Chapter 64

The last “cut” of the day rang out across the stage, and the crew immediately began to relax, shuffling equipment back into place. Celeste exhaled, tugging off her jacket, her body still humming from the intensity of the final take.

She walked over to where the director was reviewing the playback at the monitor. For a moment she hesitated, then squared her shoulders.

CELESTE
“Hey… since we’re ahead of schedule, is there any chance we can take tomorrow off? Just one day to reset?”

The director leaned back in his chair, studying her carefully. He tapped his pen against the clipboard, clearly weighing the request.

Finally, a slow smile spread across his face.

DIRECTOR
“You know what? Yes. But only because of you. The work you’re putting in the depth, the emotion—you’re giving me exactly what I need. This movie is going to be my best one yet.”

The crew nearby overheard and broke into quiet cheers and applause, the energy in the room lifting. Naomi grinned from across the set, giving Celeste a thumbs-up. Rowan smiled softly, her eyes on Celeste as if she was proud but hesitant to say it out loud.

Celeste gave a small nod, the faintest hint of a smile pulling at her lips. “Thank you.”

The director clapped his hands once, loudly.

DIRECTOR
“Alright, everyone! You heard me. Day off tomorrow. Get some rest—you’ve earned it.”

The room buzzed with excitement as the cast and crew started packing up faster than usual, the promise of a free day sparking a rare sense of relief on set.

As the crew scattered, packing up lights and cameras, Celeste stood near the edge of the set, her jacket slung casually over her shoulder. She glanced at Naomi and then at Rowan, both of them watching her curiously.

A slow, mischievous smile curved across her lips.

CELESTE
“We’re going out tonight. Both of you. Tell the other girls too.”

Naomi’s brows shot up, clearly amused.
NAOMI
“Oh, so you’re making the plans now? Should I book the Uber, boss?”

Celeste smirked, arching a brow.
CELESTE
“Damn right. And make sure everyone’s ready. No excuses. Drinks, dancing, food—the whole thing.”

Rowan tilted her head, a hint of curiosity sparking in her eyes.
ROWAN
“Are you sure? You’ve had a heavy couple of days. You really want to go out?”

Celeste stepped closer, her voice steady, almost daring.
CELESTE
“Yeah. I want to feel alive tonight. No work, no stress. Just us.”

Naomi grinned, already pulling out her phone.
NAOMI
“Say less. I’ll text the girls. They’ll lose their minds.”

Rowan’s lips tugged into a soft smile as she shook her head.
ROWAN
“Alright then… guess I better find something to wear.”

Celeste gave them both a look that was half command, half invitation.
CELESTE
“Good. Because tonight, we’re making it a night to remember.”

The three of them walked off set together, the buzz of their crew fading behind them as new energy began to build—anticipation for the kind of night that could either bring them closer or pull at the threads between them.

The condo was alive with music and laughter, the kind of messy, high-energy vibe that only happened when all the girls got together before a night out. Bottles and mixers covered the counter like a mini bar, and this time Rowan had claimed bartender duty. She stood behind the counter, her hair tied up, pouring shots with surprising skill and a smug grin.

ROWAN
“See? Told you I’d make a good bartender. Y’all better tip me.”

Simone and Lila were already a couple of shots in, swaying together near the couch and laughing at nothing in particular.

Then the bedroom doors opened.

First came Celeste. She stepped out in worn men’s jeans that hung perfectly off her hips, a tight-fitted black shirt that outlined every muscle, and clean white tennis shoes. She ran a hand through her damp hair casually, but there was nothing casual about how good she looked. Simone literally wolf-whistled.

SIMONE
“Okay, daddy. We see you.”

Celeste chuckled, shaking her head, though a faint smirk tugged at her lips.

And then Naomi emerged. She’d gone with a completely different vibe sleek and sultry. A black dress clung to her figure in all the right ways, hugging her waist and hips, stopping just above the knee. Her makeup was sharp, her hair loose, flowing effortlessly over her shoulders.

The room hushed for a second, just long enough for everyone to notice the way Celeste’s gaze locked onto Naomi. She didn’t blink, her smirk slipping into something unreadable, caught between surprise and something deeper.

Rowan, catching the shift while pouring shots, raised a brow but didn’t say anything, sliding glasses across the counter.

ROWAN
“Shots, ladies. Line up.”

Naomi finally glanced at Celeste, catching her staring. A slow, knowing smile curved on Naomi’s lips.
NAOMI
“What? Never seen me in a dress before?”

Celeste cleared her throat, tearing her gaze away a second too late.
CELESTE
“Not like that.”

The words slipped out before she could stop them, and Naomi’s smile widened as she stepped past, swaying her hips just a little more than necessary.

Lila’s voice broke the tension as she clinked her glass.
LILA
“Alright, enough thirst-staring. Drink up!”

The girls laughed, glasses raised. Rowan smirked as she poured herself one too.

ROWAN
“First round’s on the house. But after this, y’all better start tipping.”

CELESTE
“Don’t act like you’re not having fun already.”

Rowan smirked, grabbing her shot.
ROWAN
“I’ll admit it when I’m tipsy enough.”

Naomi snorted. “She’ll admit it in fifteen minutes.”

Simone was hyping herself up in the mirror, reapplying lip gloss like she was about to walk a runway. She turned, striking a pose.
SIMONE
“Okay, but tell me I’m not the hottest one here tonight.”

LILA, lounging nearby with her glass of wine, rolled her eyes.
LILA
“You say that every time. And every time, you’re wrong.”

The girls burst into laughter. Simone gasped dramatically, clutching her chest.
SIMONE
“Oh wow, betrayal in my own circle? That’s cold, Lila.”

Music thumped through the condo, the bass rattling glasses on the counter. Laughter spilled out from the couch where Simone and Lila were arguing over what playlist should go on next. Rowan kept the shots flowing, sliding one after another across the counter until everyone was feeling warm and loose.

Celeste was no exception. She leaned back against the wall, nursing the burn in her throat after another shot. Her eyes kept drifting again and again toward Naomi. Naomi was in her element, laughing with Simone, tossing her hair back, her dress hugging every curve like it was painted on. Celeste caught herself staring more than once, but she couldn’t seem to stop.

Rowan noticed. She always noticed.

A little later, when the others were distracted, Rowan slipped into the corner where Celeste was standing, her gaze sharp but amused. She leaned casually against the wall beside her, close enough that their arms brushed.

ROWAN
(low voice)
“You’ve been staring a lot tonight.”

Celeste’s head snapped toward her, feigning innocence.
CELESTE
“No, I haven’t.”

Rowan’s lips quirked into a smirk, her eyes narrowing slightly.
ROWAN
“Maybe I’m the only one who noticed. But she is sexy, isn’t she?”

Celeste let out a small laugh, finally admitting it, her voice low.
CELESTE
“She really is. I haven’t seen her dressed like this before… so I guess I’m a little surprised, that’s all.”

For a beat, Rowan just studied her, then stepped a little closer. Celeste instinctively wrapped her arms around Rowan’s waist, grounding herself in the familiar. She leaned in, brushing her lips against Rowan’s. The kiss was soft, slow like testing waters neither of them wanted to lose.

Rowan hummed into the kiss, her fingers brushing against Celeste’s jaw.
ROWAN
(softly, against her lips)
“I’ve missed that.”

Celeste pulled back just enough to smirk, her forehead resting against Rowan’s.
CELESTE
“Oh, that’s right… I’m supposed to be mad.”

Rowan chuckled, shaking her head, her hands still on Celeste’s hips as though letting go wasn’t an option.

Rowan’s smirk softened as she searched Celeste’s face, like she was trying to memorize her all over again. Without another word, she leaned in and pressed her lips to Celeste’s once more.

This kiss wasn’t tentative—it was surer, warmer. Celeste’s grip tightened instinctively, her arms locking around Rowan’s waist like she was afraid to let go. The alcohol in her system made everything feel heightened, sharper—the warmth of Rowan’s mouth, the faint hum vibrating from her throat, the smell of her perfume mixing with the liquor on her breath.

Rowan pulled back just slightly, just enough to breathe against Celeste’s lips, her voice a husky whisper.
ROWAN
“I miss you, Celeste.”

Celeste’s lips still tingled from Rowan’s kiss as she whispered back, “I miss you too.” She pulled Rowan into a firm hug, letting herself sink into it for just a moment, the kind of embrace that said more than words ever could.

When she finally lifted her head, her gaze accidentally collided with Naomi’s from across the room. Naomi’s expression was unreadable, her glass paused halfway to her lips. A second later, she forced a smile and waved it off.

NAOMI
“I’ll be right back, girls. Gotta hit the restroom before we head out.”

She disappeared down the hall, and Celeste realized Naomi had gone into her room.

Trying to shake it off, Celeste clapped her hands, forcing her voice into something casual.
CELESTE
“Alright, everyone purses and IDs. Uber’s almost here. Rowan, pour another round of shots. I’ll grab my wallet and shades real quick.”

The girls cheered, the music turned up, and laughter filled the condo again. Celeste slipped down the hall, her steps slower now, her chest tight.

She pushed her bedroom door open, the dim lamp light spilling across the room. Her wallet and shades were right where she’d left them on the dresser. She grabbed them, turning only to bump straight into Naomi.

CELESTE
“Shit—”

Her hand shot out automatically, catching Naomi by the waist to steady her. Naomi gasped, her arms instinctively wrapping around Celeste’s neck to keep her balance.

For a long, suspended beat, they just stood there. Their bodies pressed close, breaths mingling, eyes locked. Neither moved.

Celeste’s voice broke the silence first, soft and low.
CELESTE
“You really are beautiful, Naomi.”

Naomi’s lips curved faintly, though her eyes glistened with something deeper.
NAOMI
“Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself, Celeste.”

Neither of them made a move to separate. Celeste’s hands lingered against Naomi’s waist, and Naomi’s fingers curled lightly at the back of Celeste’s neck, like she couldn’t quite let go.

Then Celeste leaned in. Slowly, deliberately. Their lips met in a soft brush that deepened quickly, Naomi’s surprised moan vibrating against Celeste’s mouth. Celeste tightened her grip, her hands sliding lower as she lifted Naomi effortlessly, pressing her back against the wall.

Naomi clung to her, kissing back hungrily before breaking away just enough to whisper, breathless:
NAOMI
“We can’t… everyone’s out there.”

Celeste’s chest heaved as she held Naomi against the wall, forehead resting against hers. Then, with a reluctant exhale, she lowered her slowly, letting Naomi’s heels touch the floor again.

Naomi didn’t step away. Her voice shook, but her words cut through the haze.
NAOMI
“Fuck Celeste, you don’t even want me.”

Celeste’s hands lingered at her waist, her voice low and steady.
CELESTE
“Yes, I do.”

Naomi’s eyes glistened. She shook her head slightly.
NAOMI
“No, you don’t. But let me tell you this I want you. I want every part of you. But I know that can’t happen. Because your heart is somewhere else. And while that hurts, I understand it. I’ll get jealous, sure… but I’ll try not to overstep. But you can’t just kiss me like that and then go and be with Rowan. It’s not right.”

Celeste swallowed, her hand lifting to gently cup Naomi’s chin.
CELESTE
“Sorry…”

She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Naomi’s lips, lingering just long enough to make Naomi’s breath catch. Celeste’s whisper brushed her mouth.
CELESTE
“Don’t be mad. I need you to be a part of my life, Naomi. I need you.”

Naomi’s voice trembled.
NAOMI
“Celeste… I’m not going anywhere. But there needs to be some boundaries or something.”

Celeste didn’t answer with words. She kissed her again, firmer this time. Naomi broke off with a shaky breath.
NAOMI
“Stop.”

Celeste’s lips curved faintly against hers as she kissed her once more, stubborn and soft all at once.
CELESTE
“Are you sure?”

Naomi let out a low, involuntary umm into the kiss, her hands curling tighter at the back of Celeste’s neck.
NAOMI
“No… but yes.”

The silence that followed was thick, pulsing with everything unsaid. Celeste finally drew in a breath, trying to lighten the air with a half-teasing smile.

Finally, Celeste drew in a breath.
CELESTE
“We should probably…”

Naomi gave a small nod, her voice husky.
NAOMI
“Yeah. We should.”

Celeste raised an eyebrow, teasing softly.
CELESTE
“You’re gonna have to let go in order for us to go.”

Naomi blinked, then laughed nervously as she released her grip and smoothed her dress down with trembling hands.
NAOMI
“Sorry.”

She turned and slipped out of the room quickly. Celeste stood frozen for a beat, her heart hammering, before she shook her head hard like she could knock the moment out of her system.

By the time she stepped back into the living room, her grin was back in place.
CELESTE
“Alright, Rowan where’s my shot, Ms. Bartender?”

Rowan slid a glass across the counter with a smirk.
ROWAN
“Already poured. Try not to choke on it.”

The group erupted in laughter, the tension in Celeste’s chest buried under the noise and burn of liquor.