Chapter 3 Only shot

The sun had barely dipped below the California skyline when Savannah and Maya arrived back at the apartment. A soft breeze ruffled the hem of Savannah's jacket as she stepped onto the porch, her thoughts still trailing back to the dramatic exit they had made from the restaurant. The evening's tension lingered like mist, but it was quickly swept away at the sight of someone familiar waiting at the door.

Maya gasped. "Jaden!"

Savannah stepped back just in time as Maya flew forward, practically leaping into her boyfriend's arms. The two embraced tightly, Maya burying her face in his chest as he twirled her slightly before planting a soft kiss on her forehead.

Savannah rolled her eyes with a teasing grin. "Oh please, save some love for the next century. Some of us are still single and very, very sober."

Jaden chuckled, his arms still around Maya. "Don't be jealous, Sav. You'll find someone... eventually."

She smirked, pretending to pout. "With my luck? I'll end up with a cranky old man who yells at waiters for fun."

The reference to Liam Ashford made Maya burst out laughing again. Savannah joined her as Jaden looked confused, then amused when they explained.

Once inside, the cozy apartment welcomed them with its soft yellow lights and the lingering scent of vanilla-scented candles. They hadn't eaten properly at the restaurant, so Maya quickly headed to the kitchen. "I'm making something light. Jaden, sit. Savannah, tell him the good news!"

Savannah hesitated at first, but the warm atmosphere encouraged her. "I got a callback for an interview. Ashford Enterprises. Tomorrow morning."

Jaden's eyes lit up as he gave her a high five. "That's huge, Sav! That place is top-tier. You're gonna nail it."

Savannah smiled shyly, her heart swelling with the support. For a moment, it felt like things might be okay.

Dinner was simple but delicious-pasta tossed in a creamy sauce, grilled chicken strips, and warm garlic bread. They ate in the living room, curled up around the coffee table. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter, stories, and that one moment that seemed to steal the show.

"I still can't believe she just banged her hand on the table," Maya said between giggles. "And the look on her face? Classic Savannah rage!"

"'Can you just shut up already?!'" Jaden mimicked dramatically, clutching his chest like he'd been shot. "The whole restaurant froze. You could hear a pin drop!"

Savannah groaned, face buried in a throw pillow, but she was laughing too. "Stop it! People were staring, I just-he was so rude, I couldn't take it."

"You should've see your self," Maya said, still breathless with laughter. "You looked like you were ready to knock him out."

Maya howled, nearly choking on her drink. "I swear, if anyone recorded it, you'd be viral by now."

Eventually, the laughter ebbed, leaving behind soft smiles and comfortable silence. Savannah leaned back on the couch, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment.

Jaden, unnoticed, cast a quick glance her way. Just a second too long. There was something unreadable in his expression-curiosity? Admiration? A flicker of something else? But then he looked away, taking a sip of his drink like nothing happened.

Savannah didn't notice. Her mind was already floating somewhere between worry and exhaustion.

Later that night, the three of them lay sprawled across the couch and the carpet, half-empty bottles on the table, the air thick with sleep and the faint smell of hair product and roasted garlic. Laughter had faded into sleepy murmurs, and soon, everything faded into darkness.

---

The blare of the alarm ripped through the quiet.

Savannah jolted upright, her head pounding like a drumline. She blinked at the phone in her hand. 10:30 AM.

Her eyes widened. "Oh my God."

She bolted upright, flinging the blanket off her with a panicked yell. "Oh my God!"

Maya stirred on the couch, groaning. "What is it now..."

"My interview! Ashford Enterprises! I'm supposed to be there at eleven!"

Maya barely opened one eye before rolling over with a grumble. "Savannah, no..."

Jaden sat up with a start, rubbing his eyes. "Wait-now?!"

Savannah was already on her feet, stumbling toward the bathroom like a woman possessed. Her head throbbed with every step, her stomach turning from the drinks last night, but she didn't care.

She slammed the bathroom door shut and turned on the tap, letting cold water cascade down her face and arms. She wanted to cry from the hangover, but she couldn't. Not now.

"I'm not missing this," she muttered, eyes bloodshot in the mirror. "Not for anything."

Ten minutes later, she was out of the shower, dripping and panicked. She rummaged through Maya's clothes, finding a sleek navy blouse and black pencil skirt that fit just well enough. She grabbed a pair of flats and pulled her hair into a rushed low bun.

No makeup. No time. Her skin was pale and blotchy from stress, but she didn't even flinch.

She grabbed her purse and rushed out of the apartment, yelling a quick, "Tell Maya I'll explain later!"

Jaden's voice called out from behind, still half-asleep. "Good luck! You got this!"

But she was already gone-heart pounding, body aching, and hope gripping tightly in her chest like the last thread of a fraying rope.

She had to make it. This was her only shot.

TBC....