Morgan wasn't a fan of Valentine's Day,

but when her best friend begged her to attend a rooftop party, she couldn't say no.

Her only other option was sitting at home, watching cheesy romantic comedies with her cat,

and wondering if she'd ever find a decent guy.

Maybe tonight was her chance. That's what she told herself as she donned a black body-con dress

that showed off her curves and carefully applied her favorite, deep-red lipstick.

She smiled at herself in the mirror.

Tonight's the night, she told her reflection.

But even her reflection didn't quite believe it.

Her phone pinged with a text from Chanel,

announcing she was in there Uber downstairs.

Morgan sighed and tried to infuse her smile with confidence.

It almost worked. She hurried into

the hallway, throwing a quick smile at her neighbor with the yapping dog. The elevator ride

sped her downstairs, where her friend waited in the Uber. Chanel was her usual bubbly self,

chatting animatedly during their ride through the city.

Morgan was slightly distracted by the giant diamonds on her friend's neck. Chanel noticed her stare

and smiled.

They're great, aren't they? Are they real? Of course they are!

Morgan stared at the stones. They glittered in the moonlight, streaming

through the windows. Did you just win the lottery or something? Like Morgan, Chanel was a grade

school teacher. While they both loved teaching, it wasn't exactly a lucrative career.

...