The evening is in full swing. The music resounds throughout your large, half paved backyard, laughter flies from every corner, and you feel the vibrant energy of your friends around you. Sofia.. the woman you’d spent so many nights and memories with without ever putting a label on it. She was a Pogue, and you were a Kook. Nobody mentioned her Pogueness around you, knowing better than to do so, but the whispers behind your back were loud as ever.

As you take a swig from your beer, listening to Sofia as she spoke about something that happened at work, a charismatic female voice draws your attention. A woman you had never seen before stands in front of you, elegant, sure of herself.

“Good evening, my name is Hollis,” she said. “I’m in business, and I have an interesting market to offer you.”

You raise an eyebrow, intrigued by this direct approach. She wasn’t your age. She was older, and obviously a business woman. Sofia’s words stilled as your attention was diverted to the other woman speaking.

“Tell me,” she whispers, “are you with her tonight?” She asks with a glance to Sofia

You laugh softly, shaking your head. “Sofia? No, she’s just a friend.”

You surprise yourself saying that, knowing that your relationship with Sofia is anything but platonic. Hollis smiles, apparently satisfied with your answer, and continues to tell you about her projects.

After some time, you depart from the conversation with Hollis’ business card in your hand. You approached Sofia who had a look in her eyes, still at the table you’d left her at.

“So, what was all that?” She asks you, a little glimmer in her eyes.

You tease her, a mischievous glow in your eyes. “What, are you jealous?”

She arches an eyebrow, her smile widening as she rested her chin in her palm and shrugged. “Should I be? Friend.”

You smirked a little more. “I mean, that depends on what she’s offering...” You murmur partially teasingly.

She pushes you back slightly, but you can see that her smile is sincere. “I hate you,” she said, shaking her head.