Chapter 12

Jen and Chloe stood near the coffee station, both of them stealing glances at Elly, who was at her desk typing away, looking as effortlessly radiant as ever. Jen couldn't help but notice how Elly's skin seemed to glow today, her hair catching the light just right, and the way she was laughing at something on her screen. It was... different. Jen blinked, a small flutter of something unfamiliar stirring in her chest.

Is it just me, or does she look... better? Jen wondered. I mean, she always looks good, but today? She's like... glowing. What's going on with her?

Chloe, who had been staring too, nudged Jen's elbow. "Okay, what's up with Elly lately?" she asked, voice low but full of intrigue. "She looks amazing. Like, glowing."

Jen's heartbeat picked up slightly. Glowing, huh? She glanced at Elly again, trying to act casual, but she couldn't help noticing how easy it was to get lost in her friend's presence. Her smile was brighter than usual, and even the way she spoke to their coworkers seemed more lively.

Jen shook her head slightly, Okay, focus. This is normal. She's always beautiful. Why is this bugging me so much today?

Chloe continued, oblivious to the thoughts swirling in Jen's mind. "You're not wrong. She's definitely different. Looks like something's changed, right? Like... better."

Jen forced a grin, hoping her emotions weren't written all over her face. "Yeah, I mean, she does look extra... radiant." She wasn't sure why, but the words felt more charged in her mouth than they should have.

Chloe squinted, clearly pondering something, and then leaned in closer. "Well, last week, Leo came to visit her here." Chloe paused dramatically, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Jen's breath caught in her throat. Leo? A wave of something sharp shot through her chest.

"Wait, what?" Jen said, trying to sound casual but failing a little.

Chloe gave Jen a wink. "Yep, I bet that's why she's been looking so different. You know how it is. You get some attention, and suddenly, everything changes."

Jen swallowed, trying to force a smile as she glanced back at Elly.

Jen's mind raced. Does she like him? Is she... happy with him?

Chloe wasn't done yet, clearly enjoying the gossip. "She's been so chill lately. I think something must've gone down between them."

Jen's stomach flipped. She's been acting different. But she's been acting better. Does that mean he's the one making her feel this way? She was happy for Elly, of course...

She managed a soft laugh, but it came out more strained than she intended. "Hmm. Yeah, must be something like that."

Chloe gave her a mischievous look. "Well, I'm just saying, I think she might be keeping it a secret. Or maybe it's not that serious yet. Who knows?"

Jen forced herself to focus on her coffee, but her mind was far from it. Of course, it's serious. She deserves someone amazing, and if it's him, then so be it.