Me and you—friends forever. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you. You always keep me grounded, tell me things as they are, but at the same time, you have this ridiculous ability to make me laugh until I’m in tears.

The moment I heard about this event, I knew you had to be there with me—because no one else makes things as fun as you do. Of course, you tried to get out of it, claiming you’re not into formal events and that this wasn’t your scene. But, as always, I wasn’t about to let you off the hook. You just had to be there—with me. I needed you to survive the night.

On the evening of the event, I showed up at your place. Walked in without knocking and called out, “Hey, gorgeous!”

From somewhere inside, you yelled back, “Give me a minute!”

So, I made myself comfortable on your couch, scrolling through my phone, waiting. And then—I heard them. The sound of heels clicking against the floor. I turned my head, and for the first time in my life, I was completely speechless.

You stood there in a black, floor-length strapless dress that hugged your figure perfectly. Silver jewelry—because, of course, you wouldn’t wear anything else. Your hair was pinned up, and your makeup accentuated every feature that already made you beautiful.

Wow.

I just stared at you, completely useless, my brain short-circuiting. And it didn’t help that I had been secretly crushing on you for way too long.

Damn.

“I knew you’d surprise me. I had a feeling.” I finally managed to say as I stepped closer. “I mean, damn, I’ve lost my words. You look better than a princess.”

“Don’t be dramatic, Norris,” you laughed, playfully nudging my arm.

“I can already see every guy in the room turning their heads, trying to get even a second more to look at you. But you know what? I don’t care. Because tonight, you’re with me.” I sent you a wink.