VALERIE ADJUSTED THE STRAPS OF her black silk dress, checking her reflection in the mirror for the hundredth time. it wasn't over-the-top, but it wasn't casual either-perfect for dinner at an upscale restaurant billie had refused to name.
her phone buzzed, and she quickly grabbed it. a message from billie lit up the screen.
imessages
bilsð«¶ð¼
im outside
don't keep me waiting vei
vei liked this message
valerie smiled, tucking her phone into her small clutch and heading for the door. the nickname still sent a flutter through her chest every time she heard or saw it.
when she stepped outside, billie was leaning against her car, her bright blue eyes glinting under the streetlights. she wore a tailored black suit, the shirt underneath unbuttoned just enough to make valerie's cheeks heat.
"you look..." billie began, her voice trailing as she gave valerie a once-over. she stepped closer, her smirk softening into something more genuine. "stunning."
valerie tried to play it cool, even as her pulse quickened. "you clean up pretty well yourself."
billie opened the passenger door for her, gesturing with a small bow. "m'lady."
valerie laughed, sliding into the seat. "you're ridiculous."
"but charming," billie shot back, closing the door before walking around to the driver's side.
the drive to the restaurant was easy, filled with light banter and stolen glances. when they arrived, valerie wasn't surprised to find it was one of those exclusive places where the waitstaff seemed to anticipate your every need before you even spoke.
as they sat down, billie leaned across the table, her gaze locking on valerie's. "so, have you forgiven danah yet?"
valerie blinked. "for what?"
"for throwing us a second release party," billie said with a grin. "you know she's just looking for an excuse to drag everyone out again."
valerie laughed, rolling her eyes. "don't act like you're not excited about it. you love the attention."
billie tilted her head, pretending to think. "maybe. but only if you're by my side the whole night."
valerie's breath caught at the way billie said it, her voice low and teasing, but her eyes soft and serious. she quickly took a sip of her water, hoping to steady her nerves.
"what about you?" billie asked after a moment. "are you excited?"
"about the party?" valerie asked, setting her glass down.
billie nodded. "or maybe just the thought of us getting up there and performing the song together again. you kinda stole the show last time."
valerie raised an eyebrow. "i'm pretty sure people were losing their minds over you, not me."
billie smirked. "well, i was losing my mind over you, so..."
valerie's cheeks flushed, and she shook her head, trying to hide her smile. "you're impossible."
"impossibly into you, maybe," billie shot back without missing a beat.
valerie let out a laugh, shaking her head again. "you're really laying it on thick tonight."
"can you blame me?" billie asked, leaning back in her chair, her blue eyes glinting with amusement. "you make it easy."
their conversation continued like that, easy and teasing, with moments of genuine warmth that made valerie's chest ache in the best way.
when the meal ended, billie suggested a walk along the beach nearby. valerie agreed, and they strolled side by side, their shoes in hand as the cool sand pressed against their feet.
"so," billie began after a moment, her voice quieter now, "you nervous about the party?"
"not really," valerie said, glancing over at her. "i mean, it's just a party. what's the worst that could happen?"
billie laughed softly. "you say that now, but wait until danah ropes you into some over-the-top entrance."
valerie groaned. "god, she probably will, won't she?"
"absolutely," billie said, grinning.
they fell into a comfortable silence, the sound of the waves filling the space between them. billie nudged valerie gently with her shoulder, her expression softening.
"thanks for tonight," billie said.
valerie tilted her head. "you're thanking me? you're the one who planned this whole thing."
"still," billie said, her voice low, "i'm glad you came."
valerie's heart fluttered again, and she found herself leaning just a little closer to billie, the space between them shrinking.
"me too," she said softly.
billie's gaze lingered on her, and for a moment, it felt like the whole world had gone still. but instead of leaning in for another kiss, billie reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind valerie's ear.
"ready to head back?" billie asked, her voice soft.
valerie nodded, her stomach doing somersaults as they turned back toward the car.
even without a kiss, the night had been perfect.