The music had mellowed a little, slipping into a smoother rhythm as the night stretched on. Amara was just starting to enjoy herself—finally easing into Melody's fast-paced world—when Melody suddenly tugged at her hand.
"Come on," Melody said, her smile playful and daring. "You've hidden long enough."
Amara laughed as she let Melody pull her toward the middle of the lounge, past clusters of people chatting, dancing, and laughing over drinks.
"I'm not dancing," Amara warned.
"Who said anything about dancing? I'm introducing you to people. You're welcome."
Amara groaned but followed.
Melody had that way of sweeping people into her world without much resistance. And somehow, being next to her made Amara feel just a little braver.
They stopped at a small circle of people Melody clearly knew well. Easy conversations floated around, and Melody slid into them effortlessly.
Amara smiled politely, quietly observing.
Then her eyes caught someone across the room. Again.
The man from earlier.
He wasn't watching her this time. He was mid-conversation with a friend, but something about the way he sat, the slight turn of his head, the curve of his jaw—
It tugged at her memory harder now.
She'd seen him before. Not just tonight. Somewhere else.
Melody followed her gaze, then leaned in. "He's still here, you know."
Amara blinked. "Who?"
Melody gave her a look. "The one you've been stealing glances at. Don't even pretend you're not."
"I wasn't—"
Amara cut herself off, feeling the heat creep up her neck.
She stole one more glance, and this time, his head turned too—just briefly. Their eyes met again, and something clicked in her chest like a quiet lock turning.
She knew him.
That face. That steady, unreadable gaze. She'd seen it not just once, but several times.
Of course.
It was Xavier. Her client. The man she'd been designing a wedding dress and suit for. The man she'd only ever met in the careful, professional space of her shop.
Without the tailored jacket. Without the distance of work. Without the soft buzz of a sewing machine between them—he looked different here. Unfamiliar, almost.
But now that she'd pieced it together, it seemed so obvious.
"Oh," she breathed, more to herself than to Melody.
"What?" Melody asked, her eyes shining like she'd just stumbled upon the most delicious piece of gossip.
Amara shook her head quickly. "It's nothing. I just—I know him. He's my client."
Melody's grin widened like she'd been waiting for this. "That fine man is your client? What a shame. He's taken?"
Amara gave her a small nod, trying to downplay the sudden twist in her stomach. "Yes. I'm working on his wedding dress and suit."
"Hmm," Melody tapped her chin dramatically. "So that means you can't stare?"
"I wasn't staring."
Melody laughed, looping her arm around Amara's. "You absolutely were. Don't worry. I'll keep your little secret."
Amara rolled her eyes, but her heart thudded unevenly as she allowed Melody to drag her deeper into conversation with the group.
Somewhere across the room, Xavier was probably brushing off the moment, probably forgetting her face just as quickly.
That was fine. That was how it should be.
They would just return to their roles next time they met in the shop. Nothing would change.
At least, that's what Amara told herself as the night carried on.