Neon Spire.

A city of legends.

A place where fortunes are won and lost, shimmering with temptation, bursting

with opportunity and challenge.

It was the last century's crown jewel.

So many icons and power players had made their names in Neon Spire, seemingly overnight.

Celeste's favorite writer came from there. She'd idolized him for years.

She'd dreamed of visiting Neon Spire for ages, but the timing had never been right.

To be honest, she'd never found the right person to go with.

"Neon Spire?" Caitlin had always had a soft spot for the city, too. When she heard the idea, she nodded. "I'd love that. But we'll need to get our Gulf Access Passes sorted ahead of time-have you applied for yours yet?"

"Not yet," Celeste replied, "But Catie, if you're in, let's go together. My dad knows someone who can get us fast-tracked."

"That sounds great. I've always liked Neon Spire myself."

With Caitlin on board, Celeste nearly bounced with excitement. “Catie, grab your passport and ID! Let's go take care of it right now."

"Alright."

Caitlin gave a small nod. "Let me run upstairs and get my documents."

It was late December in Silverhaven.

The outside temperature had dipped to well below freezing, biting cold even by local standards.

Caitlin pulled on a long, white puffer coat. It was the sort of coat that looked bulky on everyone else, but somehow, on her, it had an effortless, elegant charm.

Celeste looped her arm through Caitlin's. "Come on, Catie, let's go."

But Caitlin paused. "Wait a sec."

"What's up?" Celeste asked.

"I need my gloves." Caitlin could handle the heat, but she was hopeless in the cold.

Even with the sun shining brightly today, she insisted on bundling up.

She pulled on a pair of fluffy bunny mittens.

Celeste grinned. "Those are adorable, Catie! Send me the link-I want a pair too!"

That seemed to spark a memory for Caitlin. She slipped off the mittens and handed them to Celeste. "March, I just remembered something. Wait here I'll be right back."

"Okay." Celeste nodded.

About three minutes later, Caitlin bounded back downstairs, now carrying a brand new pair of those same bunny mittens.

She handed them to Celeste with a smile. "When I bought mine, I got you a pair too. But I've been so busy, I totally forgot. Here, March-these are for you."

Celeste's eyes lit up. "Seriously, Catie? For me?"

"Of course." Caitlin nodded.

"Thank you, Catie! You're the best." Celeste hugged her, then slipped on the mittens, beaming. "They're cute and warm. Now we've got matching gloves!"

The two girls giggled and chatted as they headed outside.

With the cold snap and last night's rain, the streets were icy and slick. Hailing a cab was nearly impossible.

Celeste frowned. "If I'd known, I'd have told my family's driver to wait for us. Hold on, let me call him."

Caitlin, unruffled, shrugged. "Don't worry. Maybe we'll get lucky and someone will accept the ride soon."

Almost as soon as she finished speaking, a sleek Rolls-Royce pulled up beside them.

The window slid down, revealing a sharply handsome face. His lips parted, his voice deep and warm, rich with confidence.

"Catie."

Caitlin glanced up. "Gordon? What are you doing here?"

"I have a meeting nearby. Saw you two from the road," Gordon replied, stepping out of the car. "Where are you headed? I'll give you a lift."

"No, no, it's fine-we can just get a cab. Don't let us keep you," Caitlin protested.

Gordon waved away her concern with a grin, pulling open the back door. "No need to be formal with me. I've got plenty of time, and it's freezing-come on, hop

in."

Celeste wasted no time, climbing into the backseat and waving at Caitlin. "Yeah, Catie, don't be shy with Mr. Sylvester. Get in!"

After all, as the unofficial matchmaker, it was her duty to give these two as much time together as possible.