Meeting Ezekiel’s Old Friends

VIVIENNE

The party was just starting, and everything looked beautiful. Ezekiel’s backyard was transformed for the evening. String lights were hanging from the trees, creating a soft, golden glow, and tables were set up with elegant white cloths and fresh flowers. A light breeze carried the scent of roses through the air.

I stood near the entrance, quietly observing as guests started arriving, one by one.

The evening was busy, but I had a moment to talk to Piper. I pulled my phone out of my purse and dialed her number. It rang a few times before she picked up.

"Hey, Vienne," Piper's familiar voice came through.

"Hey," I said, smiling a little even though she couldn’t see me. "The party’s starting. It’s... well, it’s nice, I guess."

There was a pause, and then Piper sighed. "I’m really sorry I couldn’t make it. I just couldn’t deal with Emily and Leonardo’s attitude today. You know how they are."

"I get it," I said, nodding even though she couldn’t see. To put it mildly, Emily and Leo