The Red String Between Us: Part III Eternal Thread

第14章 Rodeo Drive and Future Dreams

      The sun was high and bright as Eden and Claire stepped out into the crisp LA morning, the streets of Rodeo Drive gleaming with polished storefronts and the hum of well-heeled shoppers. Claire practically dragged Eden along, her laughter ringing over the sound of traffic. She checked her phone but had no communication from Kenji outside of his note. It was Odd, but she understood he was working. 

"You need a white summer dress, Eden," Claire insisted, tugging her toward a store with flowing fabrics displayed in the window. "Something that screams sunlight and weekends by the beach. Trust me—you'll thank me later. Something simple but sexy, maybe?"

Eden laughed, surrendering to Claire's enthusiasm. "Alright, alright. But I'm not committing to anything just yet."

Within the store, Eden found herself drawn to a simple, midcalf white dress. The fabric caught the light just right, and Claire's grin only widened when Eden held it against herself in the mirror. "See? Perfect. Summer, sun, you—everything."

Once the dress was settled, Claire whisked Eden off to a nail salon. The scent of lavender and polish filled the air as Eden sank into the chair, hands extended. "Simple French tips," she told the technician, wanting something elegant and understated. Claire squeezed her shoulder, smiling at the ease in Eden's posture.

The day only got more indulgent. Prada's flagship store gleamed with white lights and spotless marble floors. Claire insisted on buying Eden a pair of white beach sandals adorned with real rhinestones. Eden slid her feet into them, feeling the playful sparkle under her toes and laughing at Claire's insistence that she'd never find a pair like them anywhere else.

Finally, they stopped at Tiffany's. Claire's expression softened, her tone uncharacteristically tender as she handed Eden a small, blue box. "For the time we've missed," she said simply. Eden opened it to find a delicate necklace, the silver chain catching the light with understated elegance. She touched it, smiling at Claire, who winked. "It's symbolic. And also, because you deserve it."

By 1 p.m., they were back on the road toward Big Sur, the ocean stretching in the distance, waves glinting beneath the afternoon sun. The car hummed quietly around them as Claire steered, and Eden leaned back, taking in the ride and the scenery.

"Tell me something," Claire began casually, glancing at her friend. "Where do you see yourself in a year? Professionally, personally... everything."

Eden let out a thoughtful sigh, staring out at the winding roads. "Professionally, I want to continue growing where I am, making an impact... but I also don't want to be stuck in one city if it limits what's possible. And personally..." She smiled faintly, thinking of Kenji. "I don't really know. I like him, a lot... I love him actually but I don't want to feel overshadowed by who he is, and I don't want him to feel rushed. I don't even know how fast we'll move—or if he really wants this like he says he do"

Claire nodded, her eyes reflective. "It's okay to not have all the answers. But you're smart—you'll know when it's right. And trust me, he wants you, and he means it. The way he looks at you? Its something there, like a fire in his eyes. The night of the event, his eyes were all over you, and very protective"

Eden turned toward her friend, the weight of gratitude settling over her. I smiled. "Thanks, Claire. Seriously. It's good having someone I can talk to, who doesn't push too hard but still asks the right questions. I hate that we live so far apart now"

Claire smiled, tossing a playful glance at her. "Always. And hey... if the sandals, the dress, and the necklace make the world feel a little brighter while you figure it out, then my work here is done."

Eden laughed, leaning back in the seat, feeling the wind from the ocean breeze on her face and thinking, for the first time in a long time, that maybe the future—uncertain as it was—could still feel wide open, full of possibilities, and bright enough to chase.