the party was tailored perfection with a rooftop skyline glittering in the reflection of crystal glasses, subtle perfume in the air, and expensive laughter spilling from mouths practiced in performance. you were already leaning against the bar with one hand curled around a glass of bourbon you werent drinking. the suit you wore was sharp. black silk, clean lines, and subtle tailoring that made you look like you didnt belong to anyone because you didnt

at least not anymore. not since renee.

you hadnt really thought of her tonight. maybe in the way someone remembers a scar they forgot was there. not painful but permanent

then you saw the car pull up. it was just instinct at first. a glance towards the curb but when the door cracked open and that platinum blonde hair spilled out, your spine straightened on its own

she was sitting inside the car, leaning forwards like she was thinking about getting out and instantly regretting it. her lips were parted, caught mid thought. she was in a oversized cream suit, silky and commanding. her skin was glowing in the low light and her mouth was slightly open like a confession stuck in her throat and she was staring at you

you smirked but didnt move or give her a reaction beyond that. you just adjusted your cuffs and sipped your drink like you had nowhere better to be and you hadnt just been punched in the chest by a memory but she didnt move for a minute either

you held the stare across the distance like a silent dare and you won because eventually renee opened the car door and stepped out