Just as Armand dipped Felicia's head into the water and laughter echoed across the pool, a sleek black car pulled up quietly to the edge of the apartment grounds. A figure stepped out, tall and confident, her hair catching the last light of the sun.
Laila.
She walked confidently towards the pool. "Looks like everyone's enjoying themselves."
All pairs of eyes in the pool drifted to the voice that spoke.
Alaric's face dropped instantly when he saw her. "What are you doing here?" he asked, not bothering to hide the distance in his voice.
Laila just smiled at him like she didn't hear what he said. "Hi, Alaric baby. It's been a while."
Alaric's jaw tightened as he looked away and swallowed.
Armand looked at him, then at Laila.
Felicia cleared her throat awkwardly. "I invited her."
"What?" Armand and Alaric said at the same time, their heads snapping toward her.
"I'm sorry, okay?" Felicia rushed out. "I should've told you earlier. I just… I wanted to help. You don't have a date."
