Chapter 6: The invitation

“Xander Cole is hosting a party tonight — and we’re invited,” Jasper announced inside the pool hall.

Norman didn’t look up. He lined up his shot, struck the ball cleanly, and exhaled slowly.

“I’m not going,” he said calmly as he prepared for his next shot.

Jasper, lounging on the couch nearby, studied him carefully.

“Andy will be there.”

Norman didn’t react.

“Of course she will. She’s Xander’s cousin.”

“That’s exactly my point,” Jasper pressed.

Norman finally paused and glanced at him. “Why do you keep repeating Andy’s name? I heard you the first time.”

“If Andy goes, that means we’re basically expected to go,” Jasper explained. “You know how she is. If we skip, she’ll make a fuss.”

“You go,” Norman replied. “I’m not in the mood to meet Xander.”

“Oh come on,” Jasper groaned. “How long are you two going to keep avoiding each other?”

A year ago, Norman and Xander had been inseparable — best friends. Then something had gone terribly wrong, and neither of them had been willing to fix it. Jasper was trapped between them, loyal to Norman yet still in contact with Xander.

“This conversation isn’t about him,” Norman said sharply.

“Fine,” Jasper sighed. “Then come for Andy. She’d do the same for you.”

Norman hesitated, struck another ball, and finally exhaled.

“Fine.”

Jasper relaxed instantly. “Good.”

A vibration buzzed against the couch — Norman’s phone.

Jasper picked it up automatically and glanced at the screen.

Gabi.

He opened the message, read it, and smiled knowingly before placing the phone back down.

“Well then,” Jasper said lightly, “looks like we’ve got plans tonight.”

Norman frowned faintly but said nothing.

The idea of a party filled with Solmere State students didn’t appeal to him — but strangely, a thought crossed his mind.

Would Gabriella be there?

He dismissed it immediately.

There was no way Gabriella would attend a party like that. Besides, she didn’t even know Xander.

The photography club consisted of only eight members. To Gabriella, it felt like a cozy number — but judging by Blake’s anxious expressions, it was dangerously close to being disbanded.

Standing at the front was Xander Cole.

Tall. Sharp hazel eyes. Dark brown hair neatly styled. His presence commanded attention effortlessly — intimidating yet charming, especially when his dimples appeared as he smiled.

Gabriella swallowed nervously.

“Gabriella Morritt,” she introduced herself softly.

Xander nodded approvingly. “Alright. Let’s begin the meeting.”

Chairs scraped as everyone settled in. Gabriella stayed quiet, listening as they reviewed last year’s exhibitions, expenses, and future plans. The conversation moved from budgets to possible upcoming projects.

When the meeting ended, several members filtered out. Amanda immediately began clearing the table with Blake’s help.

Xander finished speaking with Andy and turned toward Gabriella.

“Ella, right?” he asked with a friendly smile. “I heard you have your father’s old camera and want to print the photos.”

“Yes,” Gabriella nodded. “I don’t have it with me today, but I can bring it tomorrow.”

“Perfect,” Xander replied. “How experienced are you with photography?”

Gabriella hesitated. “I’m… a beginner.”

“That’s completely fine,” Xander said warmly. “We’ll teach you.”

He glanced around the room. “Anyone willing to volunteer to show Ella the basics?”

“I will,” Andy said immediately, smiling brightly at Gabriella.

Gabriella’s face lit up. “I’d love that.”

As the remaining members filtered out of the photography room, Gabriella stayed behind to help Andy return the box she had taken from storage.

“Oh, that’s great,” Andy said, letting out a tired breath as they carried the box down the hallway. Then she glanced at Gabriella and smiled. “This must be overwhelming for you, joining something new.”

“What do you mean?” Gabriella asked.

“Starting a new club, new people, new routine,” Andy explained. “But don’t worry. I’m good with the camera. I’ll teach you everything Xander taught me.”

Gabriella’s curiosity sparked.

“So Xander taught you photography?”

Andy nodded cheerfully. “He’s a great teacher. He could’ve taught you too, but he’s in his final year and always busy. So now I’m your mentor.” She grinned.

“And honestly, I like you. You seem like a nice person — I’d love for us to be friends.”

Gabriella felt flattered and slightly shy. “You’re making me blush.”

“Why?” Andy laughed.

“Because I’m not as amazing as you make me sound.”

“Oh come on,” Andy teased. “I didn’t say you were some saint saving the world. You’re just cool and easy to talk to. That’s enough.”

Gabriella smiled, feeling warmth settle in her chest.

“Oh — by the way,” Andy added casually, “do you have plans tonight? Xander is hosting a new semester party. Would you like to come?”

Gabriella hesitated. “I’m not sure…”

Her grandmother’s voice echoed in her mind, warning her about meaningless parties and reckless behavior.

Andy stopped walking and looked at her eagerly. “Please come. As my friend, you’re invited.”

Gabriella smiled softly. “I’ll… think about it.”

They finished returning the box and parted ways after planning when their photography lessons would begin.

When Gabriella arrived home later, the apartment was quiet.

No Norman.

She hadn’t realized how much she had hoped to see him until the emptiness settled in.

She lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about the party Andy had mentioned. Unsure what to do, she called the one person who always decided things for her — Krista.

“Girl, you need to go,” Krista exclaimed through the phone. “It’s your first party in Solmere! Who knows — you might meet someone.”

Gabriella sighed. “I don’t even have anything to wear.”

“What are you talking about?” Krista laughed. “That pink strapless dress we bought last summer.”

“I still have it… But it’s short, Krista. And it’s not even summer.”

“Perfect,” Krista teased. “Maybe some handsome gentleman will lend you his jacket. Just wear it.”

Gabriella chuckled despite herself.

Her thoughts drifted back to that summer — sneaking out with Krista, dancing all night, the truth-or-dare game that had given her her second kiss. It had been reckless… and unforgettable.

With a deep breath, Gabriella pulled the pink dress from her closet. She changed, fixed her hair, applied light makeup, and studied her reflection.

Nervous. Excited. Curious.

Then she grabbed her bag and headed out for the party.