CHAPTER 81: A FRIENDLY NUDGE

MARIE "You know," Crystal said without looking up, "we really need to go on another girls' trip. It's been way too long since we had a proper getaway." Marie, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor with a sketchbook in hand, smiled at the thought. "You're right. Maybe we could do something next month? A weekend at the beach or a cabin in the mountains?" Crystal's eyes lit up as she finally put down her phone. "Yes! I can already see it! Us sipping wine on a porch with a view, gossiping about life, no distractions." "Except for the wine," Marie quipped, adding a flourish to the sketch she was working on. "But that sounds perfect. We'll make it happen." Crystal watched her for a moment, then tilted her head, curiosity getting the better of her. "What are you sketching?" Marie held up the sketchbook, revealing a delicate outline of a dress, all flowing lines and elegant simplicity. "Just playing around with some design ideas," she said. "I've been thinking about updating my wardr