Back to the living room

As he re-entered the lively living room, the music's thumping beat wrapped around him once more. He scanned the room, his eyes landing on someone he hadn’t expected to see tonight Brittany.

She was standing near the edge of the dance floor, talking to a couple of people he vaguely recognized. A wave of surprise washed over him; he’d been sure she wasn’t coming. Deciding to head over, he weaved through the crowd and called out, "Brittany! You made it!"

She turned around, a small, almost resigned smile crossing her face. "Yeah, I know," she said, a hint of humor in her voice. "I said I wouldn't, but here I am."

"I didn't think you'd actually show up," he admitted, raising an eyebrow.

She shrugged, crossing her arms loosely over her chest. "True. But, you know how it is. Olivia can be a bit much sometimes, but even when she annoys me, I still come for the friends. Besides," she added with a more genuine smile, "parties are about the people, not the hosts."

Lukas grinned, nodding. "Fair point. Well, in that case, let me get you a drink. What’s your poison tonight?”

Brittany smirked, relaxing a bit. "Surprise me," she said, echoing his earlier line to Olivia.

He laughed and nodded, making his way back to the kitchen. He grabbed a cup and quickly mixed something.

Returning to her, he handed over the cup with a flourish. "One special drink, as requested."

She took it, sniffed it cautiously, and then took a sip. "You would make a bad bartender.” She grimaced after taking a sip, but she quickly took a big swig afterwards.

"Glad to know I have a backup plan," he joked.

They exchanged a few more lighthearted comments before Brittany glanced toward a small group gathered near the back of the living room. "Come on," she said, nodding in their direction. "Let's join them. They’ve been asking about you, anyway."

He followed her over to the group, which consisted of a few familiar faces. They quickly welcomed Lukas into their conversation, laughing and joking as the night carried on. Brittany settled in comfortably next to him, their initial awkwardness fading away as they became absorbed in the group's energy.

Lukas found himself relaxing more than he had all evening.