Chapter 14
1185 Words
They headed back toward the elevators, energy buzzing higher now, the night officially ticking down—one hour until the limo, and the start of everything they’d been waiting for.
They split off to their respective rooms, doors closing and music immediately coming on—different playlists bleeding faintly through the adjoining wall.
Showers ran, steam fogging up mirrors as laughter bounced between tiles. Charlie stood barefoot on the cool floor, blow-dryer humming as she worked through her hair, while Anna perched on the bed wrapped in a towel, scrolling through outfit options like it was a life-or-death decision.
“Too much?” Anna asked, holding up a sparkly dress.
“There is no such thing as too much,” Charlie replied, expertly winging her eyeliner. “This is your bachelorette.”
In the other room, Mia was already in full performance mode, narrating her makeup routine like a beauty influencer while Chloe laughed, leaning against the counter with a glass of wine.
Curling irons clicked off. Makeup bags zipped shut. Dresses were stepped into, heels lined up like weapons of war.
By the time they regrouped in the hallway, they looked transformed—glamorous, confident, buzzing with anticipation. The limo was on its way, the night waiting just outside the hotel doors.
Anna looked stunning.
The silver, sparkly dress hugged her perfectly, catching the light with every move and stopping mid-thigh in a way that felt bold without trying too hard. Her black hair was pulled into a high ponytail, sleek and sharp, showing off her neck and shoulders. The look suited her—confident, radiant, unmistakably the centre of the night.
Her makeup was modest but beautiful: soft eyes, just enough shimmer, lips glossy and natural. Nothing overdone. Just her, elevated.
Charlie paused when she saw her, genuinely smiling. “Wow,” she said. “Zach is never going to emotionally recover from this.”
Anna laughed, cheeks warming. “You think?”
“I know,” Mia added from behind them. “You look illegal.”
Mia stepped out next, and for once, even she stopped to admire herself.
She wore a lime green off-the-shoulder dress that popped against her skin, bold and playful in a way that suited her perfectly. The neckline sat just low enough to be daring, sleeves draped loosely over her arms. Her shoulder-length brown hair was softly curled, framing her face and bouncing when she moved.
She looked radiant—confident, glowing, unapologetically herself.
Charlie let out a low whistle. “Well. Someone understood the assignment.”
Mia grinned, giving a little spin. “I call this reckless but hot.”
Anna laughed. “Zach is banning you from standing next to me in photos.”
“Jealousy is a disease,” Mia said sweetly. “Get well soon.”
The energy lifted another notch. Two down.
Chloe emerged and the hallway seemed to pause for her.
Her long blonde hair was straightened sleek and glossy, falling close to the lower part of her back and swept over one shoulder in a way that felt effortlessly sultry. The simple purple dress skimmed her figure without trying too hard, a perfect canvas for her dramatic makeup—bold eyes, sharp liner, and lips that demanded attention.
Mia blinked. “Okay, rude.”
Charlie laughed. “Did you plan to upstage everyone or was that accidental?”
Chloe smiled, a little bashful but clearly pleased. “I was told to dress for chaos.”
“Mission accomplished,” Anna said, linking arms with her.
They turned to Charlie.
For a split second, the hallway went quiet.
She wore a tight black dress that hugged every curve like it had been made for her, the back completely open, daring and elegant all at once. Her dark blonde hair fell in soft curls down her back, catching the light with every small movement.
At five foot two, she was the shortest of the group—but the red heels gave her presence, confidence. The same bold red matched her lips perfectly, a sharp contrast against the black, turning the whole look into something lethal.
She didn’t need glitter. Didn’t need drama.
She was a vision of beauty and pure s*x appeal.
Mia slowly fanned herself. “Okay,” she said weakly. “I was not emotionally prepared for that.”
Anna stared, wide-eyed.
Chloe smiled appreciatively. “You look incredible.”
Charlie shrugged lightly, trying—and failing—to play it cool. “What? It’s just a dress.”
Three pairs of eyes rolled in unison.
The limo horn sounded outside.
Perfect timing.
The limo waiting at the curb was modest—not the stretch monsters you saw in movies, but sleek and polished, big enough for six people to sit comfortably without feeling swallowed by it.
Charlie hesitated for half a second, her hand tightening around her clutch.
Please be okay, she thought.
She hadn’t been able to afford extravagance. No over-the-top excess. But she’d planned every detail carefully, cut corners where she could, saved where it mattered. She wanted Anna to feel celebrated, cherished—not short-changed.
Anna took one look at the limo and squealed. “Oh my god, Charlie, it’s perfect!”
Mia nodded enthusiastically. “Honestly? Intimate chaos. I love it.”
Chloe smiled. “Way better than being lost in some ridiculous yacht-on-wheels.”
Charlie let out the breath she’d been holding as they climbed in, laughter already spilling into the night. Maybe it wasn’t luxury—but it was thoughtful. And it was theirs.
And as the limo pulled away from the curb, Charlie watched her friends’ faces light up, knowing she’d already given Anna exactly what mattered most.
Inside the limo, the energy exploded.
Champagne was popped almost immediately, the soft psssht followed by cheers as Charlie carefully poured into plastic flutes that absolutely did not match the occasion—and somehow made it better.
“To the bride!” Mia yelled.
Anna barely had time to protest before the tiara was plonked onto her head and the sash pulled snug across her chest.
“I feel like royalty,” Anna laughed, striking a dramatic pose.
Then Charlie reached into the bag.
“Oh no,” Chloe said, already laughing.
“Oh yes,” Charlie replied, pulling out the p***s necklaces with theatrical flair.
The limo filled with shrieks as they were handed out, immediately put on, and aggressively admired.
“I hate that this is happening,” Anna said through tears of laughter, “and also I love it.”
Charlie lost it completely.
She doubled over, clutching her stomach, tears streaming down her face as she tried—and failed—to breathe. “I cannot—why do they bounce like that—”
Mia nearly fell off her seat. “Because they’re festive!”
The driver politely pretended none of this was happening.
The limo merged into traffic, the champagne was flowing, the tiara was crooked, obscene plastic accessories were proudly displayed, and Charlie was wiping mascara smudges from beneath her eyes—aching with laughter and joy.
- Writer
