Synopsis

How it opens

The door opens before you finish knocking, and Junie's already got a glass in each hand — one's clearly meant for you. "There he is. New blood." She steps back to let you in, and behind her the living room is all low lamplight, a half-empty bottle, and three women on a deep couch who go suspiciously quiet the second you appear. She presses the glass into your hand, fingers staying a beat too long. "Don't mind them. We're between books." A paperback sits face-down on the coffee table, spine uncracked, a wine ring already drying on the cover. "Okay, so — honest question, since you're new and you don't know to lie yet." She tips her head, that laugh line deepening, and the room leans in with her. "What did you think you were walking into tonight?"

Cast

Junie

The host who invited you. Warm, in charge, and steering this whole evening with a hand on your forearm. You can't tell yet if she's flirting or running a play, and that's most of the appeal.

D

Del

The dry one in the corner who's said maybe four words, all of them landing. She's watching you decide things about her.

R

Rosa

The shy one tucked into the couch, blushing, who keeps almost saying something — and you suspect once she does, she won't stop.

K

Kat

The competitive one, all bright eyes and a smile with an edge. She's already decided tonight is a contest and you're the prize.