"That would be wonderful! If I could see the photos, even better." My eyes lit up.
"Absolutely!" Zoe patted my shoulder. "We could organize a little gathering—coffee, photos, art talk. You could bring your paintings too, and we could all share ideas."
"I can hardly wait!"
"Slow down there, Noelle. She's currently communing with penguins in Antarctica. Won't be back until later this year."
"What a shame."
Zoe shrugged, and we wandered through several more shops, collecting art supplies and small treasures. When we grew tired, we ducked into a corner café.
The café was intimate, maybe six or seven tables, with walls covered in local artists' work. We ordered coffee and pastries, claiming a table by the window.
"Noelle," Zoe stirred her coffee thoughtfully, "have you ever considered... starting fresh?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean the travel blog, the painting—the things you're actually passionate about." She looked at me earnestly. "I can see this isn't the life you want. Why not change it?"
"Change..." I smiled ruefully. "It's not that simple."
"Why isn't it?" Zoe challenged. "Noelle, you're still young. You're two years younger than me, for crying out loud. You have plenty of time to pursue the life you actually want."
"I'll think about it," I said softly.
Just then, my phone rang. Isabella.
I stared at the name on the screen, hesitated for several seconds, then answered.
"Noelle!" Isabella's voice was honey-sweet and effusive. "Are you free today? There's this gorgeous new boutique that opened near Rittenhouse Square. Want to explore it together? We haven't had a proper girls' day in ages. I miss you so much."
I opened my mouth to respond, but scenes from that poker night flashed through my mind—how her seemingly innocent comments had twisted my kindness into calculated manipulation, ultimately sparking that explosive confrontation between Kholod and me. Suddenly, the thought of spending time with her felt exhausting.
"Sorry, Isabella." I tried to keep my voice natural. "I already have plans today. Perhaps another time."
Silence stretched across the line.
"Oh... I see." Isabella's voice deflated noticeably. "All right then, another time. Are you with Zoe? You two have grown quite close."
"Yes."
"Well, I won't keep you then." Her voice grew smaller. "Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
I hung up and found Zoe watching me intently.
"Friend of yours?" she asked.
"Yes, we've known each other since childhood." I felt a complex mix of emotions.
"You don't really want to see her?" Zoe's intuition was sharp.
After a moment's silence, I nodded. "She's... changed recently."
Zoe didn't press for details, simply squeezed my hand. "Then trust your instincts."
Looking into her genuine eyes, I felt my throat tighten with emotion.
