ALISHA
A smile of utter contentment awakens inside me when I close the door behind the movers.The moment Cole agreed with me living here, I immediately called my landlord after leaving his place.She understood and wished me luck.At a crazy rate, I boxed my possessions.The girls came by to help, but since I'm hardly sleeping, I used the nights to pack my belongings.Living in this new accommodation with twenty-four-hour security and knowing Cole is nearby relaxes my overstrained brain.
I cruise to the plush, oversized lavender loveseat that I've placed by the window.After removing my heels, I curl up, kicking my feet up, and let my body sink into the soft cushions.Thisisheaven.The loveseat is the perfect blend of whimsical and comfortable—just like me.Surrounding it are coordinating accent chairs in shades of violet, pink, and blue, creating a cozy conversation nook.Across the room, a large bookshelf houses an eclectic mix of novels, framed art, and quirky knickknacks that reflect my vibrant personality.
In this apartment building, the residents have a unique key for the elevator, and outsiders need permission to come here.So now I can let go of the fear of unannounced or unwanted people dropping by.I close my eyes and enjoy the quietness until a hard knock invades my relaxed state.Who—
"Alisha?"
I rise and make my way to the front door as I recognize the familiar voice.I open, and Samantha greets me with a full smile."Great, you're here.Can I come in?Please?"
I open the door further, and she enters, her gaze sweeping the room with open admiration.
"Oh, your place is amazing!"she shrieks."Colorful and fun.I love it."She wanders around, halting at the wall covered with pictures.
"Wow, are these your friends?"she asks in awe, pointing to a photo of Bella, Amanda, Emma, and me at Emma's wedding.
"Yeah, they're my besties."
"I miss my best friend, Rachel," she whispers, her smile faltering.
My heart clenches at the longing in her voice.She stares at her shoes as she stands on my favorite handmade rainbow-colored rug, the soft pastel tints brightening the space.Samantha sits on the lavender loveseat, running her fingers over the plush velvet.
"You're a colorful person," she giggles, taking in the assortment of vibrant throw pillows.
"Colors are the smiles of nature, and they speak louder than words," I say with a shrug, settling beside her.
"I love it.Cole's penthouse is clean, and everything is black, grey, white, or brown.He could use other colors in his place.It's like we're living in a hotel.He orders dinner from the restaurant downstairs.I might sound ungrateful, but I'm not used to it.My mom and I always cooked together."
The corners of her mouth drop."How can I tell him that?I don't want to hurt his feelings."She lets out a huff, and I know there's more she wants to share.
"Okay, missy, spill it.What else is bothering you?"
She places her palm against her forehead."Cole's going full parental on me.Yesterday he started nagging over my clothing on the floor and the towels in the bathroom.This morning he lectured me over leaving my breakfast plate on the counter instead of placing it in the dishwasher."
I hide a chuckle that wants to come out."Cole is your father, Samantha.It's part of his job."
She lifts her shoulders."I know, but...I..."
Her phone rings, and theJawstheme ringtone flows through the air.She peeks at the device, and I walk towards her."Who is that?"
"Who do you think?I'm not answering."She sighs and shows me the screen.
I read the display—thebigguy.I bite my lips, withholding another chuckle.When it stops ringing, I gaze at Samantha."Why is he calling you?"
Her mouth twists, and she avoids eye contact."Samantha… I say warmly."
She lets herself fall back onto the couch and places her hands in front of her face."He's checking up on me."
"Let me guess.You left without telling him where you were going.Am I right?"
She shrugs.
"Samantha."My tone is stricter this time.
TheJawsringtone starts again, but when Samantha doesn't move, I bend forward, grab her mobile, and press the button.
"Samantha, where are you?"His deep voice reverberates through my body.
