The sun was high, the sky a soft sweep of pale blue, and for once—Celeste didn’t feel like she was running from something.
Victoria had made sure of that.
They’d started the day with lattes and a walk to the nail salon, where they sat side by side under warm lights. Celeste picked a soft pearl white for her nails—quiet, classic. Victoria, of course, went bold. Deep red with tiny silver accents on the ring finger.
"You're so predictable," Victoria teased, blowing on her nails as she peeked over at Celeste's.
Celeste gave a faint smile. "And you’re so… loud."
"Loud is called stylish, thank you very much."
Afterward, they wandered toward the bookstore on 5th, where the storefront was lined with ivy and sun-faded posters of upcoming signings. Celeste slowed near the entrance, eyes alread
