excessive glitter
Fuck Loveneon sign
I toss glow sticks into the cart. “Glitter?”
Dominic raises an eyebrow. “Ambiance.”
“Piñata?”
“Cathartic.”
I sigh heavily. “If I find glitter in my sheets again, you’re personally deep-cleaning my apartment.”
Dominic winks. “Done.”
We roll toward another aisle filled with novelty heart-shaped everything. I hesitate, fingers tapping nervously against the cart handle. Dominic side-eyes me immediately, homing in like a gossip radar.
“What?” he demands knowingly.
I shift my weight, biting my lip. “I was thinking of inviting Hayden.”
Dominic pauses, lips curling into a satisfied smile. “Oh?”
“It’s not…” I groan, flustered. “We’ve been texting. He’s…different.”
He smirks. “Youlovedifferent.”
“Shut up.” I scrub a hand over my face. “I just can’t picture him at a party. Especially this one. He’s got that…otherworldly vibe, like he’d rather linger in the corner than dance. But…I want him there. Tell me that’s not completely weird.”
Dominic tosses bulk candy hearts into the cart, eyes dancing. “Weird? Levi, he’s a funeral director. Weird is probably his comfort zone.”
I snort, shaking my head. “I barely know him. Well, not really. I know enough to be wildly confused.”
“Honey,” Dominic says, gripping my shoulders, “that’s literally how dating works.”
I groan, leaning dramatically into a shelf of plush cupids. “Okay, maybe I’m…interested. A bit. In a theoretical, definitely-too-soon, please-don’t-quote-me way.”
Dominic beams. “Finally. Just invite him. Worst case? He says no. Best case…” He hugs me, whispering, “Youfinallyget to see him without that very tailored jacket.”
I shove him lightly, laughing, but secretly, my stomach flips at the thought.
“Also,” he adds, stepping back and giving me a once-over, “maybe make sure you’re…you know. Ready.”
I blink. “Ready?”
Dominic sighs like he’s tired. “Levi. We’ve talked about this.Ready,” he reiterates. “If you’re trying to get railed by Daddy Death, maybe don’t sabotage yourself.”
“Oh, absolutely not,” I say. “Don’t come at me with bottoming logistics like you’re the self-appointed king of anal.”
“I mean, a recordisa record, babe,” he says dryly. “Besides, Isee how much coffee you consume. You can’t just expect torideinto the night without consequences.”
“Okay, first: rude.” I poke his arm with my finger. “Second, I’ll have you know my digestive system is flawless.”
