Page 2 of Knocked Up by the Bratva

Maeve rolls her eyes dramatically. “One thing at a time, Jen. First, pizza. Then wardrobe overhaul.”

I can’t help but feel a bubble of excitement rise in my chest again. She’s right. This is a big deal. As much as I try to downplay it, I can’t ignore the fact that this is my chance. The opportunity I’ve been waiting for.

Maeve bounces up from the bed, her energy contagious. “This is so exciting. Oh, maybe we should go out this weekend to celebrate properly.”

“We are celebrating,” I say, glancing at the pizza menu still open on her phone. “With pizza. That’s plenty for me.”

She rolls her eyes dramatically, flopping back onto the bed. “Pizza is just the pre-celebration. We’re going out this weekend. One of my friends is throwing a party on Friday. It’s high-end, luxury—none of the usual college stuff. VIPs and all that. You need to come.”

I give her a skeptical look. “VIPs? Maeve, I don’t even know your friends.”

“That’s exactly why you should come!” She leans in, excitement written all over her face. “You need to meet new people. And let loose a little! You’ve been buried in books, projects, and now your shiny new internship for way too long. This is a chance to just have fun. No stress, no responsibilities. You deserve it.”

I hesitate, chewing on the inside of my cheek. It’s true—I’ve spent so much time focusing on school and work that I’ve forgotten what it’s like to just… be. To have a night of fun without worrying about deadlines or where my career is headed. But at a fancy party with VIPs? That’s a little out of my comfort zone.

“I don’t know, Maeve—” I start, but she cuts me off with an exaggerated sigh.

“Jen. Come on. You just landed the internship of your dreams. That’s cause for celebration if I’ve ever seen one. Besides, you can’t let me show up alone. You know I’ll just end up talking to the same three people all night.”

I laugh despite myself. Maeve has a way of wearing me down, and I know she’s not going to let this go. “Fine,” I say with a resigned smile. “I’ll go.”

“Yes!” Maeve pumps her fist in the air like she’s just won some kind of victory. “It’s going to be so much fun. Trust me. We’ll get dressed up, sip on overpriced drinks, and dance all night.”

“Dressed up?” I raise an eyebrow, suddenly aware that I don’t exactly have a closet full of fancy, party-appropriate outfits. My wardrobe consists mostly of jeans, sweaters, and a few business-casual pieces I’ve picked up for internships and job interviews. Nothing that screams luxury party.

Maeve smirks. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll help you pick something out. We’ll figure it out, and you’re going to look amazing. Just leave it to me.”

I try to suppress the nervous flutter in my stomach, reminding myself that this is supposed to be fun. No stress, no overthinking. I’m not the type to go out and party, but maybe that’s the problem. Maybe I need to push myself out of my comfort zone for once.

“Okay, okay,” I say, shaking my head in disbelief at how quickly she’s managed to convince me. “Friday night it is.”

Maeve grins, clearly pleased with herself. “Perfect. You won’t regret it.”

The thought of dressing up, mingling with new people, and having a carefree night sounds both exhilarating and nerve-wracking at the same time.

“Do I need to, like, prepare for this party?” I ask, trying to sound casual but feeling a little out of my depth. “I mean, what kind of people are we talking about here?”

Maeve shrugs, but there’s a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “Oh, you know… the usual crowd. Some rich kids, maybe a couple of minor celebrities. It’s going to be very New York. Just be yourself. You’ll fit right in.”

I give her a doubtful look. “Right. Because I totally blend in with minor celebrities and VIPs.”

“You’ll be fine, Jen. Trust me. This is exactly what you need. A break from reality for one night.”

Maybe she’s right. Maybe I do need this. I’ve been so focused on my career and making sure everything is lined up perfectly for the future that I’ve forgotten to just live in the present. The idea of letting loose, even for one night, starts to feel more and more appealing.

Maeve’s phone buzzes, and she grabs it quickly. “Pizza’s here!” She jumps up, heading for the door. “We’ll eat, and then I’ll show you some options for Friday. You’ll be the star of the night.”

I follow her out of the room, shaking my head but smiling all the same. I can’t remember the last time I felt this kind of excitement, and it’s nice to let myself indulge in it. I can worry about everything else later.

Maeve and I head out to grab the pizza, and the warm scent of cheese and garlic fills the dorm hallway as soon as we open the box. Back in our room, we settle on the floor with the pizza between us, laughing and chatting as we dig in.

As I take a bite, I can’t help but think about the party again. Part of me feels out of place just imagining myself there—surrounded by VIPs, dressed in some outfit Maeve will pick out for me. I’ve never been the life-of-the-party type. I’m usually the one in the corner, observing, planning my next step while everyone else seems so carefree.

Maybe that’s exactly why I need to go. For the first time, I’ll be stepping into a world I’ve never been a part of—one that feels a bit foreign, exciting, and maybe even intimidating. Who knows? Maybe it’s time I step out of my comfort zone. After all, I’m about to start this new internship at Empire City Estates. I’m making moves in my life, so why not make some in my personal life too?

I glance over at Maeve, who’s already scrolling through her phone, likely searching for outfit inspiration. “You’re really into this party, huh?” I ask, half-amused, half-nervous.

She looks up at me with a grin. “Of course! It’s going to be a blast. Plus, you need this. We’re almost done with college, Jen. How many more chances do we have to go out, have fun, and not worry about being adults?”

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