𝐘/𝐍'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

"Finally." I muttered as Chris, Alba, and I made it into the coffee shop. We'd been walking around at the farmer's market out here in LA.

Chris had some shoots and things to film in LA as well as Alba so, they'll be staying out here for about a month or so which I was very excited for because that means more time to hang with two of my favorite people.

Sometimes, LA can get pretty lonely so, when they're here, it's like having a touch of home away from home. My work primarily keeps me in LA so, I like to take advantage of the time when they are here.

It was hot outside and Alba and I made our way to a table as Chris went and ordered for us. Chris came back and joined us shortly after he got all of our items.

"Thanks, babe" Alba smiled as she leaned over pecking my brother on the lips before he deepened the kiss. I made fake gagging nosies making both of them laugh as I smiled at the couple.

I'm always their permanent third wheel, and I don't necessarily mind because they try to not make me feel like one but, then they start making out or being obnoxiously cute and then I just stand in the back like a puppy being left out of the fun.

Now, do I want a girlfriend? Ehh, kind of? I don't know. My ex and I were together for 2 years and I loved it, however, I didn't love the jealousy and attitude that came with her which is what ultimately led to our downfall.

She basically tried to control my life which I was not a fan of and that started to interfere with my work so I had to let her go.

"Okay, that's enough love birds, leave the baby making for behind closed doors." I said throwing the paper from my straw at them. Chris and Alba giggled as Chris turned to me with his smile.

"You're just mad you don't have someone to be lovey dovey with. Admit it." Chris teased and I rolled my eyes at my older brother. Was he right?

A bit, but I wasn't going to tell him that even though he knew it. Like I've said before, the man knows everything about me and can read me like a book.

"Why don't you and Anna give things a shot? You two used to hook up anyway and you already know what to expect when it comes to her." Alba spoke up as she took a sip of her coffee.

"She's dating someone now plus, I like being friends with her, I think dating Anna would drive me up a wall." I joked.

"Didn't seem to bother you when you two were screwing each other every second of the day." Chris mumbled and joked as he took a bite of his sandwich. I flipped him off, rolling my eyes as Alba smiled at the two of us.

"It didn't happen that often," I muttered. "Y/n/n, you and Anna we're fuck buddies for almost 2 years and when it first started, you two were sleeping together literally everyday which is why I stopped doing sleepovers with you then." Alba laughed.

"Okay, whatever, anyway," I said trying to change the subject.

"You know, if you ever get tired of being alone, I can set you up. I know people." Chris smiled.

"Mmhm, let me guess, one of Alba's friends?" I cocked my eyebrow. "Pfft no, okay yes thats where my mind went at first but, I do know people." Chris shrugged.

"There's some interesting women I could introduce you to that I'm sure you would click with. Just say the word."

I appreciated this from my brother however, my mind kept floating to the fact that I was hoping he'd name drop Scarlett at some point.

Set me up with her so she could see you don't care, thats what I wanted to say.

Part of Scarlett's argument is that it would ruin her friendship with Chris and yes, he might initially be opposed but, he knows Scarlett like no other and would simply be looking out for me to make sure I don't end up heartbroken and same for her.

"Okay Christopher, I'll give you one shot at this." I said with a pointed look.

Chris clapped and rubbed his hands together, smiling ear to ear. "Okay give me a little to run on, what's an absolute no?"

"Hmm, girls who don't like pineapple on pizza, girls who still wear tube socks—"

Alba began laughing and shaking her head as Chris playfully rolled his eyes. "Come on, seriously." he gestured for me to give him a real answer.

"Uh I don't know, no actresses, I clearly don't know how to handle those." I muttered the last part and Alba gave me a sympathetic look.

"Isabela? I thought she was just a hook up?" Chris asked, assuming thats who I was referring to.

"Yeah— I just read the situation wrong." I lied so he wouldn't pry anymore. Luckily, his phone began to ring and I could see RDJ⎊ on his phone.

"Gotta take this," Chris spoke as he got up. "Tell him I said hi!" I said excitedly, I loved Robert. Chris smiled as he walked outside of the coffee shop, leaving Alba and I at the table.

"Alright, spill, what's the deal with you and Isabela?" Alba asked, resting her chin on her hand.

I nearly choked on my drink. "What? There's no deal."

Alba raised an eyebrow. "Oh come on, I saw the photos, you two looked awfully cozy. Plus, that comment you just made—"

"Al, that wasn't about Isabela," I mumbled. "Also, she's just a friend." I said shrugging. "A friend you happened to hook up with?" Alba teased, her grin widening.

I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "You're insufferable"

"I knew it!" Alba whispered excitedly, leaning closer. "So what happened? Was it good?"

"It was fun, she's great but, it's not serious, it's just..." I trailed off, playing with my straw.

"She's a distraction and she's not Scarlett." Alba finished for me, her tone softening knowing that's exactly what I was having trouble articulating even though I knew it was the truth.

Alba studied me for a moment before reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. "You're allowed to have fun, Y/n. But if you're still hung up on Scarlett, you need to figure out what you want. Otherwise, you're just going to keep driving yourself crazy."

I sighed, pulling out my phone. "Speaking of driving myself crazy..." I opened Instagram and showed her Scarlett's DM.

Alba's eyes widened. "Wow. Subtle."

"Right?" I said, laughing despite my frustration. "What am I supposed to do with that?"

"Text her back," Alba said simply.

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Because... I don't know what she wants. One minute, she's pulling away, and the next, she's sending messages like this. She made it clear what happened wasn't happening again and she basically doesn't want it to."

Alba gave me a sympathetic look. "You're not going to figure it out by avoiding her. Maybe you should see her. Talk it out."

The thought made my stomach twist, but I nodded. "Maybe."

"But, if you don't want to do all that, I say you really let Chris set you up, you deserve happiness and not someone who doesn't know what they want and wants to act like what happened meant nothing. I saw the way she was looking at you at the party, theres more she isn't saying. I don't want to see you hurt so, just be careful, don't waste your time." Alba smiled, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.

She's right.

𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

The boardroom was a flurry of activity, everyone hustling to prepare for the next big pitch. I sat at the head of the table, pretending to review the presentation slides while my mind wandered.

Y/n's latest Instagram post had been seared into my brain all morning. The way she looked with Isabela—happy, carefree—it was like a punch to the gut.

"Scarlett?" one of my team members prompted, pulling me back to reality.

"Yes?" I asked, feigning composure.

"We're thinking of a minimalistic approach for the new campaign," they said, gesturing to the screen. "Something clean and fresh that ties back to the brand's ethos."

I nodded, my gaze drifting to my phone on the table. "It's a strong direction, but I'd like to see something more personal. A narrative that connects emotionally with the audience."

The team murmured in agreement, jotting down notes. I glanced at my phone again, the temptation to check Instagram almost unbearable. She still hadn't responded to my message.

When the meeting finally ended, I retreated to my office and pulled up Y/n's profile. Her newest post was a carousel from the event. One photo showed her laughing with Isabela, their smiles bright and genuine.

The caption read: "A night to remember. 💫"

I stared at the image, my chest tightening. My thumb hovered over the comment bar, but I couldn't think of what to say. Instead, I locked my phone and leaned back in my chair, trying to ignore it all.

Why am I even thinking about her so much? What happened wasn't something that was going to happen again.

A/N: Filler chapter ♡