Yvonne was comfortable in her pajamas as she settled on her couch with a bowl of popcorn, a pot of tea, and every intention of spending New Year’s Eve at home watching Times Square from the comfort and quiet of her living room.

As she crunched on her snack, her phone beeped, signaling a text, and she lifted it to see who was wishing her a happy new year, hoping for the millionth time for it to be Zadid.

It was Mackenzie.

Come out with us. You know you want to!

She stared at the screen, contemplating her response. She had spoken with Mackenzie a few times after the holiday, never mentioning what had happened between her and their handsome employer. Every time her phone beeped, she was racing for it in the hopes that he would reach out and invite her to dinner, something—anything. Even just to say hello!

His radio silence had been disconcerting, and left Yvonne wondering just what her life would be like at work in a few days’ time.

She texted her friend that she was quite content to stay at home for the night. Then, there was a knock on the door.

With a sigh, knowing where this was about to head, Yvonne stood and quickly walked to the door, throwing it open.

“You’re coming,” Mackenzie declared, her tone brooking no argument.

Peeking behind her friend’s shoulder, Yvonne saw Kyle and Shane looking uncomfortable as they shifted from foot to foot.

Mackenzie crossed her arms over her sparkly party dress, determined.

“You have bailed on me every time I’ve asked you out over this break. It is New Year’s Eve, Yvonne! This is not the time to sit at home like an old maid. You are a young beautiful woman in a city full of fun. Can you please act like it? I know you have a little black dress in there somewhere. Go grab it and let’s get going!”

Yvonne stared at her friend, wondering just how hard she would have to work to convince Mackenzie to let her stay home. She then glanced back at her lonely couch, with nothing but popcorn and tea to spend her evening with. Perhaps it would be good to get out. If anything, she could try to distract her brain for a little while instead of constantly replaying Christmas in her mind.

That day had ended, and clearly Zadid had no intention of seeing any kind of romance through. If he had, he would have texted, at the very least.

With a sigh, Yvonne relented.

“Fine, but we are not spending any time outside. I’m not shivering in the cold when I could have been warm here.”

“Fair enough. My cousin works at a club downtown, and he’s offered me four spots at a VIP table. It’s going to be amazing!”

Her friend’s enthusiasm was contagious, and Yvonne smiled in spite of herself.

“Give me five minutes. Come on in guys—there’s some wine in the kitchen if you’re feeling it.”

Kyle nodded, wrapping an arm around Mackenzie as they stepped inside. Yvonne waved to Shane, who waved back, stepping into her apartment and glancing shyly around. She repressed another sigh at Mackenzie’s clear attempt at matchmaking once again.

Would the woman never let her live out her dating life in peace?

Closing her bedroom door, she picked out a black cocktail dress that draped down her back, a line of jewels cascading down her spine. It was classy enough to get into a fancy joint while also having just a little bit of spice to it for the occasion. She pinned her hair up into something resembling a stylish twist, and stepped into a pair of semi-comfortable black heels.

After finishing it all off with a bit of dark eye makeup and lipstick, she stepped back out into her living room. The three guests looked at her with wide eyes.

“Dang, Yvonne! How do you get to transform into a knockout so easily? Not fair!” Mackenzie grumbled jokingly.

Yvonne glanced down, reaching for a black clutch and transferring her money into it for the night.

“You’re too kind, my friend,” she said, very aware of Shane’s eyes on her. She missed Zadid more than ever. “Now, let’s get going before that VIP access gets denied.”

“Yay!” Mackenzie cheered, lacing her arm through Yvonne’s as they strolled out of her apartment and into the elevator.

When they stepped outside, there was a long, black limo waiting for them at the curb. Yvonne cast a curious glance at her friend, who shrugged.

“What? It’s been an amazing year, and I want to see it out in style. Let’s treat ourselves!”

Yvonne’s heart felt a little lighter, even in the chill of the evening air. She slid into the backseat of the limo, the smooth seats comfortable as the men piled in behind Mackenzie. Kyle draped his arm around her shoulders again while Shane took the end of the row to himself, gazing out the window.

The lights of the season were still in place, glittering around them as the limo drove though crowded city streets, slowly approaching their final destination. While they waited, Kyle reached across to the bar, where he popped a bottle of champagne open and filled flutes, passing them around.

“To a new year with new adventures!” he said.

“To love!” Mackenzie said.

“To work!” Yvonne said, and Mackenzie rolled her eyes.

“To new friends,” Shane said, glancing at Yvonne before they all clinked their glasses and sipped.

The limo pulled up in front of the posh club, where a long line of partygoers was already forming outside. Shane opened the door and stepped out, the rest of the group following close behind. Mackenzie stepped up to the bouncer, confident as ever.

“Hi there. I’m Lance’s cousin, Mackenzie,” she said.

The muscular bouncer flipped over his checklist, marking a spot with his pen.

“You’re VIP area number four,” he said, opening the velvet rope and gesturing for her party to go inside.

Yvonne ignored the glares of everyone waiting in line as they walked in, noticing that the club was decorated like a 1920s speakeasy. Some people had even dressed up in flapper dresses and waistcoats for the occasion, giving a sense of timelessness to the space.

A series of closed-off areas with tables and sofas hung above the space, and Mackenzie led the way until they found number four. Yvonne felt like a queen as she entered the area, and another bouncer approached to confirm their identities. Once he did, he left them in the hands of a private waiter, who took drink orders before scurrying away.

Couples were dancing on a small floor beneath them, conversation noisy as partygoers celebrated the end of another year. Yvonne sat down next to Shane as Kyle and Mackenzie cuddled up on one of the couches, lost in their own little world.

“This is pretty neat,” Yvonne said, struggling to think of what to say.

Shane nodded.

“I’ve never been to one of these places before.”

They sat in silence until the waiter arrived with their drinks. Yvonne took a deep pull, thinking about her comfortable pajamas and popcorn back home and wondering how Mackenzie had managed to get her to leave them behind.

“I’m sorry, can we just get past the part where we’re clearly being set up again?” she finally asked. “I’d like it if we could be friends.”

“That sounds good to me,” Shane agreed, taking a sip from his own glass. “I can’t stand awkward silences.”

“Really? They seem to be a specialty of mine,” Yvonne said with a laugh.

“Maybe that’s why you’re still single,” he replied, taking another drink.

Yvonne’s eyes narrowed. So much for being a friend.

“I imagine your beard is the reason you’re still single.”

He glanced over at her.

“Women like the beard.”

She gazed around pointedly.

“I don’t see any here jumping at the chance to tug on it.”

“You know, I think you’d be better off hanging with your friend from the other night. You two seemed quite cozy together.”

He was talking about Zadid. Instantly, Yvonne wished that she was doing exactly that. If she wasn’t going to be distracted from wanting him when she was out, what was the point of it in the first place? Setting her drink down, she nodded to Shane.

“It’s been real great getting to know you, friend. Please let Mack and Kyle know that I went home. Have a great night with your hordes of beard-loving women.”

Before he could reply, she was up and out of the VIP area, halfway to the door. Kyle and Mackenzie were still making out on the couch, totally unaware of the fact that she was on her way out.

Stepping back out into the cold street, she waited for twenty minutes until someone finally exited a cab and she was able to hop in. Traffic took forever as the cab driver meandered the way to her apartment building. As they approached, her phone went off.

Are you serious? Why did you leave?

She stared at Mackenzie’s text, feeling numb. Opening it up, she sent her reply.

Just pulled up to my apartment, home safe. See you at work in a few days. Happy New Year.

With that, she turned off her phone, not wanting to talk to anyone anymore. She paid her fare and headed upstairs, returning to her apartment. Her setup was just as she’d left it, and she washed the makeup from her face and slid back into her comfortable clothes before plopping on the couch and covering back up with her blanket.

She had made such big plans for the evening to relax and enjoy her night. Instead, she was left feeling frustrated and annoyed. She had allowed her friend to drag her out on what was so obviously a double date with a man she had no interest in. Heck, even he knew that she would rather be with Zadid!

Times Square was loaded with smiling faces and happy people as concerts played out, the year rehashed in a series of images. Yvonne watched, her eyes darting occasionally to the fireplace as she remembered Zadid deftly lighting the fire—one that would glow throughout the best night of her life.

And yet, she was alone on New Year’s Eve, watching the clock as everyone prepared for another year. The fresh-faced show host looked out at the shimmering ball as the crowd began to count down the last few seconds of the year.

Three.

Two.

One.

“Happy New Year,” Yvonne mumbled, watching sadly as couples embraced.