Her mind wandered, and her eyes shifted. Could it be Bianca?
She had noticed how Blake seemed to treat Bianca differently, but she wasn’t sure.
And yet, Bianca already had a boyfriend.
Reese’s fingers gripped the hem of her dress tightly. Her feelings, which she hadn’t even had a chance to express, suddenly felt hopeless. An overwhelming sadness filled her heart, and she fought back the urge to cry.
In the back seat, Bianca overheard their conversation. Blake’s confession sent a wave of panic through her. Was she the one he loved but couldn’t have? He had always seen her as just a friend, right?
She had asked him about it before, and his answers were always clear. But now, everything seems uncertain.
Bianca’s mind raced. She knew love couldn’t be forced. Her heart was already set on Dave, and there was no room for anyone else. A future with Blake was impossible.
She realized she had to talk to Blake soon and help him let go of any hope for them.
The rest of the ride was quiet until they arrived at their destination. Reese was the first to get out of the car.
While Blake went to find a parking spot, Bianca and Reese headed inside.
Still shaken by what had just happened, Reese’s mood was heavy as she followed Bianca into the private room.
Bianca noticed Reese’s lingering sadness as they selected a few favorite dishes. She gently took her hand and tried to cheer her up by sharing some light celebrity gossip. Reese gave a brief smile, but it quickly faded.
Bianca gently pinched Reese’s cheek. “Are you feeling down because of what Blake said?”
Reese looked up, surprised. “You heard all of that?”
“I wasn’t trying to listen, but it was hard not to overhear.”
With a comforting smile, Bianca added, “Don’t give up on someone just because there’s an obstacle. He’s holding onto something that’s out of reach because he hasn’t realized who the right person is yet. You get what I’m saying, Reese?”
Reese’s lips trembled, her eyes welling up with tears. “Bianca, do you think Blake keeps his distance because I used to be fat?”
Bianca gently tapped Reese’s forehead and reassured her, “Of course not! The past is behind you, and look at you now-you’re gorgeous! Remember how everyone couldn’t stop talking about your beauty during the show?”
Reese smiled a little. “I just want to be his friend, but he always keeps his distance. Is it something about me? Maybe my personality?”
Bianca paused for a moment. Reese’s words reminded her of what Blake had said earlier about friendship. Could it be that Blake had been hiding his true feelings under the guise of friendship?
Feeling a wave of empathy, Bianca said, “You’re amazing, Reese, and your personality is so lively. Don’t sell yourself short. As for Blake… he’s just going through something. Don’t stress too much about it. From what I’ve seen, he’s not the type to be unkind.”
Just as Reese was about to speak, the door opened, and Blake walked in. She quickly held back her words.
As they waited for the food, the cake was brought in. Bianca carefully placed the candles on it and lit them one by one.
“Today, we’re celebrating your success in the show’s debut,” Bianca said with a bright smile. “Blake, Reese, you both really impressed me. I’ve seen how much you’ve grown, and the company will definitely keep you in mind for future projects.”
“Thank you, Bianca,” Reese said, managing a small smile.
Bianca poured some wine for them. “You’ve earned this celebration. Let’s raise a toast to ourselves!”
They all raised their glasses, clinked them together, and sipped their drinks.
Bianca took Reese’s hand and blew out the candles together. Then she cut the cake and gave Reese a meaningful look, hinting her to offer a slice to Blake.
Feeling a bit shy, Reese hesitantly pushed the cake toward Blake. “This is for you, Blake. Enjoy the cake.”
Blake graciously accepted the slice and took a bite.
“Remember, even though you’ve moved up, stay humble. I’ve gathered the judges’ feedback and sent it to you. Make sure to listen carefully and think about it. Reese, you really need to pay attention to Wendy Benson’s coaching. Go over the tips she gave you and practice hard, okay?” Bianca was dedicated to helping them.
Tonight was all about celebrating the two of them. After Bianca shared her thoughts, they started enjoying their drinks.
Reese seemed lost in her thoughts as she kept drinking without waiting for the others. Bianca watched her with a mix of sympathy and understanding. She knew Reese was trying to numb her emotional pain, so she didn’t step in.
After having a few glasses herself, Bianca started to feel tipsy. Not wanting to go overboard, she wisely decided to stop while she was still clear-headed.
Blake, on the other hand, had only a couple of drinks. He wasn’t much of a drinker, and with two ladies around, he felt it was his responsibility to ensure their safety.
Most of the food and cake went untouched, but the wine bottles were quickly emptied, mostly by Reese.
Now deeply drunk, Reese clung to Bianca, tears streaming down her face. “Thank you, Bianca, for believing in me. Ever since I was young, everyone made fun of me and didn’t see my worth. But you saw my potential and valued my dreams. You’ve always supported me and even helped me find treatment for my obesity.”
Bianca gently stroked Reese’s messy hair, trying to comfort her. “Don’t mention it. You’ve worked hard too. I just showed you the way.”
“You’re my guiding light.” Reese lifted her glass and took another big sip. “Thank you, really.”
Having drunk too much, Reese was unsteady, and Bianca couldn’t move her by herself, so Blake stepped in to help. “Let me help her.”
The pleasant scent of Blake surrounded Reese, bringing a comforting sense of familiarity. She leaned closer and murmured, “Blake…”
Feeling a bit uneasy around Blake and wanting to make way for him and Reese, Bianca suggested that he take Reese home. She insisted she could manage a taxi ride on her own.
“I’ve ordered a designated driver for you two. Please take her home and make sure she gets there safely.”
Blake watched as Bianca turned away without looking back. He felt a twinge of sadness. Had he made her so uncomfortable that she felt she had to avoid him?