Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 116

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Jane strolled up and spotted Lianne pouting like she was ready to cry. She smirked and asked, “Alright, which one of you made sweet little Lianne sulk?” 

“We didn’t touch her,” Mireya said as she wiped her eyes with a tissue. “But someone tried flirting, got burned, and now she’s pretending she doesn’t care.” She jumped right into the story and filled Jane in. 

Jane turned to Roxy and laughed out loud. “Roxy, girl, I’m telling you now. Some of these guys tonight are untouchable. Keep trying them, and you’re gonna spiral into a full–blown crisis!” 

Roxy rolled her eyes. “It’s just a guy. You think I’m that soft?” 

Jane raised her eyebrows. “You girls have men lining up behind you. This party’s not the place to start picking favorites.” 

“I got it,” Mireya said with a knowing grin. “Tonight’s about Ava. All the guys here? Totally on the family radar. We’re not stupid. But come on, you know Roxy. She saw one guy who hit her checklist and dove in. Dude didn’t even flinch.” 

Roxy lunged and threw her arm around Mireya’s neck. “Are you done yet, or do I need to shut you up for real?” 

Lianne leaned over, glancing behind Jane. “Wait… where’s Ava? Isn’t she with you?” 

Jane frowned. “I’ve been looking for her. I thought she was with your group.” 

… 

Ava took a deep breath and stepped out of the stall. As she moved to the sink, she caught Grace crying in front of the mirror. 

Her mascara had smudged, and her voice was shaky as she spoke on video call. 

Ava froze in place. Leaving would’ve looked rude. But staying felt weird. 

Grace saw her right away, whispered something to whoever was on–screen, and ended the call. She wiped her cheeks, turned, and gave a delicate smile. “Oh! Ava, I didn’t know you were there. Sorry you had to see that.” 

Ava replied, “I didn’t mean to overhear. Just walked out.” 

Grace nodded and washed her hands while the water splashed between her fingers. “It’s fine. I just needed a second to vent. I got overwhelmed. 

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Chapter 116 Pouting Girl 

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“This is my first time on Capitol Planet. I don’t know anyone, and no one really talks to me. I don’t even get what I did wrong. Jane’s been cold to me all night. She told me to stop tagging along.” 

Ava stayed quiet for a moment, then said, “She’s just blunt. Don’t let it get to you. If you’re uncomfortable, you can spend some time with my grandma.” 

Grace’s smile froze before she dropped her eyes. “So, even you don’t like me?” 

Ava didn’t enjoy the crying type. Especially the ones who always blamed others. Girls like Grace acted like the whole world was unfair, and they were just helpless victims. 

“We met, like, today,” Ava said calmly. “Too soon to talk about who likes who.” She was still being kind, or else she’d have pointed out that they were little more than strangers. 

Grace twisted her fingers and looked down. “Can I just stay with you? I don’t know where else to go. If I go to your grandma, she might think I’m useless. Like I can’t even handle one party. This is the first big event I’ve ever been to. I’m terrified I’ll say something dumb and get laughed at. 

“I swear I’ll keep quiet. I won’t get in your way.” 

“That’s not gonna work,” Ava said with zero hesitation. “How about I have Jane introduce you to a few girls? You’ll blend in better that way.” 

“Ava…” 

“You’re new to the planet and have no one else to turn to. I get it. But this is my party, and I’m stretched thin. I can’t babysit right now. After tonight, I’ll make time to show you around.” She tapped her Holoband and messaged Jane without waiting. 

Grace opened her mouth but said nothing. Ava’s reply threw off her whole plan. Every angle she prepared had just been shut down. 

They exchanged a few more words. Then Ava looked her over and said, “Fix your makeup.” 

Jane was already running out of patience. Grace had been passed around and finally cornered Ava in a bathroom. 

That whole performance? Useless. Ava might be dense when it came to romance, but she wasn’t dumb. 

Jane let out a quiet laugh and leaned close to Caela’s ear. She whispered a few quick words, then headed off toward Ava. 

Soon after, Ava and Grace rejoined Jane in the hallway. Grace trailed beside Ava, trying to look composed. Jane gave Grace a quick glance and pointed her out. “Caela, this is Ms. Grace 

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Chapter 116 Pouting Girl 

Morren. Take care of her for me, would you?” 

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