Chapter 64: Spa Day

"Would you like to go to the Gallatin with me?" Aria's girlfriend Lara said.

They were at a Spa, getting primed and pampered. Lara's treat.

Certainly! Lara came from a privileged background, which was a key reason why Aria befriended her.

Lara's penchant for collecting fine things also motivated Lara to associate with Aria.

In the shadows of their seemingly genuine friendship, there existed a sad truth, a friendship built on vanity and selfish desires.

For Aria, Lara's friendship was an avenue into the opulent world of wealth and privilege that she secretly craved. Lara's family was a gateway to the extravagant parties, luxurious vacations, and designer wardrobes that had always been out of Aria's reach.

All these wonderful things held a magnetic allure, pulling Aria into Lara's orbit.

Lara's family had riches that afforded her a lifestyle of privilege, a realm Aria had long yearned to enter.

On the other hand, Lara loved the attention she got when she was with Aria. Aria was gorgeous, and everyone admired her. Lara, wanting to be part of that admiration, easily became friends with Aria. She wanted to be seen with Aria.

Aria's beauty was like a spotlight, and Lara basked in its glow, hoping it would enhance her own image and elevate her own presence.

Their friendship, though outwardly cheerful, concealed a bleak reality. It was a transaction based on Aria's aspirations and Lara's insecurities, each using the other as a means to an end.

Underneath their college friendship, the truth remained hidden, showing how emptiness often hides behind friendships that are only about appearances.

"I don't know, I think I have plans with Adrian," Aria responded.

"Adrian... Adrian..." Lara said, thinning out her voice in mockery. "All I hear these days is Adrian, Adrian. Please give me a break. You spend all your free time with him."

"I can't help it… being with him is wonderful. He makes me feel special," Aria said, smiling.

"Yeah, right," Lara said, rolling her eyes. "I didn't even tell you the date or time, and you're already making excuses."

"I'm sorry, but I'm sure he would have already made plans."

"Please Girl, I don't want to go alone. It's a closed and private viewing, just a few selected, very rich people are invited."

Lara caught Aria's attention with the word rich.

"Oh," she said before she could stop herself.

"Yeah, a senator's son on campus wants to exhibit his work and handpicked the invitees."

"Sounds like fun," Aria said.

"You didn't think so a couple of minutes ago," Lara said, looking at her funny, but not exactly surprised.

"Do you want me to go with you or not?" Aria said.

"Oh would you? I really want you to come with me."

"Ok. I will," Aria replied.

"Thanks Babes. We're going to have so much fun."

"When is it?"

"This Saturday. Six p.m.

"Lara! And you're just telling me now!" Aria said, feigning annoyance. "I have nothing befitting to wear."

"No worries, we can go shopping when we are done here. Don't sweat it, I'll take care of everything."

Aria shrieked of excitement and her friend joining in startled the masseuses attending to them.

True to her word, Lara took Jeanne shopping after their spa treatment.

The cool wind made them feel adventurous as they approached a high-end store. They arrived at the store and were greeted by a friendly sales associate who showed them around the store.

Inside the store, they saw a world of luxury. Fancy chandeliers lit up the place, and big mirrors.

The store was filled with beautiful dresses and jewelry, and the two friends were eager to try them on.

Lara and Aria spent hours trying on different dresses and jewelry. They laughed and joked as they modeled the clothes for each other.

They tried on everything from elegant gowns to casual sundresses. They even tried on some of the more outrageous outfits just for fun.

After trying on dozens of dresses, Lara and Aria finally found the perfect dresses. Lara chose a stunning red gown dress that showed elegance. The dress hugged her curves in all the right places. Aria selected a beautiful blue dress that flowed gracefully as she walked.

When the day turned into night, the two friends left the store feeling happy and satisfied with their purchases.

Aria reasoned with Adrian why she couldn't be with him on Saturday. Her friend Lara needed her, and she had to be there for her friend. With much reluctance, he allowed her to go.

The Saturday evening art exhibition started promptly, shortly after Lara and Aria got there. Lara was upset because she wanted to be stylishly late, but Aria was super eager to arrive on time to be acquainted with as many rich people as possible.

Lara and Aria strolled through the art exhibition, their eyes lighting up with admiration for the captivating artworks.