I let it pass.
“So,” I say, taking a sip of my wine, “what are we doing tonight?”
“I have a surprise for you two,” Lisa says. “I can’t tell you where we’re going, but we’re leaving in thirty minutes.”
The mystery immediately makes me uneasy. I don’t know what to expect, and that alone makes me nervous.
“I’m up for anything,” Tess says with a shrug.
Her calm confidence amazes me. She’s always been like that, unbothered, steady, letting life unfold without resistance.
“You’re lucky I trust you,” I say with a laugh, trying to shake off the nerves.
We continue chatting about Lisa’s date, and Tess shares updates about how Leo has asked her to move in with him.
“Do you think you’ll redecorate the place?” I ask as Tess leans back against the couch.
“He said I can do whatever I want,” she replies. “I jokingly told him I’d hang pictures of Pedro Pascal on the walls, and he immediately vetoed that, but everything else is fair game.”
I laugh. “I can’t wait to come up with a housewarming gift.”
“Our ride is almost here. Finish your drinks, ladies, we’re going out,” Lisa announces, standing up and grabbing her purse.
Tess and I quickly finish our wine and follow her outside. By the time we step out of the elevator, a car is already waiting.
Something about it feels familiar.
When we get inside, I recognize the driver, it’s Josh, the same driver Zane usually uses.
“Hi,” he says, sounding slightly nervous. “I’ve been instructed to ask you, ladies, to put on blindfolds.”
“A blindfold? Is that really necessary?” I ask, laughing.
“It is,” Lisa says confidently, handing one to Tess and one to me.
Mine is red, and the fabric is soft like velvet. I slip it over my eyes and tie it securely at the back of my head, just above my ponytail.
“We’re ready,” Lisa says.
Josh starts the car, and we pull away.
About ten minutes into the drive, I’ve completely lost track of where we are. At first, I could recognize the route, but after a few turns, everything became unfamiliar.
“If you’re looking for ransom money, you’re going to need Tess,” I joke. “I own nothing.”
Lisa laughs, and even Josh lets out a quiet chuckle.
“I don’t have anything either,” Tess adds.
“You do have a billionaire boyfriend,” Lisa replies, and we all laugh together.
Eventually, the car slows and comes to a stop. The engine shuts off.
“I’ve got one more step,” Lisa says as I step out of the car. I can feel her standing close by. “You’ll only need the blindfolds for a minute more.”
Before I can respond, she places something soft over my ears, earmuffs.
“This better be worth it,” I shout, though my voice is muffled and no longer audible to them.
