepped off stage for good."
Maya leaned forward. "Which probably means the breakup had everything to do with that."
"The timing was brutal." Kendra said, "Imagine your man walking off stage after you call it quits on your relationship."
"Oh, please," Simone tilted his head back. "That's either poetic heartbreak or a PR stunt. Either way, the fans ate it up."
"Wouldn't you?" Maya inquired, "If I lost someone like that, I'd need a sabbatical too."
"Or," Kendra leaned forward on her hand. "Maybe he dumped her and decided to disappear while he still had the upper hand. You know how these things go. You vanish at your peak and become a legend."
"Classic," Simone beamed, lifting his drink. "Leave the fans wanting more, emotionally and musically."
Elaine brushed the rim of her cup with her fingers before muttering. "Or maybe he just didn't want to be watched anymore."
"What do you mean?" Maya inquired.
"Fame can make everything feel…" Elaine sighed, "Heavy. Some people just break under it."
"Yeah, that makes sense. He always looked kind of… tired, near the end." Eleanore hummed.
"Tired, beautiful, and brooding," Simone pointed out, "He's absolutely gorgeous."
"Still, Talia's gotta regret it." Kendra grinned. "No one drops a man like that and walks away unscathed."
"To bad decisions and beautiful men." Maya grinned, raising her glass.
Everyone tapped their glasses together, aside from Elaine, who just lifted her glass with a forced smile before setting it back down. She leaned her chin on her hand as they eventually changed the subject to school gossip and boys. Knowing them personally and hearing that… I hate this…