Jayden

I flung open the door, grinning from ear to ear. "Tyler!" I exclaimed as my friend walked in with a few of our buddies from the computer science department.

We exchanged hearty handshakes, and they filed in, chatting and laughing. "Come on in, guys! My mom and dad are out, so we can celebrate without worrying about them cramping our style," I said, winking.

As the group settled in, I scanned the room, taking in the familiar faces. That's when I heard the unmistakable click-clack of high heels on the staircase. My gaze drifted upward, and my heart skipped a beat.

Allison descended the stairs, a vision in a...