6. Chapter 6

Chapter six

“ H e said that?” Jess asked, her head jerking back in amused shock.

“Oh yeah,” Tiana groaned, her words just loud enough to hear over the music and swarms of people in the surrounding bar. “And that wasn’t even half of it.”

Sam laughed into her drink as she listened to Tiana recount another one of the conversations she’d had that evening.

“I’ve only talked to him a few times,” Liz said with a laugh, finally looking up from her phone, “but that’s exactly the kind of thing I’d expect him to say.”

Sam had nearly forgotten Liz was still with them. She’d been so quiet, her focus fixed on her phone for most of the evening, that the sudden interjection was surprising.

Jess turned toward Sam, her fingers trailing along the rim of her drink as the laughter settled. “So,” she started, her tone casual, “do you still need help with that PR stuff you mentioned?”

Sam exhaled, the words drawing her focus from the comfortable rhythm of the bar’s noise. “Yeah. I can use any help right now.”

Jess nodded. “Do you want to meet up next Saturday? I have some stuff I can drop off real quick and you can look it over. Then maybe we could meet again later to go over everything in detail if you want?”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I mean, if you want to.”

She swore she could almost immediately feel a fraction of the stress melt from her shoulders. “Yeah, that’s perfect.”

Liz, who had resumed scrolling on her phone, suddenly perked up. “Wait,” she interjected, her brows furrowing as she looked at Jess. “You can’t on Saturday. You’re coming to my soccer game, remember?”

“Oh,” Jess muttered, her expression shifting as a flicker of remorse crossed her face. “Yeah, sorry. I completely forgot.”

She turned back to Sam, her gaze apologetic. “Can you fit it in on another day?”

Sam offered a small, understanding smile. “You’re the one doing me a favor, so just let me know when you can, and I’ll make it work.”

The tension in Jess’ shoulders eased, her lips curving into a softer smile. “How about early tomorrow? I can swing by your apartment and drop it off.”

“That’s perfect,” Sam replied with a nod.

“Great,” Jess said, her smile widening as a hint of warmth returned to her voice. “Send me your address, and I’ll be there in the morning.”

Sam immediately pulled out her phone, quickly typing out the address before hitting send.

Then she peered back up at Liz. “You still play soccer?”

“Of course,” she replied with a look that made the question seem insane. “It’s a rec league, but it’s mostly ex college players, so it’s super competitive.”

Sam hummed as she nodded once. “Sounds fun.”

“It is,” Liz gushed, finally brightening up for the first time since they’d arrived. “Playing in college was the best. This makes it feel like it never really ended.”

Sam brought the drink to her lips, taking a sip.

“Hey, you should come play with us next Saturday!” Liz exclaimed.

The idea was tempting—being back on the field sounded incredible—but her schedule was already crammed with work and the endless wedding tasks Scarlett kept roping her into. Adding something else, even something fun, probably wasn’t the smartest move.

“I don’t know,” Sam muttered. “I’m pretty busy with everything going on.”

Liz frowned, although the look didn’t hold all that much disappointment.“Right. I understand.” She reached forward, taking a sip of her drink. Then a small, challenging smirk formed on her lips as she glanced back up at her from behind her glass. “I understand you being too scared you’d lose against me.”

Sam caught the glint in her eyes, a spark that instantly reminded her of the childhood best friend who never backed down from a challenge. The one who would push until she had no choice but to take her on.

And she loved it.

The corners of her lips curled upward before she could stop them.

“Ugh,” Tiana groaned beside her, rolling her eyes. “You’re so easy to get to. It’s ridiculous.”

Sam broke out into a grin as she said, “We both know I’d run circles around you, just like when we were kids.”

Liz’s eyes tightened a fraction, an edge of seriousness seeping in behind the teasing smile. “Means nothing if you can’t prove it.”

Sam caught the amused, but also slightly weary, look in Jess’ eyes as she looked at Liz.

“Fine,” Sam replied. “I’m in.”

Liz’s grin widened, showing all of her teeth. Then she threw a glance at Tiana. “You’re right. She’s always been this easy to get to.”

“Wow, this place is packed.”

Sam looked up to see Scarlett approaching the table.

“Hey,” she called out, shooting Scarlett a smile.

Scarlett rounded the table, slipping an arm around Sam for a quick side hug before turning her attention to Tiana with an easy grin. “You must be Tiana. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Tiana beamed back, standing and throwing her arms around her in a tight hug. “If it’s from Sam, then I know it has to be all good things.”

Scarlett laughed, squeezing her back before stepping away. “I like her already,” she said, throwing Sam a playful, pointed smile over her shoulder.

Sam leaned back, watching as Scarlett and Tiana fell into effortless conversation, their animated voices blending together as though they’d known each other for years.

With a knowing smirk, Sam slid a little closer to Jess, her voice quiet. “I knew they’d be best friends right off the bat.”

Jess chuckled, shaking her head as she lifted her drink. “You were right,” she said before taking a slow sip.

Across the table, Scarlett frowned, her eyes narrowing at her phone screen.

“What is it?” Sam asked, her brow furrowing as she leaned forward slightly.

Scarlett hesitated, her thumb hovering over the screen before she finally set the phone down on the table with a sigh. “Terrence just texted me,” she said. “His sister’s gonna come to the bachelorette weekend next month.”

“That’s a good thing, right?” Jess asked carefully. “Didn’t you invite her?”

“I did,” Scarlett admitted, blowing out a long breath. “But now I’ll spend the whole weekend stressing over whether she likes me or not.”

Sam’s brow furrowed. “His sister doesn’t like you?”

Scarlett gave a small shrug. “It’s not that she doesn’t like me—or at least, I don't think that's it," she said with a sigh. “Our personalities just don’t mesh. I’ve tried, but it’s always felt—forced.”

“That’s surprising," Sam said, tilting her head. "Everyone loves you.”

Scarlett scoffed, shooting her a look. “No. Everyone loves you .” Then her expression shifted, her hazel eyes lighting up with sudden excitement. “Wait—oh my gosh, you should come with us!” She clapped her hands together as if the idea had struck like lightning. “It’d be perfect! You could totally get her to loosen up and have fun!”

Sam frowned, apprehension washing over her.

“You guys should all come!” Scarlett continued, her excitement bubbling over as she turned to Liz and Tiana.

“Are you sure?” Sam asked carefully. “I thought you were excited to have a weekend with just you guys,” she added, nodding between her and Jess.

Scarlett waved her hand dismissively, as if that thought was already far behind her. “I was, but I think it’d be so fun if you were all there, too.”

“Well, you don’t have to convince me,” Liz said with a grin. “A weekend at a resort is exactly what I need right now. Send me the dates. I’ll add them to my list of dates and addresses I already have marked down for your other wedding stuff.”

Scarlett beamed, her enthusiasm doubling as she swung her hopeful gaze back to Sam.

“I don’t know,” Sam muttered, frowning at her. “I can’t really travel right now with everything going on.”

Scarlett shook her head. “We’re not traveling. We were just gonna stay at a hotel on the beach for the weekend. It’s barely even a thirty-minute drive from the city.”

“Well, that sounds perfect. I’m in,” Tiana said, her wide grin practically daring Sam to argue. She scooted in closer to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Come on,” she said, squeezing her arm. “It's useless saying no, anyway. You know I’ll talk you into it.”

Sam frowned slightly, before blowing out an exhale. “Okay,” she muttered. “Yeah, sure.”

“Yes!” Scarlett exclaimed, clapping. “I’ll call the hotel tomorrow and see if we can reserve a couple more rooms on the same floor.”

“Great, now that that’s settled,” Tiana said, tipping her glass back and finishing her drink in one smooth motion. She stood, grabbing Sam’s hand. “Let’s dance.”

Sam blinked but didn’t resist as Tiana tugged her out of the booth. With a resigned smile, she downed the last of her drink and slid out from behind the table.

Scarlett took a sip from her own glass, her gaze shifting to Jess. “You guys coming?”

Jess nodded, sliding out of the booth with her usual easy smile before glancing over at Liz.

Liz wrinkled her nose, her scowl mild but firm. “I’m good. Not exactly in the mood to get elbowed by sweaty strangers.”

Sam waited as Jess slipped past her, following behind Scarlett and Tiana toward the pulsing lights of the dance floor.

The music hit like a wave, thudding through the floor and reverberating in her chest. The space was packed, bodies swaying and bouncing to the beat, the crowd pressing in tight on all sides. Sam could hardly move without brushing against someone else.

And yet, none of it mattered. Not the chaos, the crush of people, or the way her shoes stuck faintly to the floor.

Because as her gaze lingered on Jess, her cheeks faintly pink beneath the shifting lights, and Scarlett laughing at something Tiana whispered, Sam felt a rare lightness settle in her chest.

It felt good—better than it should—to just be there, letting go for once.

Sam laughed, the sound bubbling out of her unexpectedly as she caught Jess’ eye. Jess grinned back, laughing along with her.

A moment later, Sam felt someone move beside her, close enough to grab her attention. She turned her head just as a woman began swaying in time with her, then smoothly shifted to press her back against Sam’s front.

The woman shot a playful, coy smile over her shoulder.

Sam hesitated for half a second, but with the last drink finally settling warm in her veins, she let herself fall into the rhythm. She wasn’t looking for anything, but she didn’t mind the easy, thoughtless contact, either. They moved together, bodies naturally syncing to the beat.

As they turned, her eyes swept over the dance floor and landed on Jess and Tiana. Both of them were watching, but in entirely different ways.

Tiana’s expression was predictable. Obvious jealousy that Sam had seen a dozen times before.

But Jess didn’t look jealous—not even a flicker of it. Instead, her gaze lingered, sharp and focused, as if she were carefully assessing the contact between them. There was a quiet intensity in her expression, her blue eyes steady and searching. Then, after a beat, she glanced away, her posture softening, as though whatever she’d seen had given her an answer.

“You guys want another drink?” Tiana called out over the music.

“I’m good.” Scarlett said, her long dark curls shifting as she shook her head.

Jess tilted her head in agreement. “Yeah. I’ll get one.”

“Me too,” Sam added, stepping back.

The woman she’d been dancing with gave her a questioning, faintly disappointed look before sauntering off into the crowd. But Sam barely noticed. She was already trailing after Jess and Tiana as they weaved toward the bar, slipping between groups of people clustered near the edge of the dance floor.

When they reached the bar, Tiana leaned in, catching the bartender’s attention. “Tequila shots?” she asked, a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

Sam chuckled, resting her elbows on the counter. It wasn’t what she’d planned to order, but it also didn’t sound half bad. “Sure. Why not?”

Jess flashed a grin. “Let’s do it.”

“Three tequila shots, please,” Tiana called out, raised her hand to the bartender.

He nodded and turned away, grabbing glasses from beneath the counter.

Before he could return, a woman appeared behind Tiana, her voice low and confident. “Can I buy you a drink?”

Tiana glanced over her shoulder, her lips curving into a polite, sweet smile. “I just ordered one.”

The woman stepped closer, undeterred. “Maybe I can get your next one, then?”

Sam bit back a smirk, watching the interaction unfold. That was the usual with Tiana—she never failed to attract attention wherever they went.

Tiana chuckled lightly, her eyes flicking toward the crowd, already distancing herself from the conversation. “Not tonight. Thanks, though.”

The woman hesitated for a beat before nodding and walking off, her smile fading as she melted back into the sea of people.

“Not your type?” Jess asked from the other side of where Sam stood.

Tiana smirked, her teasing eyes instantly meeting Sam’s. “There’s only one woman I’m trying to take home tonight.”

Sam snorted, shaking her head as her gaze darted away, but it wasn’t quick enough to miss the flicker of surprise that crossed Jess’ face.

Tiana’s relentless teasing was something Sam had long grown used to. Most of the time, it was just that—teasing. A way to push her buttons and get a rise out of her, nothing more.

But Jess didn’t know that.

And even if she and Jess were just friends, it still didn’t feel right. Because if their positions were reversed, she wasn’t sure she’d want to hear someone say something like that about her.

Actually—she was positive she wouldn’t.

Maybe someday she’d get there. She hoped she would. But not yet. Not now.

“She’s joking,” Sam said to Jess with a laugh.

“Am I?” Tiana asked, the flirtatious smile still firmly planted on her lips as she cocked her head and leaned back against the bar.

“Here you go,” the bartender said, sliding three shot glasses with lime slices toward them.

“Thanks,” Sam replied before giving him the name of her open tab.

She slid one of the shots in front of Jess while Tiana grabbed the other.

Sam picked hers up carefully, grimacing when a few drops of liquid sloshed over the side and dripped down her fingers. She shook her hand lightly, swiping the liquid onto her jeans.

And as she turned, she noticed the woman from the dance floor strolling past. Her gaze lingered just long enough to flash Sam a coy smile before disappearing into the crowd.

A dry chuckle sounded from Jess beside her.

Sam turned, her brows furrowing. “What?”

She shook her head softly, looking away as she picked up the lime wedge. “Just brings back memories.”

Tiana leaned forward, resting one arm against the bar. “The tequila shots? Or the girls drooling over her?” she deadpanned.

Jess released a puff of air, throwing Tiana a knowing look before picking up the lime wedge with her free hand. “Both.”

Tiana hummed, matching Jess’ demeanor as she raised her glass in the air. “Well cheers to,” she paused, making a disgusted face, “ not that.”

Sam laughed to herself, shaking her head at the two of them as they clinked glasses and pour the shots back.

She followed suit, taking the shot. It’d been a long time since she’d really gone out. And even longer since she’d taken a straight shot of alcohol. She’d almost forgotten the horrible taste that now scorched her throat as she forced it down.

Her cheeks clenched in revulsion as she quickly sucked on the lime wedge.

A glass clinked on the left beside her where Tiana set hers down, sliding it forward to the opposite edge of the bar.

“So,” Tiana started, wiping the back of her hand against her mouth, “how did you and Liz meet?” She leaned forward, peering past Sam to where Jess stood on her other side.

Sam tried to even out her expression.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to hear about Jess and Liz’s relationship. That wouldn’t be fair. Especially after Jess had to deal with Tiana’s overt flirtation just a minute before. Besides, if they were really going to make it as friends, then that would be part of it. Getting used to hearing the details of her with someone else.

And it was fine. She could do it. Although, it probably would’ve been a thousand times easier if she was dating just about anyone else.

The corners of Jess’ lips quirked up in a small smile.

“We met a while ago, when I first started working with her company.”

Tiana nodded. “Love at first sight?”

Jess tilted her head back in a snort of laughter. “Not exactly. We talked off and on when we ran into each other at work. Then one day, she asked me to go out with her and her friends. And things just went from there.”

“So you guys have been together for a while, then?” Tiana asked.

The smile fell slightly from Jess’ face as she shrugged. “It’s been sort of off and on since then.”

Her eyes flicked to Sam for just a moment before bouncing back to Tiana.

“We ended things a few times,” Jess clarified, her eyes falling back down to where she fiddled with her empty glass.

Sam hated that those words reminded her of them. The way they’d never really officially been something, but still seemed to bounce back and forth, nonetheless.

Tiana gave her a sympathetic quirk of her lips. “Well, you’re together now. And that’s what matters.”

Jess nodded once as some of the warmth seeped back into her features.

Tiana glanced between Sam and Jess, her grin widening. “One more?” she asked, eyebrows bouncing in a playful challenge.

Sam smirked, shaking her head slightly before giving in. “Why not?”

Tiana flagged down the bartender with a quick wave, and within moments, another round of tequila shots was set before them.

“Cheers,” Tiana declared, lifting her glass with a triumphant grin.

Sam tapped her shot against Tiana’s, then tossed it back. The sharp burn hit her throat immediately, and her eyes watered as she set the glass back on the counter. At least the tequila was doing its job, helping to dull the sting of the previous conversation.

“I’m gonna go check on Liz,” Jess called, her voice cutting through the music as she gestured toward the booth. Without waiting for a response, she disappeared into the crowd, leaving them alone at the bar.

Tiana turned to Sam with a grin. “Ready to go back out there?”

Sam hesitated, glancing toward the mass of people on the dance floor. Something about the energy wasn’t quite the same anymore, but she pushed the thought aside. “Yeah, let’s go.”

Tiana grabbed her hand, pulling her into the thrumming crowd. The music pounded through her chest as they wove their way back into the chaos. People swayed and spun around them, the room a blur of colored lights and motion.

The woman who’d been dancing with her before returned at some point, but Tiana subtly shoved her out of the way, taking her place instead. But even then, Sam barely noticed.

Her eyes kept floating across the room, catching glimpses of Jess every so often. Watching her smile, the way she laughed with Scarlett where they sat beside Liz in the booth.

She pulled her gaze away as she leaned in toward Tiana. “I’m gonna go sit for a sec.”

Tiana continued dancing as she stepped away in the opposite direction. “I’ll grab a couple more drinks and bring them back to the table.”

Sam nodded, then made her way through the crowd back to the booth.

“I was just about to make Jess get back up so we could dance with you guys,” Scarlett said with a frown as she returned.

“Sorry,” Sam said with an apologetic smile. “Just give me a few minutes and I’ll go back out with you.”

Sam watched as Liz shot Jess a disappointed look, one of those tight smiles that said more than words. And she knew Jess’ answering expression. It was the one she used when things felt off. The one that told her she wanted something more.

Scarlett leaned over to Jess. “Wanna get a drink with me real quick before?” she asked with a wide grin.

For a moment, it seemed like Jess might actually stay. That they might have a few more moments in that hazy, alcohol-laced night together. But then Jess caught Liz’s hopeful look, and Sam saw the quiet resignation in her eyes.

Jess shook her head, forcing a smile. “Yeah, no, you’re right,” she said to Liz. “It’s getting late.”

Tiana appeared, setting four shots on the table with a triumphant grin, breaking the brief silence. “Here we go,” she said, sliding them one-by-one to Sam, Scarlett, and Jess.

“Oh,” Jess muttered with a small frown, glancing at Liz. “Actually—I think we’re about to head out.”

Tiana’s smile faded into mild disappointment, but she quickly recovered, shrugging with a playful grin. “Alright, then,” she said, nudging the extra shot toward Sam. “Two for you.”

Sam raised an eyebrow as she glanced down at the two glasses lined up in front of her. “Trying to make up for lost time?”

“Something like that,” Tiana muttered with a teasing smile. “Cheers!” She clinked her glass with Scarlett’s before downing her shot.

Sam followed, the liquor thick in her throat as she glanced over at Jess, who still hadn’t moved.

“Sure you don’t wanna stay?” Sam asked, her voice softer than she’d intended.

“No,” Liz interjected before Jess could respond, pulling her phone from her purse. “I’m calling the Uber now.”

Tiana immediately wrapped an arm around Sam’s shoulders, leaning in with a smirk. “Don’t worry, I’ll stay as long as you want. Maybe we can keep the fun going after we leave, too.”

Sam felt the heat of Jess’s gaze, and glanced over at her, catching her even expression.

“Well, I’m glad you guys came out tonight,” Sam said, leaning back in the booth as she turned to her. “We need to do this more often. I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun.”

Jess smiled softly. “Me too.”

Tiana nudged Sam’s arm, breaking the moment as she leaned close, kissing her cheek. “Then maybe you should listen to me more often,” she said. “Less work, more play.”

Sam snorted a laugh as she nodded. “Yeah, yeah.” But as she glanced back at Jess, a flicker of memory hit her—another night, another crowded, where she’d felt that same pull, that same ache when Jess had been just out of reach. When another girl had been draped over her.

Another night that had ended very differently.

“Uber will be here in a couple minutes.” Liz announced, standing from the booth with her phone in hand. “We should go wait outside.”

Sam’s gaze flicked to Jess, catching the way her eyes lingered on her for just a beat too long. Then Jess turned to Scarlett, leaning in for a hug.

She whispered something into Scarlett’s ear, the words too quiet to catch over the hum of the bar.

Scarlett let out a soft chuckle as they pulled apart, her gaze drifting to Sam with an almost knowing look.

“Yeah,” Scarlett said with a nod. “I’ll make sure she gets home okay.”

***

Sam danced until her legs burned, and the hours blurred together. It wasn’t until Scarlett finally declared she was ready to head out that she realized how late it had gotten.

“You ready?” Tiana yelled over the music, leaning close enough for Sam to hear.

“Yeah,” Sam answered, swiping a hand through her hair. The ache in her legs from the long day and night was impossible to ignore now.

They filtered off the dance floor, exiting the bar onto the bustling sidewalk outside, where the city was still alive with late-night energy. Strangers shuffled around them, laughing and calling for rides of their own.

Sam pulled out her phone, squinting at the screen as she opened her ride app. “You wanna share one?” she asked Tiana.

Tiana tilted her head, a playful smile spreading across her face. “Actually, do you wanna hang out at your place for a little while? I’m not ready to end the night yet.”

Scarlett huffed a laugh from beside them, muttering something under her breath, though Sam only caught the word ‘subtle’. She glanced up in time to see the knowing smirk Tiana shot her, nudging her shoulder lightly.

“Yeah, sure,” Sam replied with a faint chuckle. “Just don’t expect much. I’ve barely unpacked.”

Tiana shrugged, her flirtatious grin firmly in place. “I don’t mind.”

Scarlett waved them off with a grin, climbing into her Uber. A minute later, their own ride pulled up, and Sam and Tiana slipped inside.

By the time they arrived, the streets were quieter, and the hum of the city felt like it was winding down. Sam led Tiana into the building, the soft ding of the elevator cutting through the silence as they stepped inside.

When they reached her apartment, Sam unlocked the door, flipping on the lights as they stepped in.

“Man,” Tiana muttered, “you’re some big tech geek, and you didn’t even try to get a penthouse?”

Sam chuckled, tossing her keys on the marble island in the small kitchen. “I don’t like having a lot of space.”

Tiana hummed. “I’m surprised. You’d think you’d be dying for space after being stuck in some of those homes we had to deal with when we were kids.”

Sam went to the fridge, grabbing two water bottles. She handed one to Tiana before taking a large gulp of her own.

“I had fun tonight,” Tiana said, taking a sip. “I like your friends.”

Sam smiled, taking another gulp. “Yeah, they’re great.”

“I like Jess,” Tiana said slowly, giving her a small, pointed smile. “She’s—” she paused, tilting her head back in thought, “ protective of you.”

Sam shook her head. “She’s not protective. She’s just a good friend.”

Tiana nodded slowly as she set the water bottle down, then stepped away, looking around the apartment. She glanced down the short hallway to the bedroom.

Then she ambled back there, pushing the door open. Sam stayed put, leaning against the counter as she tilted the water bottle up, draining what was left in one long gulp

“You haven’t changed at all,” Tiana called out to her with a boisterous laugh. “Everything is in the exact same place as you’ve always set up your rooms.”

Sam smiled to herself. It felt good having someone around that had known her for so long. Most of the time, it felt like she was moving farther and farther away from her past. Whether it was intentional or not. But having Tiana there felt like the only good reminder of those years.

Sam heard the faint rustle of movement coming from the bedroom. She pushed off the counter, ready to head back and see what Tiana was up to, but before she could take a step, Tiana appeared in the doorway.

A wide grin stretched across her face.

Sam’s gaze dropped to her hand, and the moment she saw what Tiana was holding, the reason for that grin became painfully clear.

“You still keep it on the right side of your dresser drawer,” Tiana said with a chuckle, holding up a strap on. “I guess old habits die hard, huh?”

Sam laughed, shaking her head as she looked away. “And you still go through all my stuff like it’s yours.”

Tiana shrugged, casually tossing the strap onto the couch as she sauntered back toward Sam. She stopped just shy of closing the distance between them. Then she looked up at Sam with a familiar smile.

Tiana’s hand slid easily around her back, her touch as natural as if they’d done this a hundred times before—which, in truth, they had.

It felt normal—good, even. Being close to someone she trusted. Someone who really knew her.

But even though it felt good, something about it didn’t feel right .

As Tiana leaned in, Sam instinctively pulled her head back.

“Not tonight,” she murmured, her voice soft but firm.

Tiana hesitated for a moment before nodding and stepping back with a small, disappointed smile. “Guess some things do change then, huh?”