Step 6: Pivot if you must
After they got Kaysie settled for the night, Tori and Jade prepared to head out for Tori's date with Beck. The evening was set against the backdrop of Thirty Rock, where they glided on the ice, creating cherished memories. The chemistry between Tori and Beck was palpable, the conversation easy and enjoyable. A delightful dinner and a cup of hot cocoa added to the enchantment of their winter night. As they walked hand in hand, Tori found herself contemplating the prospect of something more with Beck.
As the night drew to a close, Tori, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, took a bold step and invited Beck to join her family for dinner the next day. "I'm sorry if that's too forward," she confessed.
Beck, with a warm smile, responded, "Not at all. I'd love to come," sealing the agreement with a gentle kiss. Tori blushed, and they continued their walk, the promise of a shared tomorrow hanging in the air.
However, amid the joyous atmosphere, Jade's emotions were in turmoil. Despite knowing Tori's straight orientation, Jade couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort witnessing the intimacy between Tori and Beck. Determined to remain professional, Jade focused on her role, diligently capturing moments and curating Instagram posts for the Love Lights campaign.
Little did Tori and Jade know, the family dinner planned for the next night would introduce a new set of dynamics and surprises
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a soft glow over the two friends as they strolled towards Tori's home after the enchanting evening with Beck. Jade couldn't contain her excitement and swiftly pulled out her phone, eager to share the captured moments.
"Look at this one," Jade exclaimed, displaying a candid shot of Tori with a genuine smile. "You were genuinely smiling, Tori. It's like a whole new side of you."
Tori, looking at the images, had a soft smile playing on her lips as she relived the moments. "Yeah, I guess it was a good night. Thanks for capturing these, Jade."
"No problem. Gotta keep the Love Lights campaign going strong. Now spill, Tori. Are there more dates planned?" Jade inquired, a playful glint in her eyes.
"I think I'm going to focus on the song tomorrow. Need to get that done for the Love Lights app," Tori replied, contemplating her priorities.
"Come on, Tori. Let yourself feel it. If this song needs to be a goodbye to Andre, then let it be. It might even make the Love Lights journey more authentic," Jade urged, offering a perspective that Tori hadn't fully considered.
Tori nodded thoughtfully. "You might be right. I'll see how it goes."
"That's the spirit! Now, I'll be back tomorrow to document the songwriting process. A few clips could really hype up your fans," Jade declared, her enthusiasm evident.
"Alright, sounds good. Thanks, Jade," Tori responded with gratitude.
As they reached Tori's doorstep, the conversation lingered in the cool night air. The two friends exchanged their goodnights, and the atmosphere was filled with a sense of mutual support and the promise of artistic collaboration. A long, electrifying hug sealed the evening, leaving both Tori and Jade with a sense of anticipation for the creative journey that lay ahead. Little did they know, the lingering embrace left a subtle undercurrent of longing, a connection that transcended friendship and hinted at something more profound.