I'm not an easy-to-please girl. In fact, I revel in being complicated. It takes a lot to make me happy, and I never settle for anything less. Tonight was no exception, as I aimed for the ultimate experience. I earned it by achieving two major milestones- graduating with honors and landing my dream job in just one year. I deserved a night of celebration.So, I wanted the crème de la crème - the best music, the best drinks, and the best company. I figured a club was the perfect place.But it seems Marcella, my best friend, didn't share the same idea. The club she chose was a total disappointment. The interior looked like my grandma's kitchen, the music was mediocre, and the crowd was bland - not my scene at all.I yearned for the thrill of the thundering bass and the chance to dance with a hot stranger. I sighed for the fifth time that night, and Marcella gave me a remorseful look."I'm sorry, I had no idea it would turn out like this. I've never been here before," she said with pupp
On Friday morning, my bedroom looked like it was recovering from a hurricane attack, and I still hadn't found the perfect outfit. I couldn't stop thinking about him all week; the excitement was enough to keep me up all night. I was up bright and early, planning every single detail for tonight because it had to be perfect.Never had I been so curious about someone, but I knew that I just had to know him. The intensity in his baby blue eyes was about enough to keep me locked in. I was confident enough in my wiles to know that he was definitely into me, but what I wanted to know was what the look in his eyes meant."You're up early," Marcella chimed as I entered the living room.I froze from my position on the floor, sat in the middle of all types of dresses, but nothing just seemed to click."Your room is a mess, Leah. When did you wake up?" "Two hours ago," I responded, inspecting a green dress. "Two hours ago? Why?" "Because we're going out tonight, remember?" I finally looke
I was never one to cry over a guy, not even one I barely knew. But somehow, I found myself weeping on Marcella's lap curled up like a teenage girl on a bad school night. I wasn't even sure why I was crying. What was it about this guy that made it hurt so much? Maybe it was the promise of what could have been between us.We would've looked good together, and it would've been a dream come true to land an amazing job, and the man of my dreams at the same time. Why did I even care so much? I'm Leah Garcia, I NEVER cry over men, and I definitely wouldn't start now.With that resolve, I got up from Marcella's lap, eager to put this all behind me."Are you okay?" she asked, her hands on my back."We have to go shopping. Right now.""What?""We don't have anything to wear to work on Monday.""Leah, it's Friday night. Where could we possibly find anything decent to wear?""Macy's would be open.""Leah, we have the whole weekend to find something to wear to work. We don't have to do it
My first week at work wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Miranda mostly ignored my existence, along with most of the other staff members. She seemed to love being mysterious because she never explained my assignments, but I had learned to embrace the uninterested gaze she always threw at me. After all, it was better than nothing.I had also changed my wardrobe. I shouldn't be wasting such beautiful outfits on people that clearly don't appreciate it. Unfortunately, that meant I had to settle for regular jeans and a shirt. However, I decided to spice it up a bit.For instance, last Wednesday, I paired my jeans with a classy ribbed zip up top. Today, I had chosen a green silk top to compliment my black jeans. I knew I got looks for upgrading their drab sense of style; you're welcome.Tracy, Kevin and I had become the three musketeers at work. We had a daily ritual of sitting in the break room for 20 minutes to judge everyone that comes in. It was the perfect relief I needed after
I stared at him dumbfounded. I didn't think I'd see him again, much less at my office. He hadn't registered my presence yet, but the red-head seated beside him seemed to, because she got up as I walked toward them."Are you from Miranda's office?" she asked me.I looked at him again. This time, his eyes met mine and I watched as his face moved in recognition. So, he remembered me. I had made up excuses for him in my head. Maybe he didn't show up because he was too drunk to remember, maybe he didn't remember what I looked like.Except, from the look on his face, he remembered alright. I could see the guilt in his eyes as he quickly avoided eye contact with me.But what was he doing here? Who's the redhead, and why were they looking for Miranda?Then it clicked. Samuel? Samuelson Inc? Could he be? No, he can't be. That was too far fetched. There's no way I met the CEO of an exclusive fashion brand at a club. That's impossible."Could she be the reason he didn't show up that night?"
The rest of my day passed by in a flurry. I tried so hard to focus on my work, but I couldn't stop myself from throwing longing glances at Miranda's office, secretly hoping that I could see him before he left. However, I had made my stand. If he was going to apologize, it was going to be on my terms.He couldn't just say sorry and everything would be okay, especially when I had started to open myself to other possibilities. My mind was a tangled web, and I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to untangle it.I avoided Mike for the rest of the day, unsure of my feelings for him. I didn't want to confuse him with any mindless flirtation or sultry glances. I hid in my corner like a coward, and I slithered home smoothly."Nice work Leah," I thought to myself.When I got home, I tossed my bag aside and I laid on the floor, my legs splayed out beneath me."Tough day?" Marcella asked, coming in from the kitchen with a tall glass of iced tea."The toughest. You would not believe what happ
I woke up on Thursday morning with mixed feelings. There was the excitement to see Declan again, anxious to see how the day turned out, and a bit of anger still lingering from last week. Declan had chosen the coffee shop a few minutes away from the office; the same coffee shop Mike asked me out to."What are you doing, Leah?" I thought to myself as I did my makeup. I picked up the red lipstick from that night. I eyed it before running it across my lips as a test for Declan.I had to be strategic about my outfit today. It needed to be said that Leah Garcia is sexy, independent, classy and unbothered by the schemes of the opposite sex. I smiled as I ran my hands across my royal blue silk dress.I guess denim would have to wait today, because this was the one.I put it on, loving how it stopped just above my knee, and how the color complimented my brown eyes. With a smile, I tied my hair up, and put on my black stiletto heels."Are you ready?" Marcella called out.I joined her in th
I stared at the note from Mike, suddenly realizing how complicated things had gotten. I had agreed to go on a date with Mike and Declan on the same day. Even though I was mad at Declan for not showing up, I believed he had a reasonable explanation and I wanted to give him a chance to explain.That meant that I had to cancel on Mike; a task I wasn't looking forward to, especially after he had sent this note. I sighed in frustration. The excitement from my meeting/date with Declan was wearing off. I had to let Mike know today, but how?"I know that face," Tracy said, coming up behind me.I stared at her innocently. "What face?""Furrowed eyebrows, that 'woe is me' sigh? Spill!" Kevin chimed in, standing at the other side of my desk."I don't think I should," I said, unsure about sharing.Tracy nudged my shoulder playfully. "Come on, Leah. We've traded so much gossip to feature in a sh*tty reality show.""Office gossip," I corrected.Kevin eyed me suspiciously. "And this isn't?"
*Leah*A month later...When it comes to living a fulfilling life, there is nothing quite like indulging in something that you truly love. It brings a sense of joy and contentment that is simply unparalleled. However, the true magic lies in being able to enjoy your passion in an environment that is warm, welcoming and accepting. Whether you are with that special someone or flying solo, there is a unique kind of peace that comes with knowing that you are exactly where you are meant to be.You find peace in your surroundings, in the little things, and you find yourself smiling all the time.Yes, there were times when I missed him, so much that it hurt sometimes, but I was okay with that. Distance makes the heart grow fonder after all. Right now, I was exactly where I was meant to be. In a loving and accepting environment, doing something that brought me pure joy. And that is what life is all about.Of course, getting to this point can be a long and winding journey, full of twists an
As we laid in bed, tangled up in each other, I knew that we had finally found our way back to each other. Our past mistakes and misunderstandings were behind us, and were ready to give us another chance.He held me close, his arms wrapped tightly around me as if he never wanted to let me go. I snuggled closer, my head resting against his chest. I could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, and it brought me comfort.I took a deep breath, taking in the familiar scent of him. It was a mixture of his cologne and his natural musk, and it was a scent I had missed desperately. This was where I was meant to be, in his arms, surrounded by his love.The atmosphere was safe and comfortable, but something kept nagging at me. There were still things we hadn't talked about. I knew it might be difficult for him to discuss, but I needed to hear it.I took a deep breath and looked up at him. "I've been meaning to ask you," I said, hesitantly. "What happened after you left that night?""You mea
*Leah*I stood outside the grand, imposing black door towering over me like a dark sentinel. My heart raced as I contemplated the impending conversation that would change everything. I was dreading it. I took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet smell of spring blossoms, hoping it would calm down my raging nerves. Steeling myself, I stepped forward, reaching for the metal knocker.I hesitated, wondering if I should turn back. But I knew it was too late now. I had to face him, no matter how hard it was. Summoning all my courage, I grasped the knocker and tapped it against the door.Moments later, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching, and I took a step back, anticipating his appearance. The door swung open, and there he was. Declan Samuelson, standing under the doorframe, dressed in black slacks and a simple sweatshirt. My heart skipped a beat as I met his gaze, unable to read the expression on his face.He said something to me, but my mind was too preoccupied to register it. I n
*Declan*I had successfully stayed away from the club for the past few weeks. I had given up on my search for her, and had left everything up to fate. After all, whatever happens, happens. Tonight however, I needed to loosen up. I was in desperate need of a drink and an entertaining environment.The thumping bass vibrated through my body as I took in the scene around me. I couldn't dare hope that she was among the crowd, but here I was, after countless disappointing nights, still searching the crowd for a glimpse of her. It was a reflex action by now, and I had to stop it.I made my way towards the bar, in desperate need of a drink to calm my nerves. Suddenly, a familiar figure caught my eye. My breath caught in my throat. Could it be her? I abandoned my thirst and followed the figure.Excitement coursed through me as I grabbed her arm to turn her around. "Leah," I breathe out.Green eyes looked up at me, confused. That definitely wasn't Leah. Embarrassed, I let her go, apologiz
*Leah*I stepped out of the glass doors of the sleek, modern company building, and a cool breeze brushed against my face, sending a shiver down my spine. I wrapped my arms around my torso, taking in a deep breath of fresh air, the scent of newly brewed coffee from a nearby café wafting towards me.There was a painful pang in my chest. I had spent a considerable amount of time at another coffee shop with someone special. I wouldn't dwell on that; it was all in the past now.What I should focus on is my new job. After I quit my job at Epic Buzz, I felt lost and aimless, unsure of what direction my life was heading. Miranda had threatened to crush my career with her mere fingers, so I had been scared to apply for anything at all.But now, after a successful meeting with my new boss, I was on my way to becoming a travel blogger. The position offered me flexibility, and there was no reason for me to stab someone I loved in the back.I made my way down the busy city street, my mind alre
*Declan*I sat in my boardroom, surrounded by the buzz of shareholders discussing the latest developments in our company. But my mind was far away, lost in thoughts of her. It had been months since I had seen her, but her presence still lingered in my heart and mind.Their voices flew over my head as I stared at her Instagram page for the millionth time. There was still nothing new on her profile, but it was nice to see her smiling face. I couldn't help but grin at the sight of her beaming, it was infectious. It could light up any room and make anyone's day brighter. It was almost as if there was a permanent spotlight on her. But the memory of the night we parted ways still haunted me.It was hard to walk away from her, seeing the light die in her eyes. But I had to prioritize my company's interests over my personal desires. Unfortunately, that didn't make it any easier.Despite the distance between us, I wondered if I'd ever see her again. If by a small chance, we would bump int
I sat in front of my laptop grimly, mentally preparing myself for the conversation. There was no pressure, but I knew I'd be expected to smile and have a sense of humor. However, I'd lost that part of myself.My life had become gloomy, monotonous. I woke up, hung out with my parents, and helped my mom out at her shop. I avoided all my friends and made a conscious effort to stay off social media. It definitely wasn't easy because all I wanted to do was see his face, even if it was just once. But I had to recognize that in order to heal, to move on, that I needed the space.That was why this was so hard. I hadn't spoken to anyone apart from my parents in months. Social interaction was no longer my thing.I rubbed my arm – a habit I had developed after that night – wondering how to handle this. The screen flickered to life; bright dark eyes met mine with an overly enthusiastic smile."Hi, Tiger."I flinched at the old nickname. I hadn't heard it in months. It brought back memories, s
*Leah*I watched Declan from where I stood at the back of the hall. The only thing I could focus on was him, and before I knew it, he was walking towards me. In a matter of seconds, Declan was in front of me. His hand slipped into mine and he pulled me along with him. It was a small gesture but it meant the world to me.I followed after him, unable to do anything else. The last time I saw him, he didn't even want to look at me, but now his hand was on mine as he dragged me out of the hall. I didn't dare hope that the little physical contact meant that he had forgiven me. I knew better than that. The story was out and he wanted to give me a piece of his mind. Again. Couldn't say I didn't deserve it."I'm sorry," I said, unable to hold back the words any longer.He didn't respond, but I could feel the tension in his grip. We walked in silence for what felt like an eternity before he finally let go of my hand. The sudden absence of warmth made me shiver.I watched anxiously as he p
*Declan*"We've contacted Epic Buzz's management, but there's been no response," Janet said as she walked into the dressing room.I turned my back to the mirror, securing my tie, "Did you contact Miranda? Tell her what I told you to?""She didn't pick up," she replied, the frustration evident in her tone."What about our lawyers, what options do we have?" I asked, hoping for a solution."We can sue, but the best option would be to settle this out of the media. They're still trying to get a hold of Miranda."I cursed under my breath, but smiled at Janet, determined to maintain a professional standpoint, "Keep trying. We have to do everything we can to stop this. Have you informed my parents?""Yes, they're both here."I nodded at her, indicating she could leave. I chuckled bitterly the moment she left the dressing room, thinking back to everything that led to this moment. Today was my inauguration. I was supposed to have the woman I loved on my arm, but I couldn't stomach the si