Liora
Gina returns with a flourish, balancing three drinks in her hands like a circus performer. “Alright! Round two, my beautiful disasters!” she declares, nearly sloshing one onto Robert.
The energy in the room lifts instantly, tension dissolving into the warm haze of music and low laughter. The others drift back, reclaiming their seats, and soon we’re absorbed in another game some hybrid of cards, dares, and pure chaos that only Gina seems to understand.
With Ezra here, watching from across the table, I feel oddly safer. Less self-conscious. Less like the world is about to tilt out from under me.
Maybe too safe.
Because when Gina throws down a winning hand with a dramatic flourish, I already know I’m doomed.
“Liora!” she squeals, pointing at me with mock severity. “Loser!”
I groa
