ORION.
This week has been full of surprises, starting with Athena's return to Alderan and the thoughtful gift of a perfume named after me, infused with my late mom's scent. The icing on the cake was finally introducing her to my boyfriend in person - yes, I can confidently call him that now! We've been inseparable, spending every waking moment together. Harro's been staying over at my penthouse most nights, and it's become a lovely routine to come home to his warm smile and a delicious dinner.
Athena's visit also brought out my best friend's dramatic side. She claimed I was neglecting our friendship, caught up in my whirlwind romance. I couldn't help but give in to her demands, as I adore her spirited nature. Now, here I am, out at the club on a Friday night. I would've preferred a cozy night in, but she insisted this was the only way to have a "proper" get-together. The fact that Harro's cousin, Azalea, is in town only added fuel to her persistence.
It's astonishing how Harro and Athena instantly clicked and became fast friends after meeting in my office just a few days ago. However, their similarities are starting to wear me down - they're both excessively hyper and energetic. I'm worried that their plan tonight is to drink excessively, and I'm also relieved that I'm not a drinker.
"Hi, hi, darling! Lovely to see you again, Harro! So glad you could make it!" Athena exclaimed, beaming with excitement as Harro and Azalea entered the VIP club room.
"Hi gorgeous, lovely to see you too," Harro replied, flashing his dazzling smile as he hugged Athena and kissed her cheeks. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."
As Athena asked, "Hope it wasn't too much trouble finding this place?" Harro shook his head, then moved past her to me, his smile still radiant.
"Hi handsome," he greeted with a wink making me laugh as he gently held my face and kissed me and I replied with a, "Hi you." barely above a whisper. Just then, the girls chimed in with exaggerated "Ewws" and fake shivers, making us laugh as we pulled apart.
Athena extended her hand, introducing herself, "You must be the cousin, Azalea. Pleasure to meet you, I'm Athena, this guy's best friend," she said with a gesture toward me.
Azalea smiled, "The pleasure is all mine, I've heard a lot about you too." She then pulled Athena into a tight, bone-crushing hug, making Athena gasp. Azalea chuckled, seemingly amused by Athena's surprise.
Athena recovered quickly, inviting Azalea to sit beside her on the couch. "Here, drink this!" she said, handing Azalea a shot glass. Azalea downed the liquid in one swift motion.
"Whoa!" Azalea exclaimed, her eyes widening. "That was quite a kicker! What was that?" she asked Athena, excitement sparkling in her eyes.
"That, my friend, is my secret to surviving the night," Athena replied with a mischievous glint in her eyes, handing Azalea another drink.
Harro leaned in, whispering to me, "Those two are going to become best friends, aren't they?" We watched as they giggled and whispered into each other's ears, their faces inches apart.
I raised an eyebrow, replying, "You tell me." We exchanged a knowing glance, wondering what kind of mischief they were plotting.
Athena poured a drink over ice and handed it to Harro, saying, "Here you go, kind sir. Athena's special, just for you." Harro accepted the drink with a nod of appreciation, taking a sip before nodding in approval. Athena beamed with pride, pleased that he enjoyed her signature drink.
Athena turned to me, a playful grin spreading across her face. "And for my favorite non-alcoholic drinker best friend, a Shirley Temple: a fruity mix of ginger ale, orange juice, and grenadine syrup, served with a maraschino cherry garnish, just for you, my good Sir." I couldn't help but chuckle at her dramatic flair, accepting the drink with a smile.
"We're going to have so much fun!" Athena squealed, her excitement growing louder as Azalea set up the stereo in our VIP room. I smiled, shaking my head, knowing that Athena was always true to her word. When she declared that "fun Athena" was out to play, there was no stopping her. It was nice to see her finding a kindred spirit in Azalea.
Athena's curiosity got the better of her as she turned to Azalea. "So, tell me, darling. I heard it's your first time in Alderan. How are you finding the place? Made any friends yet?" She asked, pulling her long hair behind her ears as it falls on shoulders. Azalea shook her head, downing another shot before responding.
"Yes, I think the place is alright, though I haven't been out much," Azalea said, prompting Athena to gasp in surprise.
"Yeah, that part kinda comes with making friends... so, no?" Azalea added with a shrug, making Athena shrieked in playful protest. Turning to Harro, Athena asked, "I thought you were the fun one?"
I jumped to my own defense, "Hey, I'm not boring!" only to receive a teasing "Please!" from Athena under her breath. Harro patted my lap reassuringly.
Azalea chimed in, "He used to be fun, and then he fell in love." Harro smirked at his cousin, while Athena let out a dramatic sigh, flopping back into the couch.
"I suppose falling in love can do that to someone... Hey, good for you!" Athena said, giving Harro a thumbs-up. We all burst out laughing at her enthusiastic gesture.
As we settled back into our conversation, Harro took my hand, entwining our fingers. Athena, meanwhile, promised to show Azalea around town before jetting off to Paris.
Athena's eyes sparkled with excitement as she asked, "You know what will be fun?" I raised an eyebrow, intrigued, while Azalea chimed in with a mischievous grin, "Going to a strip club?" Harro burst out laughing, and Athena declared, "Close enough, but I'm thinking more karaoke!"
I rolled my eyes, Azalea squealed with delight, and Harro looked excited for some reason, his goofy smile making me wonder what had gotten him so pumped up. When I gave him a questioning look, he just shrugged, avoiding eye contact.
Before long, the karaoke machine was set up and ready to go. Athena took the stage first, and her singing was...less than stellar, it was horrible. Azalea followed, opting to wing it without the provided lyrics. Her off-key singing had us all in stitches as she thoroughly enjoyed herself.
When it was my turn, I made it clear that I wouldn't be singing, earning a chorus of "Boo!" from the group. Finally, it was Harro's turn. He picked up the mic, and Celine Dion's "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" began to play. The room fell silent, and I was entranced, my eyes locked on Harro.
Azalea turned to us, a hint of familiarity in her voice, "Yeah, I forgot he could do that." We watched, mesmerized, as Harro's powerful voice filled the room.
"How is he doing that?" I asked aloud, my voice laced with disbelief. Azalea simply shrugged, as if she was accustomed to his talent.
Harro's voice was truly magnificent. With his stunning looks and incredible vocal skills, he could easily have a successful music career. I was transfixed, unable to tear my eyes away from him, even as he finished his performance and sat down beside me.
As soon as he did, I blurted out, "That was pretty awesome! Your voice is amazing!" I couldn't help but compliment him – it was the honest truth.
Harro smiled, his eyes sparkling with pleasure. "Thank you," he replied, leaning in for a kiss. The ladies cheered, shouting "Get a room!" and we pulled apart, laughing along with them.
The rest of the night flew by in a whirlwind of laughter, jokes, and carefree fun.