Meant For You

nine.

Even though they've been dating for close to a year, my uncle Rhys isn't sold one bit on the guy yet. Frankie just explained how he still thinks Alistair is a bad influence on her and how much he resents the guy. I've met him more than once and while I see why her dad might be worried, I also see why she can defend him the way she does. He's completely in love with her. Who isn't?

I feel bad that her relationship isn't being accepted by the people we love. I'm entirely on her side and I let her know that. She'll always have my vote.

When the clock starts nearing five, she starts saying her goodbyes. "I have to go, but before I do. I have something to ask..." She waggles her thick brows. "What's up?" She grabs my hands. "There's this event I'm going to tomorrow and I have a plus one. How would you like to be my plus one?" she exclaims. I raise my brows. "Me? What business do I have doing at an event for influencers?" I question.

"It's not only influencers! A bunch of people will be there, potentially celebs! Come with me, please, Nol. I need more time with you and this will be just that!" Frankie pleads, her green eyes lighting up. "Oh, why not? I'll come!" I say. She squeals and wraps me up in a tight hug. "Perfect, perfect. It's tomorrow at five, so I'll swing by to pick you up. It's pretty casual so nothing too fancy, don't go out of your way to buy a new fit."

"Perfect, can't wait," I say. Frankie hugs me one more time as we say our goodbyes.

Perks of having a famous cousin? Going to events where celebrities will be present. Maybe life isn't as bad as I thought.

***

I keep my outfit simple, just like Frankie told me, wearing all black and matching it with a rhinestone purse for a little pop. As soon as we get to the event, pictures start being taken by the paparazzi. Yeah, I'm not used to this. Frankie leads the way, holding my hand as we enter the building where the event is being held.

Some beefy guy gives her a thumbs up as we whizz by and make it inside, away from all the flashing lights. "God, that was crazy," I say. Frankie chuckles fixing her curly hair. I look away from her and start noticing the room full of influencers, some who I know, some I don't. "Come on, let's get a drink!" Frankie says.

"We're not 21!" I whisper shout to her as she pulls me toward the bar. "No one cares in here, babe. And.." she pauses, taking a seat on one of the stools at the bar. I slip into the one next to her as she waves to a couple of people across the room. "I'll be twenty-one in a couple of weeks." She shrugs. That's true. She turns 21 on New Year's Eve. I'm barely eighteen, so I have to rely on my fake ID. Which I stupidly didn't bring.

"Hi, can I get a vodka cran, and Nola? What would you like?" Frankie turns to look at me, the bartender staring at me too. "I'll have a Moscow mule, thanks," I try to say as confidently as possible. The bartender nods, "Coming right up, ladies." Frankie turns to me, wagging her brows. "See?" she says. I roll my eyes. "I need some alcohol in me or else my social battery will die quicker than usual," Frankie adds.

Weirdly, Frankie's never been super social. It took her a while to adjust to this part of her lifestyle. My cousin is a heavy introvert and she would take a day in over a night out any day. These events she attends are mandatory though. She has to keep up with them because they help her grow, I think it's the only reason she attends them.

"Here you go." The bartender sets our drinks in front of us shortly after. We thank him and Frankie pulls out a ten, handing the tip to him. "Drinks are free here. Don't worry," she assures me. I nod, taking a sip from my drink. It's strong. I make a face, shaking it off. It's been a while since I've had a sip of alcohol. I've been trying to stay away from it for a while now.