Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 131

Chapter 131 Presence 

69 

Finished 

“Compete with other girls to impress guys? Please. That’s what women do when they depend on men. We don’t need them. We’re hot because we just are. I dress up because I like what I see in the mirror, not because I’m trying to land a date!” 

The two of them cracked up and messed around for a bit before finally heading down the stairs. 

“Jane!” 

They had just reached the first floor when a girl’s voice called out. Jane turned her head. “Isa? You’re back already? I thought you were still traveling?” 

“I got back a few days ago. No way I was missing the Morren family coming–of–age party.” 

Jane smiled and looked over at Ava. “Ava, this is Isa Farnham. She’s three years older than you.” 

Ava’s gaze swept from the girl’s seafoam–green hair to her violet eyes. She was breathtaking. Way prettier in person than in any photo. 

So, this was the girl Daniel liked. 

“Hi, I’m Ava.” 

“Hi, I’m Isa.” She held out her hand, flashing a big smile with a tiny front tooth peeking out. “You’re gorgeous, Ava. Black hair and dark eyes? You don’t see that often anymore.” 

Ava shook her hand. “You’re stunning too. That green hair looks like silk, and your purple eyes… they sparkle like stars.” 

Isa giggled and turned to Jane. “Did you hear that? Ava just called me pretty.” 

Jane made a dramatic face. “Okay, you two can cut the fluff now.” 

Isa shot Jane a playful glare. Jane immediately cringed. “Isa, stop it. I’m not into girls, your charm doesn’t work on me.” 

Isa laughed so hard her shoulders shook. “Yes, Ms. Morren!” 

Ava watched them banter. It was clear they were close. 

Meeting the woman her ex loved should’ve made her feel weird, but honestly? Aside from the first jolt of surprise, she felt nothing. Isa was beautiful and had a warm vibe. Daniel definitely got lucky. 

1/3 

13:14 Wed, Jan 14 

… 

69 

Chapter 131 Presence 

Finished 

Jane raised an eyebrow. “So I heard you got engaged to someone from the Crowe family?” 

Isa nodded, calm and confident. “It’s Daniel. He got back from Alayna Planet a few months ago. He’s staying on Capitol Planet for good now. Took a teaching job at the university here.” 

“Congrats! Is he here tonight? I’ve gotta see who pulled off the impossible and snatched up our Isa.” 

Isa covered her mouth, eyes twinkling. “Stop it, Jane! He’s coming later. I’ll introduce you once he gets here.” 

Jane nodded. “Perfect. My mom’s over there if you wanna say hi.” 

Isa waved and smiled. “I’ll go now then.” 

She turned to Ava. “Bye, Ava! It was really great meeting you!” 

Ava nodded. “Bye.” 

Jane watched Isa’s back disappear into the crowd and explained, “Our families are actually related. Way back, one of the Morren girls married into the Crowe family. Isa’s been coming over here forever. My mom used to dote on her. She spoiled her like crazy. Bought her everything. I couldn’t stand her at first. Every time she showed up, my mom forgot I existed. 

“But once we got older, I actually started to like her. She’s sweet. Once you get to know her, you’ll see. Isa’s a real one.” 

Ava listened to every word. Anyone Jane liked that much had to be something special. 

She looked at Jane’s smiling face, touched her forehead, and lowered her gaze. Please don’t recognize me, Sawyer. Don’t let us cross paths, she thought. 

Because nothing screams mess like your ex–boyfriend walking in with his fiancée… and bumping into his 

1. ex. 

Jane glanced sideways. “What’s with that look? You’ve been weird since dinner.” 

Ava forced a smile. “It’s nothing. Just a little nervous.” 

“Nervous?! Are you serious? You’re the star tonight, Ava! This whole night is about you! When the music starts and someone asks you to dance, if you’re into it, go for it! If not, tell them to take a hike!” 

“Wait. Dancing?! Nobody said anything about dancing!” 

Jane flicked her forehead. “It’s a given, Ava. I asked if you knew how, and 

you said yes. So I figured you knew what came with the event. And didn’t your college have dances like this too?”