Bright City Mystery

Stargazer Lounge, San Myshuno
Charity Fundraiser, Saturday evening

The Stargazer Lounge buzzed with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. The city’s elite had gathered for a high-profile networking event masked as a fundraiser, filling the room with influential lawyers, business moguls, and their families. 17-year-old Ryan Cameron, feeling out of place among the adults, leaned against the bar, nursing a soda. Both his attempts to sneak some actual booze had been immediately foiled by his mother, Adrianna, who was engaged in what looked like a boring conversation with some equally boring people. She kept a watchful eye on her boisterous teen son as Ryan scanned the room for something interesting.

That’s when he saw her.

A girl, around his own age.
Oh, thank you, Jesus!

She stood near a group of older men, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, and her striking blue eyes sparkling with amusement. She was effortlessly elegant, wearing a sleek blue dress that accentuated her graceful figure. One of the men she was standing with was getting a bit too friendly with Alejandra DaSilva, a famous Selvadoradian model from the fundraiser fashion show earlier.

Seeing an opportunity, Ryan smirked and decided to make his move on the girl. He sauntered over, his confidence bolstered by boredom and curiosity.

“Someone call CPS, looks like that bro is trying to rob the cradle,” he quipped, loud enough for the girl to hear.

She turned to him, one eyebrow raised in a mixture of amusement and annoyance. “Excuse me?”

Ryan gestured subtly towards the middle-aged man, who was now nuzzling the model’s neck while she tried to hold a conversation with some other boring-looking people. “Look at that guy. Pathetic, trying too hard. She’s way out of his league. A blind man could see that. She’s way too young for him. I mean, I’d do her, and I’m not normally into older women.”

The girl’s lips curled into a sly smile. “You mean my parents?”

Ryan’s smirk faltered for a moment. “You’re joking, right? Having me on?”

With a bigger smile now, the girl shook her head.

Ryan quickly recovered. “Yikes, that puts a different spin on things. Sorry about that, just trying to make conversation here. Excuse me while I go and try to remove the foot from my mouth, after removing my head from between my other cheeks. Might require surgery.”

He was about to leave but stayed when she laughed—a genuine, melodic sound that caught the attention of a few nearby guests. “Funny and a contortionist. Impressive. And don’t worry, no offense taken. You’re not the first to feel that way and won’t be the last. Dad even likes to joke about hitting the lottery. I don’t care about that, they are still into each other and that’s all that matters.”

“Sounds like my parents, usually followed by disgusting smooching and fondling until they remember they have a bedroom for that kind of behavior. Then I won’t see them again until the next morning. And that’s the ideal case scenario, because if I do see them again, they’re usually barely dressed, and nobody needs to see that,” Ryan shot back, his grin widening.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Well, imagine your Mom being a model and traveling a lot. So they miss each other and when she gets home it’s just parental smut with nonstop encores. I am as shocked as everyone about being an only child.”

“Ha, another thing in common. They always said they’d only have one kid, and despite all their self-sabotaging naughty moments, they stuck to it. Just me, no siblings. Just a bunch of cousins on both sides.”

The fundraiser now had a band playing, making conversation harder. Eventually, they decided to step outside for some fresh air, the cool night breeze a welcome relief from the crowded lounge.

The city lights twinkled in the distance as Ryan and the girl found themselves alone on the terrace of the exclusive club atop one of the tallest high-rises. Their playful argument continued, each trying to outwit the other.

“You know, for a guy who started with a pretty lame line while kinda sorta hitting on my Mom, you’re not half bad,” she teased.

Ryan chuckled. “And for a girl whose Dad is the self-proclaimed Master Yoda of all cradle robbers, you’re surprisingly fun.”

The girl rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. “You really don’t give up, do you? She isn’t THAT much younger. Just 11 years. I mean, it’s a gap but not as bad as you make it sound. Mom just looks young for her age, she has to, to stay competitive, and I guess Dad’s job prematurely aged him.”

“Ah yeah? What does he do? Work in a coalmine of the olden days in the olden ways?” Ryan replied, stepping a bit closer.

“Close. Lawyer.” she giggled.

“No shit?! That’s what my Dad does. And my grandpa. Ha, and just like that, we have something else in common. It’s piling up.”

His heart raced as she looked up at him, their faces inches apart. He could smell her designer perfume, which suited her perfectly and enticed him even more. The banter had created a spark, an undeniable chemistry between them. Without thinking, she leaned in and kissed him.

The kiss was spontaneous, electric. It started as a peck but grew into something intense that left them both breathless. When they finally pulled apart, they stared at each other, stunned and intrigued.

“Well, that was unexpected,” Ryan said, his voice a bit husky from the excitement.

She smiled, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. “Sometimes, the best things are,” she replied softly, her eyes twinkling with a mix of shyness and delight. She glanced over Ryan’s shoulder, her expression shifting slightly. He turned to see her parents waving at her through the glass doors leading to the terrace.

“Looks like we’re leaving,” she said with a hint of reluctance in her voice. “Hope to see you around. We go to these events a lot, sounds like you do too.”

Ryan’s heart raced as he realized she was about to leave. “Wait,” he blurted out, almost desperately. “I’m Ryan Cameron. What’s your name? Can I see you again? Where do you live? Are you local?”

Shaking her head and giggling, she started to leave, but he gently held her back.

“You haven’t told me your name. As a punishment, you have to give me your number now too.” Ryan smirked victoriously.

With a coquettish smile, she leaned in. Ryan closed his eyes in anticipation of another kiss, but instead, she whispered in his ear.

“You figure it out, and I’ll go on a date with you. Bye, Ryan.”

With that, she hurried inside, where her Dad almost possessively put his hand on her back, looking at Ryan. Usually very confident and borderline arrogant, even he didn’t dare go after her now. All he could do was stand there and watch her smile and wave back at him before getting on the elevator with her parents.

“Well, challenge accepted,” Ryan decided, then craned his neck to spot his parents. He saw his mother near the buffet and rushed over.

“Mom?” he called. Adrianna Cameron turned her head to him, still chewing on some finger food. Holding one hand in front of her mouth, she said, “Sorry, rude, but I am starving! I’ve been standing with those models all evening, and they just don’t eat! Your father thought it was funny to stand next to me with the most delicious-smelling food. So, now, I am eating until everything here is gone, I swear it, don’t judge. Oh, and your father might sleep on the couch tonight unless this food boosts my mood.”

Ryan saw a waiter scurry by with champagne, so he grabbed two glasses.

“Ryan!” Adrianna warned, trying not to spit out her food.

“Relax, mother, they’re for you. Here. Mood boosters. I know the ‘mommy juice’ always lifts your spirits, and I can’t let my poor old Dad sleep on the couch.”

“Awww, my sweet boy,” Adrianna cooed, grabbing the drinks from him. She downed the first in one gulp, then sipped on the other.

“Speaking of models, did you happen to catch the name of the Latina one that older guy was with all night? You couldn’t miss it, he was like an octopus all over her.”

“Alejandra DaSilva? Ryan, she’s too old for you and that octopus is her husband. So, you stay away from her, you hear? Your father would kill you, I would kill you, and your grandparents would kill you. NO!”

“Mom! Chill! Seriously! I’m not trying out for the cougar championship; I am trying to figure something out here. So, DaSilva, huh? Does Dad know any lawyers named DaSilva?”

“Baby, I am not your Dad’s secretary. How should I know? But if you’re thinking of her husband, his last name is Reynolds. DaSilva is her maiden name, and she kept it as a sort of stage name. Cos, a model evidently needs a stage name. Ha! I think maybe in her culture they keep that name or something, who knows. All I know is that in Tartosa, it’s either this name or that, or you hyphenate. Those Spanish cultures are always so difficult with everything. And clearly, they don’t eat. As a Tartosian, that goes against my entire culture. Incredibile!”

“Thanks, Mom. You are surprisingly useful sometimes.” Ryan smirked at his mother, who whacked his behind with her clutch.

“Hey! Remember who your favorite son is. I brought you ‘mommy juice!’”

“Oh, my favorite and only child, I think I know what’s going on here. I saw you talking to their daughter. Is she making you work for it? Ha, I love it.”

Ryan’s face fell, changing to utter shock. “How did you know?”

“Oh, baby, oldest trick in the book. I used to do that all the time. Even to your father.” She giggled.

“Oh God, not another parental dating anecdote. And definitely not the kind middle-aged people tell under the influence of booze and an empty stomach. Please, Mom, don’t. Mercy, I am begging!”

“Middle-aged?! Rude. Now I totally forget the daughter’s name. Must be my age and the alcohol on my not so empty stomach.”

“What?! Mom, come on now. That’s not fair. Please. Mommy, please please please. I’ll say only nice things to and about you from now on. A hint?”

“Aww, quanto prezioso!” Tartosa-born Adrianna slipped into her mother tongue for a moment, then continued in perfect English again, “My sweet baby boy has a crush, AGAIN. Here, make yourself useful for once,” Adrianna purred, tickling her son’s chin before slamming her clutch into his chest, leaving him standing there as she walked over to her husband, Ryan’s Dad Nick, who was waiting for her by the dance floor.

“Great. Now I stand here, holding a frickin’ purse, while the potential love of my life vanishes into the night, and I still don’t know her name.”

Ryan stood there, watching his parents dance, awkwardly holding his mother’s evening clutch, feeling the stares and hearing the chuckles from a few onlookers. Annoyed, after his parents were two dances in, he pulled out the bag and flaunted it, saying with an exaggeratedly feminine demeanor, “Like my purse, yeah? Buy me a drink and I’ll spill where I bought it.”

He turned to find his Dad, Nick Cameron, watching with a knowing smile. “Good thing Rohan and Darren aren’t here to see that, or they’d have your hide, thinking you’re making some inappropriate gay jokes, son.”

Ryan sighed. “I don’t joke about gays, Dad. I grew up with Rohan and Darren, I would never. Those fools were just staring at me holding Mom’s bag. Here, you take it, she’s your wife.”

Nick accepted the clutch, slipping it under his arm with a casual ease that suggested this wasn’t the first time. He grinned at his son. “All right, who peed in your Cheerios? I know you don’t like these events, but you better get used to them if you want to be a lawyer one day. This is where you make connections, which often translates into clients, which translates into ka-ching.”

“Yeah, I know that, Dad. Listen, I met this amazing girl tonight…”

Ryan didn’t get to finish as his father burst out laughing. When he realized Ryan wasn’t amused, he stopped. “Sorry kid, just the feeling of déjà vu here. Another girl, Ryan? Look, I’m happy for you that you’ve got the flirting thing down, but you’re almost 18 and you’ve never had a steady girlfriend. Just millions of dates and nobody can keep any names straight anymore. It’s getting old, kid. Just pick one already and learn how to be in a relationship, that also takes lots of effort and practice. Quit collecting girl’s phone numbers like baseball cards, son.”

“Okay, Dad, first off, it’s not that many. I just like pretty girls. Secondly, if I had ever met a girl who checked all the boxes, I’d have leveled up ages ago. I mean, even Cousin William, the stiff, has a girlfriend now. Can you imagine how embarrassing that is for me?! He’s younger than me and he’s, well, William. Don’t you think I want to have a girlfriend?! In case you forgot, your mother and sister are pretty high profile, so I can’t just bring home the first girl I meet. I have to worry about gold-diggers, personal stuff ending up on eBay, or private pictures posted online. So, get off my back, will ya?!” Ryan ranted, then noticed he was drawing attention and lowered his voice.

“Sorry, Dad. Look, meeting girls isn’t the problem, but there is always something wrong with them. Either we have nothing in common, or they bore me to sleep on the first date, turn out to be full of hot air or they are full-on crazy wrapped in a pretty package. I almost liked the last girl I dated enough, until she laid that ‘saving ourselves for marriage’ stuff on me. Do I look like a priest?! I mean, do we live in jolly old 1524 or 2024? No thank you. I get wanting to keep that part special, but sorry I want to know what I’m doing whenever I get serious enough with a girl to even consider putting a ring on it one day. I don’t want to find out after the fact that she’s a lush in bed or hates intimacy, cos, I don’t have to have experience to know that once I do get there, I am gonna like that stuff enough for it to probably become another hobby, so I need someone who feels the same. Happy for those who embrace that chastity idea, but it’s just not for me.” Ryan had talked himself into a frustrated frenzy.

His dad, Nick, patted his arm gently. “Breathe, kid. Relax. I know all that, I was just teasing. Calm down,” he said, trying to soothe him.

Ryan sighed, feeling slightly calmer. “Look, Dad, that girl I just met has serious potential. We spoke for less than an hour and already had all the important things in common, and I could tell she’s really intelligent. And here’s the best part: she just randomly kissed me, and it blew my mind, so she is definitely passionate. Serious dream girl material. I like a girl who knows how to take charge. Did I mention she is also gorgeous, smart, and has a sense of humor? But here’s the problem: she left without telling me her name, saying if I figure it out, I’ll get a date with her. So, here I am trying to figure out how to figure that out now, because I tell you what, Dad, I want that date! And if I can get that girl, there is serious potential here that I would actually bring her home and introduce her to you guys. Mom’s not being helpful at all, even though I saw her talking to the girl’s mother.”

Chuckling, Nick nodded, understanding his son’s frustration. “Ah, the classic mystery girl scenario. Alright, let’s think this through together. Did she give you any hints? Maybe there’s a clue you missed. We’ll figure it out. It’s kinda like building a case, good practice for you.”

“Nothing useful. All I know is that her father’s a lawyer and her Mom’s a model. How am I supposed to figure anything out by that, cos that applies to like 40% of the goons here tonight, so… now what?”

Nick raised an eyebrow. “Well, at least that narrows it down a bit. Did you catch anything else about her parents? Maybe I can help, considering I schmoozed just about everyone in this place.”

Ryan thought for a moment. “Her Mom’s maiden name is DaSilva, and her Dad’s last name is Reynolds. Lawyer, like you. Ever heard of the dude? Because I hadn’t.”

Nick nodded thoughtfully. “Reynolds, you say? I think I know who you’re talking about. There’s a prominent lawyer named David Reynolds from Ciudad Enamorada I talked shop with earlier. I didn’t speak to him long, but he seemed to know his stuff, very business-like and not much for banter. He mentioned they just moved to San Myshuno. His wife, Alejandra DaSilva, is a model, your mother knows of her and was borderline fangirling her. And they have a daughter around your age. So, that checks out.”

Ryan’s eyes lit up. “That’s got to be her! Thanks, Dad! Do you know her name?”

Nick smiled. “I don’t remember exactly, I met so many people tonight. I believe it was something like Carla. Or Carmen? No, wait, I think it was Camilla. Yes, that sounds about right, not 100% confident, but pretty sure that was it or at least very close to it.”

Ryan felt a surge of excitement. “Awesome! Thanks, Dad!”

Nick patted his son on the back. “I’ll do you one better: their penthouse wasn’t ready to move into yet, so they’re booked in here at this hotel until the renovation is done. Good luck, son. Keep me posted—and remember our talks. No premature grandbabies, okay? Aside from that, go get her, champ.”

Ryan stepped out of the elevator into the lobby, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as a brilliant idea struck him. He approached the front desk and asked for the Reynolds’ room number, then arranged for a special delivery to be sent up to their daughter’s room.

Not even ten minutes later, she appeared in the lobby, scanning the area until her eyes landed on Ryan, sitting in one of the chairs, smirking. She hurried over to him, one hand on her hip, glaring at him while trying to suppress a laugh as she tossed a small bottle of mouthwash into his lap. He had it sent up to her room as a gag, with a brief note reading ‘GOTCHA! ~complimentary gift in case you want to -again- kiss the handsome dude waiting in the lobby, get cracking, CAMILLA!’

“Rude!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Ryan caught the bottle and grinned. “Aww, look who it is, Miss DaSilva Reynolds, fancy meeting you here, but could you speak up? I couldn’t hear you over my awesomeness. How long did that take me? Less than an hour? So, while you wallow in how lucky you are to have met me tonight, you could think about where you wanna take me for our date. FYI, I have a discerning taste, so no fast-food joints or some BS like that.”

Camilla rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “You think you’re so clever, don’t you? Well first of all, my name is spelled with ONE ‘L’, the Spanish spelling, you bundle of awesomeness. Maybe I should keep the mouthwash to get that taste of your arrogance out of my mouth again.”

Ryan leaned in, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. “Well, how was I supposed to know how to spell your name, fact is, I found you and fast too, so I don’t need to think it, I know I am smart. So, where are we going for that date you owe me now? And when? Oh, and you owe me your phone number as well.”

Camilla pretended to ponder for a moment, tapping her chin. “Hmm, how about nowhere and never, and my phone number is 555-B-I-T-E-M-E. You are not as smooth as you think. And you are not my type at all.”

Ryan stood up, their faces inches from each other. “Seriously? Then why did you kiss me? I’d say I am very smooth. And here,” Ryan took her hand and put the small bottle of mouthwash into it. “You need it. Welcome to San Myshuno, where we take pride in looking and smelling our best! Puppy breath is not considered a fashion statement here.”

He turned to go back to the elevators, pushed the call button, and she appeared next to him.

“Going back to my room,” she said.

“Like I care,” Ryan shrugged.

“Room 1285.”

“Couldn’t care less.”

The elevator arrived, people exited, and Ryan and Camilla got on, standing next to each other quietly. Ryan’s eyes were firmly fixed on the door, trying not to let his disappointment show. Suddenly, she stepped next to him and kissed him again. Ryan couldn’t resist and kissed her back. They made out until a ding signaled they had arrived at a floor and the doors opened.

She quickly pushed several floor buttons while exiting without another word, leaving Ryan to roll his eyes.

“Great. Just another crazy chick that never made it to ex-girlfriend status. Just my luck,” he grumbled, letting his arms fall to his sides. Then he felt something. Patting his pocket, he was confused, slipped his hand in, and pulled out the mouthwash bottle, smirking when he noticed the writing on it. She must written on it while he was pouting by the door, then have slipped it in his pocket while they were making out.

‘You give up too quickly. Weak. Call me to discuss…’ followed by her phone number.

One eyebrow raised, he typed it into his phone, mostly to check if it was a fake number. At the second ring, she picked up.

“What took you so long?!” she giggled over the phone, her voice full of mischief.

Ryan sighed dramatically. “What’s with the hot and cold, woman?! And thanks for pushing all the damn buttons, I’ll probably have an elevator-ding-trauma by the time I get back up to the event. That will cost you.”

She laughed, the sound light and teasing. “So worth it! Well, tell me all about that at lunch, tomorrow, 12 noon sharp at that restaurant next to the Cameron Law building. Ever heard of it?”

Ryan smirked, even though she couldn’t see it. “Yeah, I think I heard of Cameron Law somewhere before. Heard the son of the proprietor is a serious hunk, you stalker. I’ll be there. After all you put me through, you better bring daddy’s Platinum Amex card ’cause…”

She cut him off with a playful tone. “… you have discerning taste, yeah yeah. You worry about showing up, and I’ll buy you lunch, but I fully expect a guided tour of San Myshuno’s hot spots afterwards to walk off the calories. Guess you figured out that we’re new in town and I don’t know where anything is here. So, start planning, you hunk.”

Ryan raised an eyebrow, even though she couldn’t see it. “Oh, now I am a hunk? Didn’t you say I am not your type?”

She shrugged, her voice teasing. “You’re not. Up until now, I somehow kept ending up dating the same kind of idiots who were more interested in dating the supermodel Alejandra DaSilva’s daughter than they cared about me. So, yeah, you are not my usual type. You actually seem to be interested in me for a change, not who I am related to. Refreshing.”

Ryan chuckled, clearly amused. “Well, if you do show up tomorrow, I’ll tell you some interesting facts about who all I am related to.”

She laughed. “Way ahead of you. I totally stalked you online the moment I got back to my room after the gala. In case you wanna do the same, or save my contact in your phone, remember, my name is Camila, only one ‘L’, and I go by Reynolds, even though technically you were right, it’s DaSilva Reynolds, but people just can’t handle all that. Just to save you some time looking, I already sent you friend requests to your social media profiles, and you better accept. So, see you and your nice full lips tomorrow. Night, Ryan.” She hung up.

The elevator opened right into Ryan’s victory dance and excited wolf-howl, leaving him with several dozen pairs of eyes staring at him as he finally got back up to the event he attended with his parents.

“Oops, guess this isn’t the zookeeper’s convention. Wrong floor, my bad, carry on,” Ryan said, pushing the close door button frantically.

Sophie’s Thyme, San Myshuno
The next day, Sunday, 11:45 AM

Ryan strolled into the upscale restaurant, his confidence radiating as he scanned the room for Camila. She was already seated, looking effortlessly stunning. As he approached, she flashed him a smile that made his heart skip a beat.

“Not just punctual, but early! I am impressed, Miss Reynolds. I hate it when chicks make me wait forever. I mean, why even agree on a time if they show up whenever anyway, am I right?” Ryan said while sitting down and accepting the menu from the server.

“Ditto. I dated guys whom I always had to wait for. Not fun, and definitely brings out my Latina temper. That is not pretty.”

“Tell me about it. I am part Tartosian on my Mom’s side, plus my Dad, grandma, and grandpa all have serious tempers, so I inherited it from all sides.”

They exchanged playful banter over lunch, Ryan’s charm and wit on full display. He regaled her with stories of his escapades, each one more outrageous than the last. Just as the waiter brought the bill, Camila snatched it up with a mischievous grin. “My treat,” she declared, ignoring Ryan’s protests. “But you can earn your keep with that tour of San Myshuno we agreed on. Make it good.”

Ryan raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Deal. But don’t blame me if you fall in love with the city… or its tour guide. Both are incredibly hard to resist.”

They spent the next few hours exploring the city, Ryan showing her his favorite spots and hidden gems. They laughed and teased each other, the chemistry between them undeniable. At one point, they found themselves at a trendy rooftop lounge with a stunning view of the city skyline. Ryan ordered them mocktails, and they clinked glasses, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

“Ever tried to sneak into a VIP section?” Ryan asked with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Camila laughed. “Are you suggesting we crash a party?”

“Why not? Life’s too short to play by the rules,” he replied, leading her towards the roped-off area. They managed to slip past the bouncer, blending in with the crowd. Ryan spun her around on the dance floor, their laughter mingling with the music.

Just as Ryan was about to suggest their next adventure, Camila’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her expression shifting. “I have to go,” she said abruptly, her tone apologetic. “Family stuff.”

Ryan watched her leave, a mix of frustration and intrigue swirling within him. Later that day, he sent her a few messages, hoping for a response, but none came. It frustrated him, and even his confidence wasn’t unwavering.

Liberty Bridge High School, San Myshuno
The next day, Monday, 9 AM

Ryan sat in the back of the classroom, doodling absentmindedly in his notebook. It was his last year here; he had already received his university acceptance letter and found the class far from challenging, so he was just biding his time for the last few weeks of his high school time. His mind wandered as he sketched random shapes and figures, barely paying attention to the lesson.

The classroom buzzed with the usual morning chatter when the teacher cleared her throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “Class, we have a new transfer student joining us today from Ciudad Enamorada. Please welcome Camila Reynolds.”

Ryan’s eyes lit up as Camila walked in, looking effortlessly cool and confident. Without missing a beat, he shoved the boy next to him off the seat. “Hey, Ms. Thompson, there’s a free seat right here for Camila,” he called out, his voice dripping with charm.

Ms. Thompson sighed, knowing Ryan’s exuberant and disruptive nature all too well. “Fine, Ryan. But behave yourself. And Kevin, you can come sit over next to Nicole, probably better anyway since you can’t hear yourself think next to our Mr. Cameron and his outbursts,” she said reluctantly.

Camila smirked as she took the seat next to Ryan. “Thanks for the warm welcome,” she teased.

“Oh, don’t thank me just yet. I thought you ghosted me or your phone was broken. Either way, I won’t stand for it. Since you don’t know anyone here yet and the school year’s almost over, plus senior prom is in a few weeks, you’re going with me. Start booking your hair and nail appointments; salons get crazy around prom season,” Ryan replied with a wink, making her giggle.

“Yes, Ryan, I will go to senior prom with you. How could I resist such a charming invitation? FYI, I didn’t ghost you; I actually did break my phone. Swear to God. Maybe you could come with me to get a new one after class?” she said.

Their usual bicker/banter/flirty teasing resumed almost immediately. Ryan stole her pen, and in retaliation, Camila doodled funny faces on his notepad, and they continued with such antics throughout the entire school day, over lunch and even after. The next day they started carpooling to school. Before long, most of their classmates had caught on that there seemed to be something brewing between them.

Camila started coming to Ryan’s football practices, cheering him on from the sidelines. Eventually, she tried out for the cheer team, easily making the cut as she had been the cheer captain at her old school. Now, they could even tease each other at practice, their playful rivalry adding an extra spark to their interactions.

During an important away game, the tension between Ryan and Camila reached a boiling point. They snuck away from the team during a break, finding a secluded spot behind the bleachers. Without a word, they leaned in and shared a passionate kiss, the thrill of the moment making it all the more intense. They lost track of time until some people found them to tell them the game was supposed to resume 15 minutes ago.

Prom night arrived, and Ryan and Camila, by now clearly a couple, were the talk of the event. Ryan, looking dapper in a tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt and a sleek, dark green tie, couldn’t take his eyes off Camila. She dazzled in a stunning, floor-length emerald green dress that shimmered under the lights. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, with delicate lace detailing on the bodice and a flowing skirt that swayed gracefully as she moved. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and she wore a simple yet elegant necklace that complemented her look beautifully. They danced, laughed, and teased each other all night, their chemistry undeniable. When the prom king and queen were announced, it was no surprise to anyone that Ryan and Camila took the crowns. As they shared a slow dance under the spotlight, Ryan whispered, “See? I told you prom would be unforgettable.” Camila smiled, “You were right, as usual, Mr. Cameron. But don’t let it go to your head.”

When prom was winding down, they decided to take a walk under the stars. They found a quiet spot away from the crowd, where they could hear the distant music and laughter from the dance. Ryan took Camila’s hand, his voice soft, “Camila, tonight has been amazing. The perfect night. I don’t want it to end.”

Camila looked into his eyes, her heart racing. “Me neither, Ryan. I feel like we’re on the brink of something special.”

They shared a tender kiss, and the moment felt right. With mutual consent and understanding, they decided to take the next step in their relationship. Hand in hand, they walked quietly to Ryan’s car, parked under a canopy of trees. Kissing, they slipped into the backseat. It was a night filled with love, trust, and a deep connection, making it an unforgettable first time for both of them.

Senator Suites Penthouse, San Myshuno
Several weeks after the charity event

Ryan and Camila’s relationship had been the talk of their school, but it wasn’t long before their families caught wind of it. One evening, Ryan’s family was gathered in the living room, the air buzzing with curiosity and amusement when Ryan finally came home from yet another date.

Vivien Cameron, ever the diva, was the first to speak the minute he peeked into the room. “So, Ryan, I hear you’ve been quite the Romeo lately. Spill some details, kiddo. When are you gonna introduce us to your Juliet?”

Ryan, never one to shy away from the spotlight, grinned. “Funny you should ask, Gramma. Today is your lucky day! I was planning on the official intro tonight. Camila, come on in! Ladies and gentlemen, meet my stunning, gorgeous GIRLFRIEND, Miss Camila DaSilva Reynolds. We’ve been official for a couple of weeks now, and I think it’s safe to say I’ve prepped her enough to withstand all you weirdos.”

Giggling, Camila stepped into the room, her confidence unwavering despite the curious eyes on her. “Hi, everyone. It’s nice to finally meet you all. Ryan’s told me so much about you.”

Nick, Ryan’s Dad, chuckled. “Well, well, Ryan. So, the cat is finally out of the bag. Needless to say, you’re not telling us anything new. We all knew what was up ever since she got you in such a twist at that fundraiser. Camila, welcome to the family. We’ve heard a lot about you too, but I guess Ryan didn’t deem us worthy to meet you in person until now. Just remember, if he ever gets too full of himself, you have our permission to knock him down a peg.”

Adrianna, Ryan’s Mom, smiled warmly. “It’s so lovely to finally meet you, Camila. You are even more beautiful than your stunning mom. Ryan’s told us so much about you, and we’ve all been on the edge of our seats to meet the young lady who finally domesticated him. And don’t worry, we won’t hold his antics against you. We’re used to his nonsense.”

Liam, Ryan’s grandpa, added with a grin, “If you ever need a break from him, just let us know. We have plenty of hiding spots. Don’t laugh now, you’ll want them, just you wait.”

“Nah, Grampa, Cami can’t get enough of me. Thanks though, I could feel the love with each word,” Ryan quipped, clearly beaming with pride.

Camila laughed, feeling more at ease. “Thanks, everyone, but I can handle him. He isn’t as smooth or clever as he thinks.” She nudged him, but Ryan just continued to smile proudly. It had taken him surprisingly long, but he had finally met his match, who just happened to be the missing piece as well.

While Camila was talking with his family in the living room, going over the obligatory embarrassing moments leafing through the family albums, Ryan had gone to the kitchen to make more coffee when his dad followed.

“Took you long enough, but it would appear she was worth the wait. You’ve changed, kid. For the better. I like you like this.” Nick Cameron patted his son on the back.

“Thanks, Dad. I like me like this too. And I’m glad you approve, might wanna take a good look at Cami, ’cause she’s the girl I’m gonna marry one day. No worries, we won’t do anything stupid, college first and all, we both want our degrees and careers, but that stunning creature in our living room is gonna be your future daughter-in-law and if it’s the last thing I do,” Ryan said with conviction.

Spire Suites Penthouse, San Myshuno
Reynolds Residence, The next day

The next day, Camila’s family had their own reactions to finally officially meeting their daughter’s boyfriend. Just like Ryan’s family, they had known about Ryan, even seen him briefly a few times when he picked her up for dates, but this was the official introduction. Her mother, the famous top model Alejandra DaSilva, was intrigued. “So, this is the joven who’s been keeping you so busy. Aww, niña, he is so handsome! Ryan, we’ve heard a lot about you,” she cooed with an endearing, almost exotic-sounding accent.

Ryan, ever the charmer, replied, “Mostly good things, I hope.”

Camila’s Dad, David Reynolds, a successful lawyer, was more reserved but supportive. “As long as you make my daughter happy, that’s all that matters. She tells me you have been accepted to UBrite Law, impressive. That just happens to be my alma mater too. Camila received her acceptance letter just today, hasn’t picked a major yet, but looks like you won’t be separated after all while attending college.”

The two families eventually met for a dinner, where the playful teasing and banter continued. Ryan’s family couldn’t resist giving him a hard time, while Camila’s family appreciated his humor and confidence. The evening was filled with laughter, stories, and a growing sense of camaraderie. Naturally, Camila’s father David, Ryan’s Dad Nick, and his Grandpa Liam talked shop about their experiences as lawyers, while Cami’s Mom Alejandra and Ryan’s Mom Adrianna and his Grandma Vivien talked about fashion, Alejandra and Vivien also about life in the limelight and public eye, since Vivien used to be pop icon ViVa for many decades until she finally fully turned her back on the stage.

By the end of the night, it was clear that both families were on board with the relationship, albeit with a healthy dose of humor and a few ground rules. Ryan and Camila knew they had their families’ support, and that made their bond even stronger.

Camila