In 5..... 4.... 3... 2.. 1!
*POOP!*
The sound of party poppers reverberated in the room, accompanied by the rain of colorful confetti.
It was a small 'Year-End party' organized by Ashley and her two other friends to celebrate not only the beginning of another year but also to celebrate the success of their new business.
"Have you been to our newest shop?!"
Lexi asked with a big smile pasted on her face.
Up until that point, she still could not believe how they managed to secure a second branch of their bridal shop within just a year of effort!
"Of course I do! Geez! I never expected it to be that beautiful. It truly exceeded my expectation."
Thea chirped in with the same level of enthusiasm as she looped her arms over Ashley's shoulder.
"Hey, Ash! What's with the face? Aren't you happy to be with us?"
She added when she saw her good friend's expression.
"I am thankful to be with you guys, I really do. But I just feel sorry that you have to be with me on New Year's eve, instead of spending it together with your special someone."
Ashley answered as she downed the contents of her wine glass.
"Don't be silly, girl! We love to be here. Besides, do you honestly think that we could enjoy someone's company while we knew for certain that you would be someplace, sulking by yourself?!"
This time, it was Lexi who butted in and she flicked Ashley on her forehead to snap her out of her sullen state.
"Exactly! So stop being a Drama queen and let us just enjoy the night."
Thea was quick to second Lexi, and while at that, she also started pouring wine at Ashley and Lexi's glass.
"CHEEEERRRRRS!!!!"
The three girls cheered in unison, and they let their laughter get drowned by the sound of fireworks outside.
"Don't you think we have been way too lucky for this year? Securing a location at the Star City is no easy job, yet we still manage to do it just fine."
After a short while, they opened up another conversation to keep the night going.
"I could not agree more with that, Thea. How did you do it?"
Lexi agreed right away and directed her question to Ashley because apparently, it was the other party who did almost everything.
Star City was the fastest rising business district to watch. Every business enthusiast wanted to start a branch there but not anyone could get a chance to do it, even with money.
Not only that, their Dreamscapes Bridal Shop was not only located anywhere at the Star City but at the newest shopping center at that!
It was also located at the very heart of the city where business was booming.
Star Mall's management prided itself as the largest mall in the country and it just so happened that Ashley became one of the many aspiring business partners that managed to get in.
"I guess, my life was getting compensation for not having too much luck in love."
Ashley joked to humor her friend because if the truth would be told, she also did not have an idea how did she manage to do it.
"You should have checked the place, Ash. They did it perfectly. It has everything we need"
Thea insinuated because despite being the busy head amongst all three of them, Ashley was the only one who also had not yet seen the final look of their shop.
That was despite the fact, that their business would be moving in a week's time.
Star Mall would be having their soft opening in the first week of January so it only goes to say that they would also have to prepare the shop and made it appear to be at its best.
"It's because I don't want to spoil myself. I want to keep the element of surprise. Besides I heard that they have a plaza square in the center of the mall. I want to see them the first time together with the dancing fountain."
"Oh yes! I recall seeing one. Imagine having our very own gown displayed in that striking garden. We can just do a fashion show there with our bridal wears without the trouble of looking for a venue somewhere else."
The three business partners chatted with each other and it was obvious that they were all excited to tick another box from their friendship goal's list.
The new year was just about to start and they already have another business at the corner.
Mr. Engineer
It was new year's eve, yet there Ashley was, busying her ass over other stuff rather than partying to her heart's content.
Instead of enjoying the remainder of the night, the other party chose to sort her stuff out and put those she would need in the shop inside a big box.
Lexi and Thea naturally followed after her and they helped her finished it.
"Ms. Alice really did a great job of choosing the engineering firm that worked on the mall. Its layout has a modern touch on it yet it was also cozy at the same time."
Lexi said as she carefully put a lavender chiffon dress inside the box; together with the other dresses that they would be putting on display once the shop opened next week.
"I also heard that the head engineer of the firm attained his degree abroad. That was probably the reason why their work was top-notch."
"Did you meet him?"
Ashley remained silent and seemed disinterested so the other two engaged in a chat by themselves.
However, when the other party heard that they were actually talking to a guy, her interest was picked.
"Him???"
Ashley asked back as she stopped what she was doing.
She was not sure why, but her heart skipped a bit for some reason when she learned that it was a guy.
"Are you guys referring to the one that designed our building?"
She inquired without even knowing why she was asking that question, in the first place.
"Yes, who else? We were talking about our guy engineer. You should have seen him, Ash. The guy was a total eye-catcher. Pretty face with a perfect body, hmm. Every woman would go crazy by just the mere sight of him."
"Gosh, Lexi! Could you please stop describing the guy with a dreamy sigh? You're engaged for crying out sake!"
"What's the matter? It was not like I'm cheating with Steven?! I will still end up marrying him anyway. What's wrong about having a little crush on someone every now and then?!!!"
"Well, you got a point there. Besides, it does not look like we would have our chance to that engineer. He is a total snob."
Thea commented and when she was reminded of her previous encounter with the said party, her eyes went heavenward.
"Wait! Don't tell me you tried to hit on him?!!"
Lexi asked with a bewildered expression.
Knowing this friend of hers, she knew well enough that the other party was capable of doing that; and as if to confirm her suspicion, Thea flashed her a sly smile.
"But from the current looks of it, your move didn't work, isn't it?"
Ashley waded in with a tack like that of a bull in a china shop.
Meanwhile, hearing her friends' comments Thea rolled her eyes once again before she started telling her tale.
"Would you imagine?! I tried playing nice and tried to casually open up a conversation with him, but that prick did not even give me a smile and left!"
"What a waste for a beautiful face like that to be given on a guy like him."
"TSS! What else could you expect from those engineers? They were all like that. They think too highly of themselves. What a bunch of pricks!"
When Lexi and Thea heard Ashley's comment, they were both left dumbfounded.
They could not understand where did the other party get all that bitterness as though all the engineers in the world had wronged her at some point in her life.
"By any chance, is there an engineer behind the reason why you refused to have any romantic partner?"