CHAPTER 20

ZAYN CARTER

I leaned against the wall near the entrance of the café, hands tucked into the pockets of my varsity jacket as I watched Fay, Blair, and Cole walk in. The place was already buzzing with soft music and the hum of conversations, but my attention was on them—or more specifically, on Cole, who seemed like he'd been hit by a truck the second he saw Fay.

Fay had gone for a soft pink dress, flowy and light, the off-shoulder sleeves resting delicately on her arms. Her hair was curled just enough to look effortlessly perfect, and yeah, Cole was definitely mesmerized. He barely even blinked as he greeted her, scratching the back of his neck like he didn't know what to say.

Blair, on the other hand, looked effortlessly confident in a deep green fitted dress, her boyfriend's arm already around her waist like they were walking a red carpet instead of stepping into a café.

I glanced at the time. No sign of Ari.

A minute passed. Then another.

Just as Fay started to comment about it, the door swung open, and in she walked.

Ari rushed in, slightly out of breath. "Sorry, I'm late," she said, looking around at us.

And just like that, the entire room felt different.

Her dress was shorter than usual, the deep brown fabric hugging her waist before flaring out slightly at her thighs. The ruched detailing on the bodice accentuated her figure, and the long sleeves balanced it out, giving her a mix of elegance and boldness. The silver necklace around her neck caught the light just enough to draw attention, but honestly, she didn't need it. She already stood out.

Fay immediately ran up to her, playfully scolding her for being late, but Cole? He was still stuck staring at Fay like she'd just descended from heaven.

I shook my head, smirking a little. This dude's gone.

Blair gave Ari a once-over, nodding in approval. "You clean up nice," she teased.

Ari rolled her eyes but smiled. "Thanks, Blair. You look amazing too."

I didn't say anything. Just watched.

Something about the way she walked in—unbothered, confident, like she had no idea she'd just stolen the attention of half the room—it made me realize something.

This trip was going to be interesting