KAYLA: THE PARTY 2

I step up to the front door of Loren's house, the sun casting a warm glow on the well-manicured lawn. I ring the doorbell, the sound echoing through the quiet neighborhood. After a brief moment, the door creaks open, revealing Loren. The immediate flicker of surprise in her eyes quickly morphs into something else entirely. As soon as she lays eyes on Pretty and me, she turns on her heel and strides back inside without uttering a single word. Her reaction leaves me momentarily taken aback, but it isn't long before I find humor in the situation. I laugh out loud when I see her return to the doorway, this time clutching a jar brimming with colorful, dog-friendly treats. Pretty, with her expressive eyes and wagging tail, must have made it abundantly clear that Loren wasn't exactly her favorite person.

Loren crouches down to Pretty's level, her demeanor softening as she extends a treat toward the eager pup. Looking up at me with a friendly smile, she asks, "Hi, how are you, ma'am?"

"I'm good, thank you! How about you?" I respond, genuinely curious.

"Great," she beams, her mood seeming to lift as she interacts with Pretty.

As I take a moment to gather my thoughts, I mention, "I might not be able to pick her up tonight. Is that okay with you?"

To my surprise, Loren nods eagerly. "I don't mind at all. I think it's a great idea. She might finally take a liking to me after a longer visit."

Feeling reassured, I cautiously ask, "Is it alright if I come to pick her up at midnight? I'm not entirely sure I'll be out the whole night; it's just a possibility."

Her expression shifts, and she shakes her head gently. "I don't think that's a good option. I'm a deep sleeper, and I might not wake up if the doorbell rings. I really don't like my sleep being disturbed."

I nod in understanding, acknowledging her concerns. "What is the cost for the night?" I inquire, wanting to make sure I'm clear on details.

"I charge by the hour. It's $15 per hour. What time is it right now?" she asks, glancing expectantly at me.

I pull out my phone from my pocket and check the time, the screen lighting up as I confirm, "It's 4:30 PM."

Loren gives me a thoughtful look. "I can't determine the total charge until you come to pick her up. That will finalize the price."

"Okay, please take extra good care of her," I request, knowing how much Pretty means to me.

"Of course! I promise I will," she assures me.

As I reach down to pick up Pretty for a quick kiss goodbye, the little dog remains oblivious, too focused on enjoying the tasty treat in her mouth. I set her back down gently, giving her a soft pat on the head before turning to walk toward my car.

A few blocks away from the party venue, my phone suddenly buzzes in my pocket—it's a call from Thia.

"Hey," I answer.

"Sorry, I missed your calls! Is there a problem?" she asks, her voice crackling over the line.

"Well, I actually wanted your help choosing an outfit for the party tonight," I explain.

"What party?" she inquires, her curiosity piqued.

"Eve's party," I reply.

"Where are you? I'm coming to help you! Are you still at home?" she asks excitedly, the enthusiasm in her voice unmistakable.

"Too late for that; I'm pulling up her driveway right now," I answer with a hint of amusement.

"What!? Wait for me! I will be there in just a few minutes!" she exclaims before abruptly hanging up.

As I step out of my car, I instantly spot Eve's mom just a few yards away, chatting with a neighbor. She hasn't changed one bit—still radiating the kind of elegance that could easily belong on the cover of a magazine. Her long, slender legs and striking ocean-blue eyes catch my gaze, and she looks absolutely dazzling.

"Good day, Mrs. Alexandra," I call out, trying to catch her attention.

The moment her eyes meet mine, I find I can't look away.

"OMG, it's you, Kayla! Good day to you too! How have you been? It's been so long; you've grown taller and gotten even prettier..." she gushes, her beautiful Asian accent adding a melodic quality to her words. She continues to shower me with compliments, each one making me feel warm inside.

"I've been doing well, thank you! How have you been?" I manage to ask, trying to keep the conversation flowing.

"I've been marvelous," she responds, her choice of words almost poetic, further captivating me.

"I can't believe how fast you kids grow. How are your parents? Does your mom still make those fabulous pancakes every evening? Oh, I've missed her so much! Make sure to tell her to expect my visit; I can't resist one of those pancakes while I'm still here," she reminisces, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia.

"My parents are doing great, ma'am, and yes, my mom still follows her routine with the pancakes every evening," I reply, smiling at the thought. "You know she's a creature of habit. I'll definitely pass on your message."

"I'm happy to hear they're doing well. I'm sure you came for the party? Why not go inside now? I'm sure Eve would be absolutely thrilled to see you," she encourages, gesturing toward the door with a welcoming smile.

"Okay, where is she?" I ask, my excitement bubbling as I prepare for the reunion.

"She's in her room; you know how long it takes her to get ready," Mrs. Alexandra replies, amusement dancing in her voice.

"Let me go find her," I say eagerly, my heart racing with anticipation.

"Alright, dear," she responds, her warm tone leaving me with a sense of comfort as I step inside the house, ready to embrace the evening ahead.