Eve and Isabella strolled to the mall, reminiscing about their childhood. Roman trailed behind, his presence known only to Eve.
Eve chuckled, "Remember that time you broke my favorite doll?"
Isabella giggled, "Oh yeah! I was trying to give it a makeover...with scissors."
Roman whispered to Eve, "Looks like Isabella's still got that mischievous spark."
Eve playfully rolled her eyes, responding to Roman, "Tell me about it."
Isabella noticed Eve's smile and probed, "What's so funny? You're not still mad about the doll, are you?"
Eve quickly covered, "No, just remembering Mom's reaction. She was not happy."
Isabella laughed, "Yeah, your Mom could get fierce."
As they shopped, Roman remained close, observing the dynamic between the friends. Eve occasionally exchanged whispers with him, making Isabella wonder who was putting the smile on her friend's face.
Eve asked Isabella, "So, have you found a realtor to help you look for a house?"
Isabella nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I found a great one. We're viewing a few places tomorrow. Want to come with me?"
Eve smiled apologetically. "I'd love to, but tomorrow's Sunday and I have a lot to prep for Monday. I'm starting my new job, and I want to make sure I'm ready."
Isabella's eyes widened. "Oh yeah! Your new job! I totally forgot. You're starting, aren't you?"
Eve nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "Yeah, I'm really hoping to make a good impression."
Roman, observing from his invisible presence, sensed Eve's determination.
Isabella smiled supportively. "You'll do great, Eve. Just be yourself."
As they walked through the bustling mall, lost in conversation, Eve suddenly bumped into a man, spilling her shopping bag's contents.
"Oh no, I'm so sorry!" Eve exclaimed.
The man smiled warmly. "My fault entirely. I'm Reed Anderson."
Eve smiled back. "Eve. Nice to meet you."
Reed's eyes crinkled at the corners as he gazed at Eve, finding her beautiful and enchanting at first sight. "Would you ladies like to join me for lunch?"
Isabella nudged Eve. "That sounds great, thanks!"
Eve hesitated. "I don't think—"
Isabella cut in, "We'd love to!"
As they walked to the restaurant, Isabella whispered to Eve, "Girl, he's gorgeous! And look at that watch – he must be loaded!"
Eve rolled her eyes good-naturedly.
Over lunch, Isabella chatted enthusiastically. "I've been to so many amazing places! Japan was incredible – have you ever tried authentic sushi?"
Reed smiled. "Actually, I love sushi."
Isabella beamed. "It's divine! And then there's Indian cuisine – the spices in a good curry are just... wow!"
Eve listened, smiling, while Roman observed from his invisible presence.
Isabella continued, "I've also tried Thai street food, Mexican tacos, Italian pizza... you name it!"
Reed laughed. "You're a culinary adventurer!"
Isabella grinned. "Guilty as charged! And Korean BBQ? Hands down, one of my favorites."
Eve chimed in, "I've always wanted to try Korean BBQ."
Reed turned to Eve. "We should go together sometime."
Isabella jumped in, "That sounds like a plan! And maybe we can try some Middle Eastern cuisine too – I've heard great things about shawarma."
The conversation flowed effortlessly, with Isabella's energy infectious.
As they parted ways, Reed exchanged numbers with Isabella, but his eyes remained fixed on Eve. "It was lovely meeting you, Eve. Maybe I'll see you again soon?"
Eve smiled politely. "Nice meeting you too, Reed."
As they walked away, Isabella turned to Eve. "He's perfect! You're so lucky!"
Eve raised an eyebrow. "I'm not interested."
Isabella grinned mischievously. "Oh, come on! He's handsome, rich, and charming. What's not to love?"
Roman, still observing, wondered what Eve's true feelings were.
Roman muttered to himself as he followed Eve and Isabella out of the restaurant. "Great, now they're leaving. And he's still staring at her, can't take his eyes off her."
He grumbled, "Eve's so oblivious, doesn't even notice. Or maybe she's just pretending not to."
Roman's frustration grew. "And Isabella's completely unaware, chatting away with him like they're old friends. Doesn't she see how interested he is in Eve?"
As they walked out, Roman complained, "Now he's walking with them, exchanging numbers with Isabella. What's his game?"
Roman's eyes narrowed. "I'll keep watching, make sure he doesn't get too close."
Roman appeared beside Eve, his expression curious. "So, what did you think of him?" he asked, his voice low.
Eve looked at him, confused. "Think of who?"
Roman's gaze intensified. "Reed. The guy we had lunch with. Was he your type?"
Eve shrugged, uninterested. "I don't know. Maybe."
Roman's frustration grew. "Maybe? You're not even paying attention. He was clearly interested in you, and you just brushed him off."
Eve raised an eyebrow. "What's it to you, Roman?"
Roman's annoyance spiked. "Nothing. I just... care about you, that's all."
Eve's expression remained neutral, and Roman's irritation simmered.
Isabella turned to Eve, curiosity etched on her face. "Hey, what were you and... um, yourself whispering about? You were talking to... no one, right?"
Eve's expression smoothed out. "Oh, just talking to myself. Just thinking out loud."
Isabella's brow furrowed. "You're becoming really strange, Eve. Like, seriously weird."
Eve chuckled. "I'm fine, Isabella. Just a little preoccupied."
Isabella's gaze lingered, concern flickering in her eyes. "If you say so... but you need to get your head checked if you're talking to thin air."
Isabella's expression turned serious. "I've seen it before, Eve. People who get really stressed or mad start talking to themselves. It's like, a sign that they're overwhelmed."
Eve laughed softly. "I'm not mad, Isabella. And I'm definitely not showing any symptoms of... being mental."
Isabella's gaze searched hers. "You sure you're okay? You're not bottling something up, are you?"
Eve's smile reassured her. "I'm fine, really. Just a little... introspective, maybe."
Isabella nodded slowly. "Alright, but if you ever need to talk, I'm here for you."
Eve's expression softened, her eyes warm with gratitude. "Thanks, Isabella. That means a lot coming from you. You're always so supportive and understanding."
Isabella smiled, her eyes shining with friendship. "That's what friends are for, Eve. We've been through thick and thin together."
Eve's smile matched Isabella's. "I'm lucky to have you in my life."
The warmth between them was palpable, a testament to their strong bond.