“Grandma, I got the job!” Jade exclaimed as she burst through the front door, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
From the kitchen, she heard the slow shuffle of feet before her grandmother appeared, leaning slightly on her cane but smiling brightly. “Congratulations, my dear,” her grandmother said warmly, pulling Jade into a hug.
Jade held out the small box she had brought home. “I got us a cake to celebrate.”
Her grandmother’s face lit up. “You didn’t have to do that, sweetheart.” She took the box, her hands trembling slightly with age, and set it on the small dining table. “But I’m so proud of you. I told you everything would work out.”
Jade smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude. “Thank you, Grandma. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
As her grandmother began slicing the cake, Jade’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her best friend Mia’s name flashing on the screen.
“Hey, Mia,” Jade answered, leaning against the counter.
“Hey! Guess what?” Mia’s voice was loud and excited. “I’m taking you out tonight.”
“What? Mia, no, I’m exhausted,” Jade said, already dreading the idea. “I just want to relax at home.”
“Oh, come on,” Mia whined. “I’m already outside your house, so don’t even think about saying no.”
Jade’s eyes widened. “What? You’re here? Mia—”
There was a knock at the door. Jade sighed, knowing she had lost the argument before it even began. She opened the door to find Mia standing there, grinning ear to ear and holding a bag.
“You’re coming with me,” Mia declared, brushing past Jade into the house. “No excuses.”
Jade groaned. “Mia, I’m really not in the mood—”
“You will be when you see what I brought,” Mia interrupted, pulling a dress out of the bag. She held it up triumphantly, and Jade’s jaw dropped.
“That’s not a dress,” Jade said, eyeing the skimpy fabric. “That’s two pieces of cloth stitched together.”
“It’s sexy,” Mia said with a wink. “And tonight, you’re going to look hot. Plus, you’ll thank me later when you’re the center of attention.”
Jade shook her head. “Mia, I don’t know. This isn’t really my style.”
“Oh, and these!” Mia said, ignoring her protest and pulling out a pair of towering heels. “Aren’t they gorgeous? They’re like the Empire State Building for your feet.”
Jade laughed despite herself. “You’re insane. I’ll break my ankles in those.”
“You’ll be fine,” Mia said, waving her off. “Now sit. I’m doing your hair.”
Jade sighed but relented, knowing there was no point in fighting Mia’s enthusiasm. As Mia styled her blonde hair into soft waves, she chattered nonstop.
“So,” Mia began, her tone teasing, “did you get the job?”
Jade grinned. “I did.”
Mia squealed, nearly yanking a section of Jade’s hair in her excitement. “I knew it! I’m so happy for you. This calls for an even bigger celebration.”
“That’s what tonight is, apparently,” Jade said with a small laugh.
“Exactly,” Mia said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. “Now, go put on the dress. Trust me, you’re going to look amazing.”
With a resigned sigh, Jade slipped into the tiny dress and strapped on the sky-high heels. When she looked in the mirror, even she had to admit she looked good—though definitely outside her comfort zone.
Mia clapped her hands. “See? You’re stunning! Now let’s go.”
The two of them called a taxi and headed to the club. The ride was filled with laughter and Mia’s relentless enthusiasm. By the time they arrived, the bass from the music inside was thumping so loudly that Jade could feel it in her chest.
Mia grabbed her hand. “Let’s do this!” she said, dragging Jade toward the entrance.
Jade hesitated at the door but took a deep breath and stepped inside. The club was a blur of lights, music, and bodies moving to the rhythm. It was overwhelming, but Mia was already pulling her toward the dance floor.
As they weaved through the crowd, Jade bumped into someone, hard. She stumbled slightly, her heels making her wobble. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” she said, turning around.
Her eyes widened when she saw who it was. It’s them.