The next day, Flora found herself at her favorite cafe, "The Latte Da," with her two best friends: Cynthia and Lily. Cynthia was bubbly and energetic, always armed with a witty comeback and an uncanny ability to find the best sales. Lily was quiet and observant, a calming presence in their chaotic trio, and possessed of an encyclopedic knowledge of obscure film trivia.
"So," Cynthia chirped, stirring her latte, "how was the museum date with… what's-his-name? Samuel, right? He was cute back in elementary school."
Flora groaned. "It wasn't a date, Cynthia! We just caught up. He's still just a friend."
Lily raised an eyebrow. "Just a friend who happens to be a successful, handsome artist? Sounds like a good deal to me."
"Look, Samuel's great, but there's no spark, you know? He's like... comfortable shoes. Reliable. Not exactly exciting." Flora failed to mention the butterflies she felt when he complimented her new bracelet.
As if on cue, Cynthia's phone rang.
"Hey, Elias," she said into the phone, rolling her eyes. "What's up, big brother?"
Elias, on the other end of the line, sighed. "Where are you? Mom wants you home for dinner."
"Ugh, family dinner. Kill me now. I'm with my friends. We're at The Latte Da."
"Okay, I'm coming to pick you up."
"Great. See you in a bit. Love you!" Cynthia hung up. "Ugh, Elias is such a mom sometimes."
A few minutes later, a sleek black car pulled up outside the cafe. Elias stepped out, looking like he'd just walked off the set of a GQ photoshoot. Cynthia waved him over.
"Okay, Elias, meet my friends, Flora and Lily. Guys, this is my overprotective older brother, Elias."
Elias's eyes landed on Flora. He froze