Chapter 3 0003 Welcome to New York

In a townhouse near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, a kind-looking woman stood in the kitchen doorway, smiling at another woman lounging on the couch, watching Netflix and munching on organic fruit.

"Hey Skye, could you grab some sriracha sauce from Trader Joe's? We're out."

Skye raised an eyebrow. She'd rented this place for the view and fresh air, plus her Asian-American landlord Lily seemed easy to get along with. But Lily's enthusiasm was a bit much, treating her like a little sister whether she liked it or not. Seeing Lily's sweet smile, Skye couldn't refuse but bargained, "Only if you promise to make In-N-Out style burgers."

Lily laughed, "Deal. Hurry back or no burgers!" She shooed Skye away playfully.

Skye stood up, amused and exasperated. She wore a ripped t-shirt, faded jeans, and chunky silver jewelry – a rebellious look that somehow suited her perfectly.

Lily frowned at Skye's outfit, "Skye, why are you dressed like that again? That style..."

Skye bolted for the door before Lily could lecture her. Lily always tried to mother her, but Skye did her own thing, regardless.

Just as she reached the door, the bell rang. "Must be for you," Skye said, changing shoes.

Lily wiped her hands, approaching, "Why couldn't it be for you?"

Without looking up, Skye replied, "I don't have friends."

Lily froze, but Skye stood casually, as if she'd just commented on the weather, showing no sadness or loneliness.

Seeing Lily's caring gaze, Skye leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, and teased, "What, you into me? If you like me, I wouldn't mind a little sapphic romance."

Lily's eyes widened. She glanced at the monitor, quickly buzzing in the visitor, and shoved Skye out the glass door, "Go get the sauce or no burgers!"

Skye shrugged. She didn't need pity, and "friends" was just a self-important label. She was fine on her own.

"Lily, long time no see," a magnetic male voice said, tinged with amusement.