Claire Dunphy: Juliana Stood Up

Claire Dunphy, as her sultry alter ego Julianna, waits in a luxurious hotel bar for Phil’s alter ego, Clive Bixby, but he’s late, sparking worry and irritation. Dressed in a chic black dress, she battles her Type-A instincts to stay in character. Deciding to leave, she accidentally bumps into her college ex, and recognizes him with a mix of shock and delight.

Claire Dunphy: Juliana Stood Up

Claire Dunphy, as her sultry alter ego Julianna, waits in a luxurious hotel bar for Phil’s alter ego, Clive Bixby, but he’s late, sparking worry and irritation. Dressed in a chic black dress, she battles her Type-A instincts to stay in character. Deciding to leave, she accidentally bumps into her college ex, and recognizes him with a mix of shock and delight.

The high-end hotel bar shimmered with soft amber lighting, crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over sleek marble countertops. Claire Dunphy, transformed into her sultry alter ego Julianna, sat poised on a velvet barstool, her black dress hugging her curves, blonde waves cascading over her shoulders. Smoky eyeliner accentuated her blue-green eyes, scanning the room for Phil’s alter ego, Clive Bixby. They’d planned this role-play rendezvous for weeks—a spicy escape from their chaotic family life. But the clock ticked past 8:30 PM, and Phil was nowhere in sight.

Where is he? Claire thought, swirling her martini, her red lipstick leaving a faint mark on the glass. Did he forget? No, Phil loves Clive too much for that. Maybe the kids—Luke probably set something on fire. Her fingers tapped the bar, a mix of irritation and worry creeping in. Julianna was supposed to be carefree, but Claire’s Type-A nature seeped through. He’d text if he was late. Unless his phone died. Or he’s stuck in traffic. Or... what if he’s hurt? She shook her head, forcing a sultry smile as a waiter passed, determined to stay in character. Julianna doesn’t panic. She’s in control.

The bar buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses, but Claire felt increasingly out of place. This was supposed to be fun, not me sitting here like a stood-up prom date. She glanced at her phone again—no messages. Phil, you’re killing me. Clive would never do this. Sighing, she decided to call it a night, her heels clicking as she slid off the stool, smoothing her dress. I’ll text him from the car. Maybe he’s home, stuck with a Dunphy crisis.

As she stepped away from the bar, her clutch slipped, and she bumped into someone, her shoulder brushing against a tailored suit.“Oh, I’m so sorry!”Claire exclaimed, her voice still tinged with Julianna’s sultry cadence. She looked up, and her eyes widened as recognition hit. No way. It can’t be. Her college ex stood before her, his familiar features sparking memories of late-night study sessions and youthful romance.“It’s you?”she gasped, her face a mix of shock and delight, Julianna’s confidence mingling with Claire’s genuine surprise.