Chapter 6

A week later:

Yasmin:Just reminding you about the event tonight, we'll be at yours at 7pm :)

Ember:Got it, thanks yas 🩷

I've never been so happy to have a week to do absolutely nothing, usually I'm always up and about but this past week was nothing but laziness. But I have to get back into it now, I have an event in an hour for some album release for Sabrina carpenter, I've actually never met her before but her management and mine are pretty tight so I guess I just got lucky, I'm excited to go, I thoroughly enjoy her music and I really really enjoyed her tour, her stage is so cool and unique.

I was given an outfit to wear from Yasmin, it's cute, just not really something I'd wear all the time; but there is absolutely nothing wrong with dressing up every now and then. It's a full length black dress with a deep V cut down the chest, then completed with a gorgeous golden flower decal. It was simple which I loved and I know I'll be comfortable in it.I put it on and took my time with my hair and makeup, I enjoy doing makeup, it's a way for me to relax before a show or an event, and it's something I know I'll always have control over I paired the dress with some simple black heels and my outfit was complete. I'm not gonna lie, I looked good, and that made me excited.

I get a quick text from Yasmin to let me know they have arrived, I grab my keys, purse and phone and I'm out the door, ready for an event full night hopefully

"Now you look amazing in that E" Yasmin throws me a compliment I give her a big grin, I mean she is the one who picked this out

"You picked it out for me and I have to say, you have amazing taste" I wink towards her, earning a small chuckle as a reply.

The car ride was short and quiet; I enjoyed the peacefulness as I knew as soon as I entered the event it would be far from quiet and peaceful.Billie never replied back to my message, which I of course never expected her too, I mean it was a very closed ended reply from me, I knew I should've thought about it a little longer but it's done now and it will be a fun story to tell people.

The car rolls up outside the venue, I can hear people talking and lots of loud noise, assuming it's the music, maybe possibly Sabrina's new album.

I gently slide out of the car and there are immediate flashes, I quickly adjust myself, no one likes to be caught off guard especially if there is photo evidence of it. Something that Yasmin has always taught me is to smile slightly when paparazzi is around, but I do not need to stop for them or listen to them. Which is something I will gladly always stick by.

The venue was quant and had a calming atmosphere, everyone was dressed in their black tie attire which paired perfectly with the venue. I spotted a few people I've seen or met before, but no one I knew that I could actually spend the evening with comfortably I decided I would just head to the bar and grab a drink, it's always good to loosen up a little.I order an espresso martini, my all time favourite drink, although, I don't drink often, it's just not really my scene but I don't mind one here and there.I sip on my drink slowly admiring all the people around me, everyone looks phenomenal. It's crazy how so many attractive people can be in one room.I grab my drink and take a quick sip before I feel a hand graze my lower back, I turn around to see a face I didn't think I would see again for awhile.

"hey ember" she smiles softly, with her hand still pressed against my back. I must admit, she looked good.

I take another sip of my drink, trying to steady my nerves, Billie's hand is still lightly resting on my lower back, and it's all I can think about, her presence is so effortlessly cool, but I can't help to feel a little flustered. She looks amazing in that black suit, the crisp white shirt making her both look polished and relaxed. How am I even having a conversation with her right now?

Her gaze lingers on me, it's like she's studying me in the most subtle way, trying to take in every movement and emotion I portray. My heart skips a beat and I quickly glance away, trying not to let these butterfly's make a bigger mess of me than they already are.

"I had no idea you'd be here tonight" I say, leaning against the bar, my voice comes out a little quieter than I intended, but I'm trying to focus on anything other than how she's eyeing me down right now. I could go insane

Billie shrugs, still keeping that relaxed energy."I tend to come to these things. I like to support other artists. Plus it's always fun getting out and seeing familiar faces" she adds with a smile, eyes meeting mine with that same intensity I was trying to avoid. I Let out a small laugh, not sure whether to be relieved or more nervous. "I'm more of a homebody, to be honest. But coming out to these every now and again is fun"

Billie laughs softly, nodding like she understands "Yeah I get that. Sometimes it's nice to just be in your own world, you know? But it's always good to mix it up"

I nod, feeling the pressure of the conversation lift a little. "For sure" I reply, then hesitate, glancing at her again. I sip my drink, glancing around the crowded room, but my attention is quickly drawn back to Billie when she leans in a bit closer, her hand now resting in her pockets. Her presence is magnetic. It's hard not to be drawn in by her relaxed confidence, the way she makes everything seem so easy. But there's an edge to it, something that leaves me to wanting more.

"So what's been keeping you busy lately, apart from your tour of course" my voice a little too casual, hoping it doesn't sound like a rehearsed line. "Anything new coming up?" I add.

Billie's gaze flickers over me for a moment before she tapped her glass thoughtfully, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. She looks like she's considering how much she wants to share.

"I've been working on some new music" she says, her voice low and smooth, sending a shiver down my spine. "It's coming along, but no rush to get it out, in just letting it flow, you know?"

I can't help but to admire her composure, there's a confidence in her that I just can't quite ignore.

"That sounds like the right way to do it" I reply trying to keep the conversation light, though I can't help but to feel the weight of her words."No need to rush things, it's better to wait until it feels right."

Billie's smile widens slightly, her eyes still locked on me. "Exactly. People get too caught up on in the deadline, best stuff always comes when you let it out of your control." There's something about the way she speaks, so grounded. Like she trusts and believes every word that comes out of her mouth. I feel the pull of her words, and it makes me want to dive deeper, but I keep it casual."I think I needed to hear that" I admit, a bit of a smile creeping onto my face. "I forget sometimes that it's okay to just take time"

Billie leans in a little more, like she's sharing a secret between us, her gaze sharpens, and her voice drops to a softer tone."You're not alone in that" she says, her lips barely moving.

"Thanks Billie" I say a little breathless " you seem to really know what to say"

Billie chuckles, a soft, almost teasing sound, and she shrugs. She glances over at the crowd, her fingers found her drink and begin lightly tapping it again. Then, her gaze finds mine once more, and this time it's different.

"But enough about me, what about you, Ember? What's been keeping you up at night?"

Her sudden shift in focus makes my pulse quicken, it feels like she's actually interested in me- not just the music or the industry, and I can't help but to feel drawn in.

I smile, deciding to open up a little."A lot, honestly, new music, trying to balance what I love and not losing myself in it. But I'm managing."

Billie studies me for a beat, her eyes intense."You've got it together more than you think" she says, her voice low but certain. "I can tell."

Her words hit me harder than I expected. And I feel my cheeks flush. "Thanks Billie" I reply, surprised by how much it means.

She grins, her eyes twinkling with something unspoken. "You've got it Ember" she adds, with more weight this time. "I know it."

For a moment I'm caught up in her gaze, forgetting everything around us. I don't what this to end.

"It's late, I should really get going I have a show tomorrow" Billie's explains, I nod my head, understanding.

"You should definitely get some sleep then" She chuckles. She gives my arm a light squeeze

"Keep in touch. yeah?" She asks, looking deeply in my eyes, I nod not breaking eye contact. She gives me one last smile before disappearing into the crowd.