The Day I Kissed An Older Man

The wine had a strong alcohol content, and the sharp bite from that one sip burned like fire down Melody's throat. "I don't go to events like these often," she admitted, "so I'm not very used to the atmosphere here. Don't mind me, though. Go and have fun. I'll be fine on my own."

Stella smiled playfully. "That won't do! You're Lucas' friend, and I'm obliged to entertain you. However." She leaned in confidentially. "Lucas isn't exactly a social butterfly, especially when it comes to women. You're the first female friend he's brought to a banquet, so I'm curious to know how you two met each other."

The question was a little tricky. She could not bring herself to tell Stella the truth of their tumultuous first encounter in a hotel bedroom. That would shatter Lucas' carefully constructed facade of being single, and doing so might incite Lucas' wrath.

"Through...work," Melody mumbled. "We're not very close. I'm just an acquaintance, so don't worry about me."

Stella's smile remained, but her eyes narrowed and did not respond to that.

about you?" she asked. "How did

him better than anyone. You could

smile on her face, her eyes were devoid of warmth as she scrutinized Melody's reaction. Alas, she was unable to discern

as she

ambiguous. "And we know each other

Stella! Over here!" someone called

the shoulder and walked over

disassociated with the part around her. She felt uncomfortable, so she silently left

stifling room and wandered back to the main hall, she sought solace in a quiet corner. Leaning against the balcony railing, she gazed at the glittering cityscape below. The world