The sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow through the large windows of Billie's house. Inside, her friends—Quen, Odessa, Zoe, and Alex—were scattered across her spacious living room. They were all lounging around on the couches, catching up and swapping stories, but despite the lively conversation, Billie was only half-listening.

Zoe, who had known Billie since they were practically in diapers, was the first to notice the shift. Billie, always the one to throw in a sarcastic quip or laugh the loudest at a joke, had been quieter, more thoughtful. Now she sat on the edge of her couch, phone in hand, idly scrolling through texts. Her expression wasn't distant, but there was a softness in her eyes, like she was preoccupied with something—or someone.

The phone buzzed in her hand again, and without missing a beat, Billie's face lit up. That glow was unmistakable.

Quen, sipping from her drink, noticed first. She raised an eyebrow, exchanging a knowing glance with Zoe and Odessa, before looking back at Billie. "Okay, spill. Who's got you smiling at your phone like that?"

Billie barely heard her, too focused on the message that had just popped up on her screen. The name "Red<3" stood out at the top of the chat, and she quickly opened it.

Red<3: "Hey ma."

Billie couldn't help the small grin that tugged at her lips as she read the message. She texted back quickly, her fingers moving instinctively across the keyboard.

Billie: "Hi Red."

Quen leaned over, trying to sneak a glance at Billie's phone, but Billie caught her in the act, holding her phone closer to her chest with a playful smirk.

"Uh-uh, mind your business, Q."

Quen held up her hands in mock surrender, grinning mischievously. "Oh, it *is* my business when my bestie starts acting all soft and smiley out of nowhere. Who's 'Red'? And why are they making you blush?"

Billie rolled her eyes, but before she could respond, another buzz.

Red<3: "Wyd?"

She quickly typed back.

Billie: "Js hanging with my friends."

Billie's friends exchanged curious looks. Even Odessa, who was typically more laid back, leaned in a little closer. Billie had been her usual self at the start of the evening, but ever since her phone started buzzing, it was like someone had flipped a switch. She was still Billie, but there was a lightness in her that wasn't there before.

Billie glanced at the next message, her heart skipping just a little.

Red<3: "Oh, I wanted to swing by but I guess I'll come tomorrow."

A flicker of disappointment hit Billie. She hadn't realized how much she wanted Mars to be there until the possibility of her showing up was taken away. Without thinking, she sent her reply.

Billie: "You can come over now... unless you don't want to."

As she hit send, she looked up and saw her friends staring at her, expectant and amused.

Zoe tilted her head, a slow grin spreading across her face. "Who's got you all worked up?"

Billie tried to play it cool, slipping her phone into her lap as if nothing was happening. "No one. Just a friend."

Alex laughed, shaking his head. "Right. Just a 'friend.' We've known you long enough to know what that look means."

Before Billie could retort, her phone buzzed again. She couldn't help herself—she looked.

Red<3: "Bet. I'll be over in 10."

She felt her heart flutter, that small rush of excitement she always got when Mars was coming over. She hadn't known Mars long, but in the few weeks they'd been hanging out, something had clicked between them. It was easy, comfortable, and Billie found herself looking forward to seeing Mars more than she'd like to admit.

But it wasn't just the excitement. It was how Mars made her feel—like she could be herself, no pretense, no pressure. Billie was used to people having expectations of her, but with Mars, there were none. It was freeing, in a way she hadn't expected.

"She's coming over," Billie mumbled, trying to sound casual, but the way her lips curled into a small smile betrayed her.

The group erupted with questions. Odessa crossed her legs on the couch, leaning forward. "*She?* Okay, now you definitely have to tell us more."

Quen grinned, nudging Billie's foot with her own. "Mars? *The* Mars Tosin? The actress, singer, everything?"

Billie hesitated, then nodded, not quite able to hide her smile. "Yeah, that Mars."

Zoe's eyes widened in disbelief. "Billie! Since when? How did you not tell me this sooner?"

Billie shrugged, trying to downplay it even as her heart raced with excitement. "I mean... we've just been hanging out. It's not like a big deal or anything."

"Oh, it's a big deal," Alex chimed in, grinning. "Mars is huge. And, clearly, she's got you all twisted up."

Before Billie could respond, there was a soft knock at the door. Billie's pulse quickened. Without waiting for anyone else to move, she jumped up, hurrying toward the door as her friends watched, amused.

She pulled it open, and there was Mars, standing on the front step. She was dressed casually, as always—a black hoodie and sweatpants, the hoodie one that Billie had given her a few days ago. It was oversized on Billie, but on Mars, it fit just right, accentuating her broad shoulders and lean, athletic build. Mars had her hands in her pockets, her curly hair neatly braided back, as usual. Her green-hazel eyes, hidden behind glasses, softened when they landed on Billie.

"Hey, ma," Mars said, her voice low and smooth as she stepped inside, casually slipping off her shoes at the door. She didn't believe in wearing outside shoes in the house, a habit Billie found oddly endearing.

Billie couldn't help herself—she closed the door and immediately wrapped her arms around Mars, pressing her face into her chest. She never hesitated to hug Mars whenever she could, and Mars never seemed to mind. In fact, she always hugged her back just as tightly.

"Missed me already?" Mars teased, her hands resting on Billie's waist.

Billie pulled back slightly, looking up at her with a small smirk. "Maybe."

Mars's lips curled into a half-smile, but there was a softness in her eyes as she looked down at Billie. "I was gonna wait 'til tomorrow, but since you wanted me here..."

"I'm glad you came."

Mars leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of Billie's head. "Me too."

Billie led Mars into the living room where her friends were pretending not to be overly interested but failing miserably. As they entered, Quen, Odessa, Zoe, and Alex straightened up, all eyes on the tall, effortlessly cool woman that had just walked in. Mars was a superstar in her own right—an Emmy-winning actress, a Grammy-winning artist—but right now, she seemed like just another person hanging out in Billie's living room.

Billie made the introductions, and Mars greeted each of them with that same calm, unbothered energy. Even though they were all trying to play it cool, Billie could tell her friends were a little star-struck.

"So, you're the famous Mars Tosin," Alex said, grinning as he shook Mars's hand. "I've heard a lot about you."

Mars chuckled softly, glancing at Billie with a raised eyebrow. "All good things, I hope."

"Oh, absolutely," Odessa chimed in, a sly smile on her face. "Billie's been all smiles lately. We figured someone special had to be involved."

Billie shot her a look, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Don't start."

But Mars just laughed, her deep voice filling the room in a way that made everyone relax a little. "I'll take the blame for that one."

They all settled back into their places, with Mars sitting next to Billie on the couch. Billie leaned into her instinctively, their shoulders touching, and Mars draped her arm across the back of the couch, her fingers just barely grazing Billie's shoulder.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of conversation and laughter. Mars fit in easily with the group, her dry humor and quick wit making her an instant hit with Billie's friends. Billie, for her part, couldn't stop stealing glances at Mars, her heart fluttering every time their eyes met.

And when the night finally wound down and her friends started heading out, Billie found herself wishing the night could last just a little longer. But as she stood at the door, saying goodbye to Quen, Zoe, Odessa, and Alex, she felt Mars's presence behind her, solid and reassuring.

Once everyone had left, Billie closed the door and turned to face Mars, who was leaning casually against the wall, her hands in her pockets, watching Billie with a small, knowing smile.

"Your friends are cool," Mars said, pushing off the wall and walking over to Billie. "I had fun."

Billie smiled up at her, feeling a warmth in her chest she hadn't felt in a long time. "I'm glad you came."

Mars reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind Billie's ear. "Me too, ma."