Chapter 5

The empty wine glass sat abandoned on the coffee table, its twin bottle drained beside it. I should have gone to bed, but my mind wouldn’t quiet, pacing circles around Rowan Hart no matter how many times I told myself to stop.

I reached for my phone.

The group chat was pinned at the top of my messages: The Coven. A name Simone had insisted on years ago, because according to her, “three brilliant women plus one movie star equals dangerous magic.”

I typed before I could second-guess myself:

Celeste: Brunch at my place in the morning. I need to vent.

The typing bubbles appeared almost immediately.

Lila: Uh oh. That sounds serious. Spill.

Simone: Please tell me this is about a director being an ass so I can drag them properly.

Naomi: Or is this one of your “I’m fine, but I’m not fine” texts?

I pressed my lips together, fingers hovering over the keyboard. Then I typed:

Celeste: I’ll tell you tomorrow. Just come.

Three dots blinked.

Lila: So now we have to wait all night?

Simone: Classic star behavior. Withholding the drama until the big reveal.

Naomi: Fine. But we’re not leaving without answers.

I let myself smile, just a little, at the rhythm of them — so different from the chaos of my day, so steady.

Celeste: 10. If everyone’s free.

Responses fired back in quick succession.

Lila: I’ll bring fruit. And champagne.
Simone: I’ll bring coffee, because God knows you won’t.
Naomi: I’ll bring calm energy. You’ll need it.

I typed again, fingers flying before I could stop them.

Celeste: I’ll order some food too. Any requests?

The replies came fast.

Simone: Something expensive. You know my standards.
Lila: Yes, feed us like the star you are.
Naomi: I’ll eat whatever. But make sure there are pastries.

I smirked at the screen.

Celeste: Got it.

Setting the phone down, I let the quiet wash over me. My eyelids felt heavy, the wine finally pulling me under. I curled into the couch with a blanket, staring out at the city lights one last time.

Tomorrow, I’d have to explain. Tomorrow, I’d have to say her name out loud.

For now, I closed my eyes.

And even as sleep came, Rowan lingered. Her voice, her touch, her kiss replaying like a scene I couldn’t cut away from.