The night felt electric as Eva wore a lovely short dress while staring at the mirror. It was pink, hugging her curves just right, and she felt beautiful and sexy in it. Tonight was the party at the Soho house, an event that everyone on campus had been buzzing about for weeks.
Benjamin being her date, made her feel a flutter of butterflies in her stomach as she thought about spending the evening with him.
"Eva! Are you ready yet?" Sade called from the living room. "Gates is here…"
"Almost!" Eva replied, giving herself one last look before grabbing her purse and heading out.
Benjamin stared in amazement.
"You look really pretty tonight, Eva…as always." He complimented.
"Thanks." She said, blushing.
…
As they walked to the party, Benjamin chatted excitedly about the night ahead.
"I heard there's going to be a DJ and everything, plus it's going to be epic…I'm hoping we both have an amazing time together."
Eva smiled, feeling the anticipation build. She was ready to let loose and enjoy herself. Little did she know that the night would take an unexpected turn.
Upon arriving at the Soho house, they heard loud music and laughter. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, colorful lights hung across the backyard and people danced on the patio. Eva felt nervous as they stepped inside.
Benjamin took her hand, leading her through the crowd.
"Let's grab some drinks first." He suggested.
As they made their way to the bar, Eva spotted some familiar faces from her psychology classes. She waved hello to a few friends before turning back to Benjamin.
"This place is amazing!"
"Just wait until you see the dance floor," he grinned, pouring them both drinks.
They clinked their cups together and took a sip, allowing the music to consume them. As they moved further into the party, Eva felt herself relaxed, enjoying Benjamin's presence and the carefree environment.
Just as they were about to hit the dance floor, Eva's heart sank when she spotted Sade's ex-boyfriend Theo across the room, laughing with his friends. But it wasn't just him that caught her attention, it was his new girlfriend standing right beside him.
She remembered when Sade had told her about Theo moving on quickly after their breakup, but seeing him with his new flame sent a wave of unease through her. She tried to shake it off but felt a little discomfort in her stomach.
Poor Sade!
"Hey, you okay?" Benjamin asked, noticing the sudden change in her demeanor.
"Yeah…" she lied, forcing a smile. "It's just that I didn't expect to see Theo here."
Benjamin frowned slightly but squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"Let's not let him ruin our night. I'm glad Sade isn't here to witness this…"
"Yeah, I am grateful for that." She added.
But before they could move away from that corner of the room, Mabel caught sight of them. She had always been condescending toward Eva during their brief encounters at parties and she wasn't going to let tonight be an exception. With an exaggerated smile plastered on her face, she went over…
"Well, well," Mabel said sweetly, narrowing her eyes as she looked at Eva and then back at Benjamin. "Look who we have here— the girl who thinks she can catch a real man."
"What do you want, Mabel?"
"Oh nothing," Mabel replied in a sarcastic tone. "Just thought I'd come over and see how you're doing with your little... project here." She gestured irritably at Benjamin.
"Project?" Benjamin repeated, confused about her attitude.
"Yeah," She continued, leaning closer to him as if she were trying to draw him into her web of condescension. "You know how it is— some girls just need a little help getting noticed."
Eva refused to let her words get under her skin.
"You know Mabel, it wouldn't hurt you to play nice for a day." she said firmly. "I'm here just like everyone else…trying to have some fun."
Mabel laughed.
"Oh sweetie, don't flatter yourself." She said mockingly.
Eva glanced at Benjamin for support but noticed that he was taken aback by Mabel's attitude.
"Listen, I don't have time for this foolishness, Mabel. Clearly, I can tell Philian isn't here to keep you company tonight, find someone else to pick on…" Eva said as she urged Benjamin on.
Mabel rolled her eyes dramatically before leaning closer again.
"You know what? I actually feel bad for you," she said condescendingly. "You're working so hard for what? A few moments of attention? You're not special."
At that moment, something snapped inside Eva.
"You think you're better than everyone else because you got Philian? Newsflash— he's not worth it."
"You're just another college student trying to fit in too," Eva pressed on, "And let me remind you that while you flaunt your relationship like it makes you superior, I know your secret."
Mabel raised an eyebrow in fear, but didn't respond.
"I know you work as a waitress at that bistro downtown," Eva said loudly enough for others nearby to hear. "The one no one from our college goes to because they can't afford it! So tell me again how you're better than anyone else?"
The room became silent for a moment as Mabel's face filled with embarrassment. Everyone around turned their heads toward them as whispers began to circulate through the crowd.
"What did you just say?" Mabel demanded.
"You heard me," Eva replied confidently now that she had everyone's attention.
Benjamin stood beside Eva, with admiration in his eyes as he watched her stand up for herself against Mabel's bullying tactics.
Mabel opened her mouth as if to retort but seemed speechless, as realization dawned on those around them about who was truly being condescending here.
"Maybe instead of looking down on others," Eva pointed, "you should focus on being grateful for what you have instead of tearing people down, and accept that you're just a regular student hoping to survive college like everyone else."
With that final statement being said, Mabel stormed off angrily without another word, her facade had been shattered by Eva's boldness.
As she moved inside the crowd, murmurs erupted among everyone who had witnessed the confrontation. Some were impressed by Eva's bravery, while others exchanged glances, surprised at how quickly things had escalated.
"That was amazing!" he exclaimed quietly so only she could hear him above the chatter of voices around them.
She felt herself blushing, and also felt better that she had confronted Mabel head-on.
"Thanks." she replied, but couldn't help smiling back at him.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently after taking a step closer.
"Yeah. I think I needed that." She added honestly after taking another sip from her drink.
He nodded before glancing back towards where Mabel had disappeared into the crowd.
"Let's dance." He suggested, and without waiting for an answer, he took hold of her hand leading them towards the dancing crowd.
He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close enough, such that their foreheads nearly touched while dancing together, effortlessly lost in the moment.
"I'm really glad we came here together." He murmured softly against her ear, making chills run down her spine.
"Me too!" She grinned.
The music shifted into something slower. A romantic feel that enhanced the growing tension between them, and without hesitation, Benjamin leaned down— engaging her in a passionate kiss.
As their lips met, the world around faded away leaving only this moment suspended in time where nothing else mattered except how right it felt. Eva melted into his embrace, surrendering completely and allowing herself fully immersed.
When they finally pulled apart, feeling breathless…
"I've wanted to do this since our first date." He confessed.
"You should've just gone for it sooner!" She teased playfully.
"Wait! You mean, you wanted this too?" He said, his eyes widening in surprise.
She smiled while trying to look away…
"Yes, Benjamin…I've longed for this kiss too." She finally admitted…