*
The anticipation in the air sparkles like a firecracker. Everyone wanted to attend Stella and Mia's party as they are known to throw the best parties in Dawson's Deep College. Mia stands in front of the mirror in her room and admires her dress. A form-fitting, strapless, sparkly gold sequin dress that accentuates her good features; like the Coke bottle curves of her waist while pushing up her teardrop breasts and complimenting her not-so-pale skin. Her big brown eyes sparkle as she flips her straight jet black hair to fall on her back.
Stella lets out a low whistle as she sidles up behind Mia. Even in heels, she's got a couple of inches on Mia.
"Absolutely! Here hold on a minute" Stella licks a little hankie from her purse and cleans an out-of-line lipstick from Mia's face. "There! You are a spitting image of Ariana Grande! Look at you!"
"Oh stop" Mia blushes "You look gorgeous yourself, Stella! Kevin is going to lose his mind"
Stella rocked a stunning red dress, sleeveless with a plunging neckline that showed off her ample assets. Her blonde waves cascaded down her shoulders and back, adding to her allure. Mia admires Stella's soft curves; she's got the perfect blend of muscle from her football days and the kind of curves that make heads turn. To Mia, she's the most remarkable girl she's ever known.
"Well . . ."
"What?"
"I didn't send him the address."
"You didn't text him? Why?"
"I don't know. I've been waiting for Luke to make a move for ages. I've got this feeling that tonight's the night. Maybe he's been waiting for us to graduate or something."
"Stella, I don't know. I really think Kevin's more your type. And Luke? He's known you for, what, five years? And still hasn't made a move—"
"Since when did you become a love guru?" Stella interrupts with a smirk.
"I'm just saying—"
"I get what you're saying, Mia, but trust me, my guy's got this. Just watch," Stella insists.
"I hope you're right," Mia replies.
"Quit yapping and grab our coats. It might get chilly tonight."
"Got it, boss," Mia retorts, rolling her eyes.
With their coats in hand, Mia and Stella head to the penthouse garden where the party's going down. They step into the garden under the starry sky, the black walls looming around them. Inside, the pathway is lit up with a red carpet, and the party is in full swing with chatter and dancing. Everyone looks stunning like they're at the Met Gala rather than a graduation bash. Mia basks in the sweet sounds from the DJ, and she can't help but notice the lingering gazes of onlookers as they make their entrance with Stella.
"Look who's here, the queens," Oscar, a guy Mia knows, comments.
"Definitely queens. You two look smoking hot," another girl chimes in.
Mia blushes, feeling utterly embarrassed, while Stella handles the compliments with ease, brushing them off effortlessly.
"Hey, Oscar?" Stella approaches him.
"Yeah?"
"Seen Luke around?"
"Uh, I think he's on his way, probably with his girl."
Mia and Stella share a knowing glance.
"Speak of the devil," Oscar interjects, pointing towards the entrance.
Mia and Stella turn to see Luke heading their way, hand in hand with some girl. Stella can't help but admire how stunning the girl is.
"Yo, Luke, my man!" Oscar greets.
"Hey, guys! This party is insane! Love the whole penthouse vibe!" Luke exclaims, scanning the scene.
"Yeah, it's killer! Stella and Mia nailed it again," Vanessa adds, taking a sip from her cup.
"Who's this you've got with you?" Tyler inquires.
"Oh, right. Sorry. This is my girlfriend, Jenna. We've been together for over a year now."
There's a collective mix of sighs and impressed murmurs. Mia shoots Stella a sympathetic glance as she forces a smile, her eyes betraying her emotions before she excuses herself. Mia shoots Luke a glare before hurrying after Stella. Vanessa follows suit.
In the restroom, Mia finds Stella sitting on the floor, tears streaming down her face.
"Oh, sweetheart..." Mia kneels beside her, wrapping her in a comforting hug.
Stella's mascara is smudged, her attempts to speak choked by sobs.
"Shh... Don't waste your tears on that jerk," Mia soothes.
More tears cascade down Stella's cheeks as she wipes them away roughly. "He's had a girlfriend... for a whole year! I can't believe this. He played me like a fool, that jerk."
"Boys suck," Mia offers sympathetically.
"He knew you were into him. All the guys knew. Damn. The entire college knew," Vanessa chimes in. "For years, he strung you along, acting like he was waiting for the right moment."
Mia grabs Stella's phone and swiftly sends Kevin the party address.
"What did you do?" Stella asks, puzzled.
"I texted Kevin."
"Why?" Stella's voice cracks.
"Shh... Trust me, you need this," Mia reassures her, pulling her into a tight hug.
With determination, Mia lifts her best friend to her feet, urging her to rejoin the party. There's only one way to shake off this heartache: Dancing The Night Away.
"God, I'm freaking out. What if I freeze up and embarrass myself?" Stella frets as they return to the party.
"Chill, girl. You're Stella Harris, remember? You've got this. Just enjoy hanging out with him tonight," Mia reassures her, rubbing her back. "Kevin won't bite."
Mia shoots Stella a playful wink and grin. "Unless you're into that."
Despite her tears, Stella laughs, blinking them away.
"Aww, my girl!" Mia envelops Stella in a comforting hug.
"What if I do something dumb, like cry on his shoulder?" Stella asks, her voice muffled against Mia's shoulder.
"Then make sure he's had enough to drink to forget it all by morning," Mia quips with a smirk.
"I love you, Stinky"
"I know," Mia says, smiling as she releases Stella from the hug and plants a kiss on her forehead. "Just forget about that jerk tonight. Erase him from your mind. Let Kevin's smooth Elvis Presley voice take over your world tonight, Stella."
"Goodness gracious! That voice though," Stella giggles, wiping her tears with the back of her hand.
"I knooow," Mia giggles in agreement.
"You know what? You're right," Stella admits.
"That's my girl," Mia says proudly, pulling Stella into another hug. She spots Kevin entering through the door, dressed in a casual black shirt rolled up at the sleeves, tucked into blue jeans, and sporting a pair of classy leather shoes. His hair slicked back, showcasing his chiseled jawline to perfection. Whatever that handsome man is selling, Stella's ready to buy it, no questions asked, Mia thinks to herself.