CHAPTER ELEVEN

~Nella~

After about two hours I was ready and took a cab to ‘Éclat de Luxe’ where Ashley had texted me earlier. It was a large luxurious fashion store. Its entrance is framed by towering glass doors with intricate gold filigree, opening into an expansive, sleek interior filled with natural light. It was definitely made for the elite as everyone who was walking to and fro looked rich.

Each corner of the store whispers luxury, with opulent marble floors, walls draped in plush velvet, and chandeliers designed by renowned artisans. The air is filled with a subtle blend of jasmine and sandalwood, creating a sensory experience for every customer who walks through its doors.

I stood in the corner, unsure where to start. Pulling out my phone, I dialed Ashley. Just as the phone rang, I turned and spotted her waving from across the room—surprised to see Ethan with her. I waved back, smiling, and walked over.

"Hi, Ethan... When did you get back?", a smile tugging at my lips.

“Well—" Ethan began, but Ashley interrupted.

"It was meant to be a surprise."

I raised an eyebrow. “Okay… so what’s going on between you two that I’m not in on?” I laughed, glancing between them, trying to piece it together.My tone was teasing, but a part of me was genuinely curious.

Ashley laughed, a playful twinkle in her eyes. “What do you think?” she teased.

“Come on, Nella. It’s nothing. I just figured you needed a break, so I thought a little surprise would be fun,” Ethan said, opening his arms for a hug. “We’re hitting the shops today, then the club later.”Thought you could use a little fun.”

Ashley chimed in, "It was supposed to be for last night's sleepover, hey, better late than never.”

Ashley never missed an opportunity for fun. It amazed me how someone so committed to her medical career—she was a top cardiologist at one of New York's most prestigious hospitals—still found time to enjoy life. How she balanced it all, I had no idea.

We headed to the shopping area, and I couldn’t help but feel excited to see Ethan again. He’d become such a close friend to both me and Ashley, and honestly, I never expected we'd reconnect after I’d refused to get his number the night he’d helped us get my bag back from the thief—it seemed like fate had pushed us back together.

*****

It was the same week Ethan helped us. I was running an errand for Payson, who had been too sick to deliver a cake for a school reunion. She’d been cautious after a dispatch rider had messed up a delivery, and she didn’t want to risk anything so I had to make the delivery myself. When I arrived at the venue, I was shocked to see Ethan there, part of the reunion group. We caught up briefly, exchanged contacts, and I thanked him again for his help.

A week later, he showed up at Payson’s shop, saying he’d gotten the address from the card that came with the cake. We talked for a while, and he ended up inviting me to dinner—no surprise, he was cool with Ashley coming along, too. And from there, we started hanging out more, and our friendship grew.

He’d been out of the country for a month, so it felt great to see him again.

*****

Back at the store, I noticed a photoshoot happening at the other end. I blinked in surprise as I saw Gray, his intense focus on the model in front of him. After a few shots, he looked up and caught my gaze. A smile spread across his face, and he waved. Without thinking, I quickly texted him, asking if I could come over and say hi.

His reply came almost instantly: "Why not? I could even end the session early to see you."

My heart fluttered at his words. I smiled at the message, feeling a bit shy. Just as I was about to look up at Gray, I felt a hand wave in front of my face. Ashley’s teasing voice broke through my daydreaming.

“Girl, you’ve been spaced out,” she said, her eyes glancing between me and Gray. “Is that… Gray?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Yeah…” I said, feeling a little embarrassed but mostly amused by how caught up I’d gotten.

“Well, let’s go say hi,” she said, already heading toward him without waiting for me to answer.

Ethan, who had never met Gray before, looked between us and asked, “Is that your boyfriend?”

I nodded and led the way, introducing Gray to Ethan as my boyfriend, and then Ethan to Gray as the friend I’d mentioned. Gray’s expression was unreadable at first, though I noticed a flicker of something—maybe curiosity? After a brief chat, we excused ourselves so Gray could finish his shoot.

The shopping continued, but I couldn’t help but notice the shift in the air between me and Gray. Something felt a bit off. After a while, I excused myself from Ashley and Ethan to check in with Gray before leaving.

I found him in a quieter corner of the store, away from the bustle of the photoshoot. “Hey, babe,” I said, smiling as I walked up to him.

“Hey, you done?” he asked, his tone softer, though there was a slight edge to it.

“Yeah, we’re about to head out, but I’ll meet you at home later, okay?” I replied with my signature smile, trying to reassure him.

He seemed to hesitate before speaking. “Really? You’re leaving now? I was hoping we could drive home together.”

I felt a flicker of concern. “Come on, babe, I know you’re busy. I’ll just meet you later after hanging out with Ashley and Ethan,” I said, smiling to lighten the mood.

“Ashley and Ethan…” he repeated, his voice carrying a touch of something I couldn’t quite place.

I frowned slightly, feeling the tension rising. “Babe, is there something wrong?” I asked, my concern growing. But before he could answer, Ashley appeared, interrupting the moment.

“Hi, Gray!” she called out cheerfully, making her way over. “Sorry to interrupt your love chat, but I’m stealing your girl for the rest of the day. Don’t worry, I’ll bring her back tomorrow!” She gave me a playful grin.

Gray didn’t respond immediately, his expression still unreadable. Then he smiled softly. “Alright,” he said, his voice quieter now.

Ashley turned to him with her signature charm. “Please, Gray,” she said in her thick Ebonics accent, “You know she’s been working non-stop, and you had her last night. It’s my turn today.”

Gray nodded, though I could tell he wasn’t thrilled. “Fine,” he muttered.

“Thanks!” Ashley and I said in unison, and we both laughed. I kissed Gray on the cheek and waved as we walked back toward Ethan, who was sitting with our shopping bags.

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly as Ashley and I caught up on everything—my coffee spill at work, the new project I was working on, and Roy’s ridiculous concern about Gray driving me to work. Ethan left soon after, promising to pick us up later. I texted Gray about the club plans, but he didn’t respond immediately. He read my message but replied 45 minutes later, "Have fun, baby."

By 9:30 PM, Ethan called, saying he’d be here in an hour. But by 11:00 PM, Ashley and I were scrambling to get ready. She was still perfecting her makeup, and I was on my fourth outfit change, unsure what to wear. By 11:32 PM, we were finally ready, and the night was just beginning.

Velvet Rush is an exclusive club for the city's young and wealthy folks. It is known for its extravagant parties, especially on weekends like this. You will find the most fashionable, adventurous, and influential young men and ladies gathered here to let loose. It’s captivating velvet-draped interiors, neon lights, and world-class DJs, and an ultimate spot to dance, drink, and network in style.

We walked into the VIP Lounge which was more exclusive and giving luxury. Located on a raised platform overlooking the main dance floor, it’s accessible only to the club’s elite members and their invited guests. With plush velvet seating, private alcoves, and glass walls that offer a stunning panoramic view of the club below, it feels like a world apart. Guests enjoy bottle service with top-shelf liquor, personalized attention from discreet, impeccably dressed staff, and access to a private, members-only bar featuring rare cocktails and luxury spirits. The area is adorned with gold accents, ambient lighting, and a DJ booth exclusively for VIP parties.

The night was heating up as the music pulsed through the club. Ashley, Ethan, and I were dancing together, laughing, and enjoying ourselves—it had been so long since we’d all hung out like this. Ethan, who’d been out of the country for a month, was in high spirits, twirling Ashley and me around the dance floor, teasing us with his moves. It felt like old times, and I was soaking in every second.

But just as I adjusted my dress, trying to find a better angle to dance, my glass of wine tipped over, spilling all over the floor. "Perfect," I muttered under my breath, frustrated. Standing up, I decided to head to the bathroom to clean up.

As I walked toward the back, I turned and froze. Across the lounge, standing in the shadows near the bar, was Gray. His piercing gaze locked with mine instantly, and everything around me seemed to blur. The music, the laughter, the flashing lights—all of it faded. The tension between us felt like a weight in the air.