Her Circle
580 Words
Lexi dropped her bag by the door and headed straight for the living room, already kicking off her heels with a sigh of relief. The familiar scent of home, fabric softener, faint perfume, and whatever Ava was cooking was a welcome change from the crisp, sterile air of Cooper Holdings.
Ava and Zoe were exactly where she’d left them that morning. Zoe was curled up on the couch, laptop balanced on her knees, glasses slipping down her nose as she typed with quiet focus. Her long hair was in a loose braid, a cup of tea cooling on the side table beside her. Ava was in the kitchen, wearing her usual oversized shirt that had probably seen better days, humming off-key as she tossed prawn crackers into hot oil with a skill that suggested she’d been doing it since birth.
They were opposites in every possible way. Ava was bold and dramatic with loud opinions, and a laugh that filled the whole apartment like sunlight pouring in through open windows.
Zoe was quiet and thoughtful, the kind of person who listened more than she spoke, a law student with an analytical mind and a heart far too soft for her own good. Somehow, the three of them worked, a chaotic little trio that made their shared apartment feel like home.
Lexi let out a dramatic sigh and flopped onto the couch.
Zoe looked up from her laptop, adjusting her glasses. “How did it go?”
Lexi rubbed her temples, trying to shake off the tension still clinging to her. “It was… intense. He was intimidating and all, but I have to admit, he’s really good-looking and much younger than I expected for a CEO.”
Ava appeared in the doorway, smirking. “I like where this is going.”
Lexi scoffed, shaking her head. “Hot or not, I don’t mix business with pleasure. Not my style.”
Zoe glanced up from her laptop, curiosity shining in her eyes. “So, what did he say about the gala?”
Lexi settled back onto the couch, a small spark of pride creeping into her voice. “There’ll be a mini runway show, and I’ll be styling VIP guests. Really tight deadlines, lots of pressure, but the best part is I got a pretty fancy guest office .”
Ava grinned. “Look at you, all fancy with your own office.”
Zoe smiled warmly. “Congrats, Lex. You deserve this.”
“Thanks,” Lexi said, a flicker of doubt shadowing her smile. “Now I just really hope I don’t mess this up.”
Ava waved a hand dismissively. “Mess it up? Lex, you’re the best fashion designer I know. If anyone can pull this off, it’s you.”
Lexi smiled softly, knowing Ava meant well. She was talented but this was her first real shot at something this big. A runway, styling VIPs… it wasn’t just designing clothes anymore. It was a whole new level of pressure.
Ava’s grin widened. “Anyway, how about we party tonight? Just to celebrate?”
Zoe hesitated for a moment, eyes flicking back to her laptop as if weighing the decision. Then she looked up, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “That doesn’t sound like a bad idea, Lexi don’t say no.”
Lexi met her gaze and felt the tension ease a little.
“Alright,” she said, smiling for real this time. “Let’s celebrate.”
- Writer
