Only You by Aurora Snow

Tiana's POV

The dream was heavy - a suffocating mist that tasted of copper and old paper. I was running toward a door that kept shrinking, the handle slipping through my fingers every time I reached for it. I could hear a heartbeat, but I wasn't sure if it was mine or the house's. It was a rhythmic, thudding sound that eventually morphed into something sharper, something more mechanical. I turned around and saw a face - Ben's face - but the eyes were wrong. They weren't the kind, familiar eyes of the boy I'd shared a sandbox with at Primary school. They were eerie, dark, bottomless pits.

Rrrrrimgggggg.

The sound didn't just ring; it vibrated through the springs of the sofa and directly into my skull. I jolted upright, my heart hammering a frantic rhythm against my ribs. For a confused second, I didn't know where I was. The room was bathed in the hazy, dim orange of the streetlights filtering through the blinds, casting long, slatted shadows across the hardwood floor of my Fellsdello apartment.

I glanced at the antique clock on the mantel. 8:00 PM.

Damn it," I whispered, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "That went quick.

I had walked through the door at 5:30 PM, intending to just "rest my eyes" for five minutes before the girls arrived. Apparently, my body had other plans. Working as the Publisher at Masemann Books was a dream job, but it was a marathon of the mind. Reading three hundred pages of a poorly paced thriller before lunch tended to drain the soul in a way no amount of caffeine could fix. I scrambled off the sofa, feeling the familiar pins and needles in my left foot, and straightened my rumpled blouse. At 5'8", I usually felt quite composed, but right now, I felt like a mess of dark brown curls and wrinkled silk.

With Marissa and Cleo, a mess was acceptable. We had seen each other at our absolute worst - breakups, food poisoning, and the disastrous "perm incident" of 2019. Even my mother's death when we were small. I hurried to the intercom by the door.

Hello?

Hey, girl!" Marissa and Cleo chimed in perfect, practiced harmony. It was a sound that acted like an instant shot of espresso to my nervous system.

Hiya! Come on up," I trilled, pressing the buzzer to release the secure door downstairs.

As soon as I released the button, the silence of the apartment rushed back in. I leaned my forehead against the cool plastic of the receiver for a split second. I loved them, truly, but tonight I felt a strange heaviness, a prickle on the back of my neck that I couldn't quite shake. It was the residue of the dream, I told myself. It had to be.

Before heading to the kitchen, I walked to the window and peered through the slats of the blinds. The street in Fellsdello was quiet, the kind of quiet that usually felt safe. But tonight, it felt off. Below, a lone car sat idling under a flickering streetlamp. Its headlights were off, but the exhaust curled into the chilly autumn night air like ghostly fingers. I watched it for a beat too long, waiting for a door to open or for it to pull away, but it just sat there - a dark, silent sentinel.

I shook off the paranoia. It's Friday. It's Pamper Night. Stop being a character in one of your own thrillers, Tiana.

I flew into the kitchen, my mind already ticking through the checklist. This wasn't just a hang-out; it was a sanctuary. Life was moving too fast - between Marissa's kids and Cleo's high-stakes legal career, these few hours were the only thing keeping our trio anchored.

I grabbed the cocktail shaker, the cold metal biting into my palms. Tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice - no bottled mix allowed. By the time I heard the thunder of footsteps on the stairs, I was already rimming glasses with sea salt. The door burst open, yielding to the sheer force of Cleo and Marissa's arrival.

Honey, we're home!" Cleo announced, striking a pose in the doorway.

She was a pocket-sized powerhouse. At 5'3", she was the shortest of our trio, but she had enough presence to fill a football stadium. Her chocolate-toned skin glowed, and today she'd styled her black braids into a high, intricate bun that showcased the vibrant pink tips. She was wearing a tailored cream blazer over a pink silk camisole dress - stylish as always, even for a night of girly mayhem.

Marissa followed close behind, lugging a massive suitcase that looked like it contained enough supplies for a small army. My adoptive sister stood about 5'6", with a slightly thicker, curvier frame and pale skin dusted with a constellation of freckles. Her thick, fiery red hair was pulled into a messy bun that looked like it was losing a fight with gravity.

Move it, counsellor, this bag is damn heavy," Mari groaned, nudging Cleo inside.

Hi!" I squealed, abandoning the limes to rush over.

We fell into a three-way hug in the doorway. It was a chaotic tangle of perfume, laughter, and the shared history of a lifetime. Marissa, usually the most grounded of us, was practically vibrating. Cleo, on the other hand, had a predatory glint in her eye that usually meant she had a secret to spill.

You look exhausted, Ti," Mari noted, pulling back. Her icy blue eyes, usually sharp and discerning from her role as C.O.O. at Masemann Books, held that deep-seated weariness that only came with motherhood. "And your hair... honey, did you walk here through a wind tunnel?

I fell asleep on the couch," I defended, reaching up to smooth down a stray curl. "I was reading the Taylor manuscript. It's eight hundred pages of metaphors about existential dread.

You work too hard," Cleo said, already reaching for the tequila bottle. "From one workaholic to another, you need to learn to delegate.

I'm the Publisher, Cleo. If the book fails, it's on me," I said, leading them toward the kitchen island. "And Mari, don't talk to me about exhaustion. How's life in the 'slow lane' of maternity leave?

Mari let out a hollow laugh, dropping the suitcase onto the floor with a heavy thud. "The slow lane? I spent three hours this morning debating a four-year-old on why we don't put Lego in the toaster. I'm the C.O.O. of a major publishing house, yet I'm being out-negotiated by Henry. Maternity leave is a scam, Tia. I miss my office. I miss the smell of fresh ink and people who don't leak fluids on me."

Aw, poor Mari," Cleo teased. "From boardrooms to bibs. Don't worry, we're going to get you sufficiently drunk tonight.

God, please," Mari sighed, spinning her wedding ring around her finger. "Ben is working from home tonight - well, he and Greg are 'working' in the den while trying to make sure Henry doesn't set the house on fire or flood the kitchen. Someone had to watch the kids while I made my escape. Usually, they'd be at the Galencia office, but Ben knew I needed this. Honestly, watching Ben try to code while Harry is screaming in his ear? It's not exactly romantic.

I watched her closely. The mention of Ben always brought a slight shadow to her face lately. We had all known Ben since Reception at Fellsdello Primary Academy - he'd been the boy in the fancy jumper sitting next to us on the carpet while we learned our phonics. We were a unit.

He's just trying to help, Mari," I said gently. "It's good that he and Greg can do the Working From Home thing.

I know," Mari whispered, her icy blues softening with a memory. "It's just... we've been together forever, Ti. He told me he loved me when we were seven years old. He brought me that snapdragon he'd pilfered from the school garden, showed me how to make the 'mouth' of the flower pop open, and said, 'Mari, you're my best friend, I love you and I'm going to marry you one day.' And even though at the time I just pushed him into the mud, in the end, he did. But lately, with him and Greg buried in those screens... it feels like I'm living with a stranger who just happens to have Ben's face.

A chill raced down my spine. A stranger with Ben's face. The words echoed my dream perfectly.

He'll come around," Cleo said firmly, sliding a salt-rimmed margarita toward Mari. "But tonight is about us. No boys. Well, except for the ones we're going to gossip about.

We migrated to the oversized L-shaped couch. Cleo immediately took charge of the coffee table, emptying the suitcase. It was like a Sephora had exploded in my lounge. I grabbed a drink.

"Margarita Senoritas!" I called out, raising my glass.

"Margarita Senoritas!" the other two cheered. I sank into my favourite armchair, watching the condensation bead on the glass, trying to forget the car idling outside.

Okay, I've got the new charcoal peel-off masks," Cleo said, lining up the tubes. "I've got hydrating eye patches, a foot peel, and the new Essie collection. Ti, you're going first. Your skin looks like you've been living in a library basement.

I basically have been," I muttered. "So, spill the tea. Mari, we know you're knee-deep in nappies, but Cleo... you've been glowing since you walked in. What gives?

Mari smirked, nudging Cleo. "Go on. Tell her."

Cleo tried to look nonchalant, but a blush was creeping up her neck. "Okay, so... I might have met someone. His name is Kyle."

No way!" I screamed, leaning forward. "Tell me everything! Who is he? Is he a lawyer? Does he have a cat? Please tell me he doesn't have a cat?

He's the Fire Captain over in Galencia Bay," Cleo said, her eyes sparkling. "He's tall, dark hair, green eyes, and, no word of a lie, so muscular - the body of a god. He's got these deep Italian roots - big, noisy family, generations under one roof, the works. He's our age. He grew up in Galencia and went to Galencia High. He still lives there so he's just a short drive away.

A fireman?" Mari grinned. "Cleo, that is so cliché. Does he have a big hose?

Mari! I wouldn't know. He's more of the brooding type," Cleo said, her expression softening. "But here's the thing - he hates having his picture taken. Like, really hates it. I tried to snap a candid of him at the coffee shop, and he got almost defensive. Said he likes to keep his private life private because of the job. But he's so sweet in person. We just talked for hours on our first date.

No photos at all?" I asked, my internal publisher instincts kicking in. "In 2025? That's a bit of a red flag, isn't it?

He's just old school, Ti. Don't be a cynic," Cleo said, poking me in the ribs. "He had one on his profile but he took it down after our second date."

Don't be jealous, Ti," Marissa added. "You haven't been on a date since Todd, and we all agreed he was technically a sociopath.

He wasn't a sociopath, he was just... intense," I argued, though I knew she was right. Todd had been a disaster. "Besides, I'm happy. Why would I want to ruin that by inviting a stranger into the mix?

Because you're twenty-seven, beautiful, and you're starting to talk to your succulents," Cleo said, reaching for her phone. "Maybe we should make you a profile? Or I can see if Kyle has any firefighter friends available?

"But.... I...." I started.

Stop making excuses! Smile!

Before I could protest, the flash of Cleo's phone blinded me.

Beautiful!" she chirped. "You look like a deer in headlights, but in a 'rescue me' kind of way. Perfect for the apps. Now, where's my laptop?

Cleo's POV

Tiana was my best friend, my sister in everything but blood, and I loved her to death - but she was a stubborn woman. She had this idea that love was something that would just fall through her ceiling while she was reading a manuscript. In the real world, you had to go out and hunt it down. You had to market yourself. If I could win a case in a courtroom full of sharks, I could certainly find a man for my best friend.

I ignored her protests as I flipped open my laptop, the screen illuminating the dim room. "Instaconnect or Lovebomb?" I asked, my fingers hovering over the keys.

What's the difference?" Tia asked, her voice dripping with scepticism.

Instaconnect is for people who want to meet up in twenty minutes for something that involves very little talking," I explained. "Lovebomb, on the other hand, is for the long game. It's got algorithms, personality quizzes, and a much lower 'creep' factor. That's where I found Kyle.

I felt a little defensive about Kyle. I knew Tia's 'red flag' comment about the photos came from a place of love, but she didn't know him. She didn't know the way he looked at me, or the way his voice dropped an octave when he talked about his family. Just because he wasn't an Instagram addict didn't mean he was hiding a second family. Probably.

If you aren't taking no for an answer, then let's go for Lovebomb," Tia sighed. She reached for her margarita and took a long, resigned gulp. "But if I get murdered by a guy who collects human hair, I am haunting both of you for eternity.

Deal," I said, hitting the download button.

While the app installed, I took a moment to look at Tia. She really was stunning, though she never seemed to believe it. She had those big, expressive brown eyes - doe-eyes, really - and a mess of dark, bouncy curls that always seemed to catch the light. She had a natural, ethereal beauty that didn't require the layers of contouring I usually felt the need to apply. She stood 5'8", with a presence that should have been commanding, but she often tried to shrink herself down. Not tonight. Tonight, we were making her visible.

Okay, it's ready," I announced. "Username?

TastyTia!" Marissa shouted from the kitchen.

The room erupted. "No!" Tia cried, burying her face in a cushion. "Absolutely not! I am not advertising myself as a snack."

Okay, okay," I laughed. "You definitely are a snack though! How about just TiaRose?

Tia popped up from behind the cushion. "Hey! I am not a snack - I'm a whole damn meal!" she glared at me jokily. "TiaRose...I like that. It gives people enough to know who I am without giving away my whole identity."

TiaRose it is," I said, typing it in. "Oh, it's taken. TiaRose98 will have to do!"

Next came the 'About Me' section. This was the part where most people failed. They either wrote a novel or said something generic. I needed something that captured the real Tia-the girl who cried at cat commercials but could also tear a plot hole to shreds.

What should we put for the bio?" I asked.

Loves books, hates spoilers, and is looking for someone who doesn't mind a girl who reads at the dinner table. Must love cats." Marissa joked, appearing with a fresh bowl of popcorn.

And she's a publisher," I added, typing furiously. "So you better check your grammar before you slide into her DMs.

Mari slid down next to me and grabbed the laptop from my hands. "Hey!" I glared at her as she grinned smugly.

"My turn!" She smirked.

I leaned back, watching Mari take over. There was a frantic energy in Mari tonight, a desperation to be anyone other than "Mummy" for a few hours. I knew she loved Ben, and I knew Ben was a good man, but eight years was a long time. They had started in Fellsdello as kids and stayed in Fellsdello as adults. Sometimes, I wondered if the walls of their life were starting to feel a little too close for comfort.

Mari's POV

I stared intently at the glow of the laptop screen, the blue light making the fine lines around my eyes feel deeper than they were. Being married for the last eight years meant I had never even glimpsed a dating website. The world had changed. Love was now a commodity you could swipe through while waiting for the kettle to boil. For Tia, though, I would do anything.

We weren't just friends; we were sisters in every way that mattered. My mind drifted back to the day she came to live with us - the small, wide-eyed girl clutching a tattered teddy bear after her mother's funeral. My parents had been her godparents, a promise made in a hospital room years before that they never hesitated to keep. Technically, we were legal siblings, but the bond went deeper. She was the calm to my storm, the quiet my chaotic energy. Watching her wall herself off from the world for the last two years had been like watching a vibrant painting fade in the sun.

Okay," I recited, my fingers clicking rhythmically against the keyboard. "Username: TiaRose98. Age: 27. Job: Publisher at A Book Company - probablu best not to put the actual company there could be weirdos out there. Hometown: Fellsdello. Favourite colour: Violet.

Impressive," Tiana smiled, though her voice lacked its usual spark. She was curled into the corner of the sofa, hugging a cushion like a shield. "You remembered my favourite colour. I thought you'd say turquoise since you're currently obsessed with it.

I'm obsessed with turquoise for me, Ti. You've been a violet girl since you were five," I countered, not looking up. "Now, stay focused. We're at the 'Preferences' section.

We scrolled through the standard list - hair colour, eye colour, favourite food, best qualities, worst qualities. It felt like we were building a character in one of the manuscripts she spent all day editing. We spent the next thirty minutes debating the nuances of her favourite movies and her stance on pineapple on pizza (she was against it, which I felt was a mistake, but I let it slide). It was fun - the kind of light hearted, giggly fun we hadn't had in a while.

I sat back, pushed my glasses up the bridge of my nose, and folded my arms in my lap. I dropped my voice into my best therapist impression, the one I usually reserved for when Ben was being particularly dense. "So, Tiana Rose, tell the jury: what exactly are you looking for in a man? No more 'it doesn't matter' - give me the truth."

Tiana went quiet. The laughter that had filled the room a few minutes ago ebbed away, replaced by a rare moment of vulnerability. She looked out the window at the Fellsdello skyline.

I guess, most importantly, I want a man who loves me for me," she said softly. "Someone who sees my quirks - the way I have to organize my bookshelves by genre and then by spine colour, or the way I cry at the end of every 19th-century novel - and finds them endearing rather than exhausting. I want someone who sees my anxieties and loves me in spite of them. Someone honest, trustworthy, loyal. Someone I can bare my soul to.

She paused, a small, self-deprecating laugh escaping her. "Being attractive would help, too. I'm not a saint. Tall, handsome, well-built... maybe dark hair and deep, soulful eyes like pools of melted chocolate."

Girl, you aren't looking for a man, you're looking for a chocolate labrador!" Cleo barked from the kitchen.

The three of us burst into fits of giggles, the tension breaking like a fever. "That man definitely does not exist," Cleo continued, walking back in. "But a girl can dream. In the meantime, the algorithm will settle for 'tall with a job.'"

Beneath the laughter, I felt a sense of mission. Tiana had been stuck in a rut. Todd had done a number on her confidence, making her feel like her 'quirks' were flaws rather than the things that made her special. He'd been a narcissist who drained her energy, and since then, she'd built a wall around herself made of hardcover books and cosy blankets.

I finished filling in the remaining boxes, describing Tiana's love for old libraries and her secret obsession with spicy pizza. I uploaded Cleo's candid shot - the one where Tiana looked surprised and ethereal - along with a few others I had on my phone from our last beach trip. My sister was naturally beautiful; even when she was caught off guard, she had a grace that was impossible to manufacture.

You look so... real, Ti," Cleo said, looking over my shoulder. "Not like those girls who use so many filters they look like they're made of plastic.

Tia leaned in, looking at the screen. For a second, her guard dropped. I saw a flicker of hope in her eyes, a tiny spark of 'what if' that she'd been trying to douse for years.

It looks... okay," she whispered. "I guess.

Last chance to back out," I said slowly, my finger creeping toward the 'Submit' button. I looked at Tiana. I wanted her to be sure. I didn't want her to feel pressured, but I also didn't want her to stay in her tower forever.

Oh, just do it already so we can get back to the pampering," Tiana said, feigning annoyance. I could see the tiny, hopeful smile hiding at the corners of her mouth.

I double-clicked. The screen flashed a bright, celebratory purple. Profile Live.

Done," I announced. "Now, who wants pizza? I'm starving, and apparently, building a digital soulmate takes a lot out of a girl.

Me too!" Tiana replied, standing up and stretching. "Plus, it's officially pamper time. I need some of those collagen eye patches. I'm so tired after all those manuscripts today.

Let's get pampering!" Cleo squealed, reaching for the face masks as if they were a prize.

As the girls started laughing about which movie to put on and what pizza to order, I glanced back at the laptop. Tiana's profile was live. Somewhere out there, her "perfect man" was swiping, too. I just hoped for her sake that he was a lot more reliable than the men from her past. I thought of Ben, sitting at home right now with the kids, and felt a pang of guilt for finding him 'boring.' Boring was safe. Boring was a husband who stayed home with the kids so his wife could go and get drunk with her friends.

I looked at Tiana, her dark curls bouncing as she laughed at something Cleo said. She was the best person I knew. She deserved the world. I just didn't know yet that the world - or rather, a ghost from the past - was already watching her from the dark car idling on the street below.