Party Gone Wrong

Patty's mind raced, and in a split second, she concocted a lie. "Oh, Talia, I was just trying on Brixlee's robe," she said with an attempt at nonchalance, her cheeks flushed.

Talia's gaze flickered between Patty and the robe, her expression a mix of disbelief and incredulity. "Trying on Brixlee's robe?" she repeated, a hint of skepticism in her tone. "Why?"

Patty shrugged, feigning casualness. "I saw it earlier and thought it might look good on me. You know, I was thinking of getting a similar one."

Talia's skepticism lingered, but she seemed to accept the explanation. "Well, okay then. Just... remember to ask next time, alright?"

Patty nodded, her heart still racing from the near miss. "Of course, sorry about that," she replied, attempting to appear contrite.

With a lingering glance at Patty, Talia turned and left the room, the door closing behind her. Patty let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her pulse gradually returning to normal.

After a moment to collect hersel