Chapter 2
1153 Words
Florida.
The scent of jasmine and saltwater hit Kacey the moment she stepped off the plane. The heat wrapped around her like a second skin—thick, warm, and clinging. It felt foreign… but not unwelcoming.
She stood outside the airport, eyes scanning the bustling scene as she waited for her taxi. Everything around her was so bright, so alive. The colors popped—lush greenery, bold signage, vibrant skies. And for the first time since making the decision to leave Seattle, Kacey felt something solid. Certainty.
She had done the right thing.
Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted when someone collided into her from the side, knocking her clean off her feet.
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry—here, let me help you.”
The voice was a rich, velvety baritone with a distinct Italian accent. Kacey’s head snapped up so fast it nearly gave her whiplash.
He was tall. Very tall. And sure, she was no short woman—standing a confident 5’9—but even from the ground, she had to crane her neck to meet his gaze. And when she did—
Sea blue.
The clearest, calmest sea blue eyes she had ever seen stared back at her.
Mesmerized didn’t even begin to cover it.
She blinked, catching her breath, and accepted his outstretched hand. His grip was firm but gentle as he helped her up.
“I hope you didn’t break anything?” he asked with a playful smile still tugging at his lips.
Kacey swallowed hard and finally found her voice. “Ah—no, not at all. It’s my fault, really. I should’ve been more present.”
She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and looked up at him again, this time with a shy smile.
“No, bellissima,” he said, the Italian slipping off his tongue like silk. “It’s a terrible combination—being on a call and in a rush. I should’ve been more careful. But… you’re okay, yes?”
“Yeah,” she breathed. “I’m good.”
“Alright then. Take care, now.” He offered a quick smile before continuing on his way, leaving her rooted to the spot—heart thudding, thoughts jumbled.
Her taxi finally pulled up to the curb. Still dazed, Kacey got into the car while the driver loaded her luggage into the trunk.
As they pulled away from the airport, she glanced back one last time.
Finally, they arrived at the apartment complex where her best friend was already waiting outside, bouncing up and down with excitement. As soon as Kacey stepped out of the car, the two women threw themselves into each other’s arms, shaking with joy.
The driver retrieved her luggage, and soon they were inside Chloe’s tastefully furnished apartment. Her best friend was a successful real estate attorney and clearly made good money—judging by the looks of the place.
Kacey’s eyes landed on a framed picture of the two of them from their university days. She picked it up and smiled wistfully. “Look at us. We were so happy here.”
“So, how are you faring? Tell me everything!” Chloe demanded as they settled on the couch.
Kacey began recounting everything—her heartbreak, the move, her fears—and by the time she finished, she felt several pounds lighter. The weight of her pain had been so heavy, she hadn’t even realized how much it had been dragging her down.
“Soooo,” Chloe said, her voice rising with purpose, “I think we can both agree you’ve done enough moping, ma’am. It’s time to show that bastard you’re over his skanky ass. Which means—I’m taking you out tonight! We’re gonna get drunk, do some stupid s**t, and deal with it tomorrow.”
“Do we have to?” Kacey groaned. She really didn’t feel like going out. All she wanted was to curl up in bed with a smutty book, eat junk food, sleep, and repeat.
“Abso-f*****g-lutely!” Chloe cried. “Come on, it’ll be fun. And who knows? Maybe you’ll meet a hot hunk and have your legs in the air before the night ends. You know what they say: to get over a man, you’ve got to get under another one.” She winked mischievously.
Kacey burst out laughing. “Absolutely not! I think I’ve had my fill of men for now. I just need to start looking for a job—I can’t possibly leech off you like this.”
“Honey, you know it’s no problem,” Chloe said, waving her off. “But honestly, I think you could find something here. We’ll start looking next week. I’ll keep my ears open for any openings.”
“Okay, enough with the drab talk,” she added, standing up and pointing toward the bathroom. “Now go find something slutty to wear, because we are going wild tonight!”
A little after 7 p.m., the girls emerged from Chloe’s apartment complex, looking stunning as they slipped into their waiting taxi. Their first stop of the night was BayRock—a club Chloe swore was the hottest spot in all of Florida. She promised it would be the perfect distraction to lift Kacey’s spirits. For the first time in a while, Kacey felt genuinely excited to be heading out with her best friend.
Kacey wore a short, elegant black gown with a cowl neckline that hugged her body in all the right places. Her hourglass figure was impossible to ignore—her waist impossibly narrow, her hips and curves demanding attention. She had always turned heads, ever since her teenage years. Chloe was no less breathtaking in a royal blue bodycon dress that made her brown hair gleam under the streetlights. Together, the two of them were a knockout duo—undeniably gorgeous.
As they approached the club entrance, Chloe greeted the bouncer with a sly smile.
“Hey Biggie, how’s it going?”
“It’s going well, ma’am,” the bouncer replied with a grin. “Might I say, you two look amazing. Have a great time.” He unhooked the velvet rope and waved them in, ignoring the chorus of frustrated complaints from the waiting crowd.
Kacey, her arm linked with Chloe’s, looked over in surprise.
“Ooh, I didn’t know my bestie had that kind of pull.”
Chloe chuckled. “Well… I may or may not be dating the owner of this club.”
“What?!” Kacey gasped. “I’ve been so wrapped up in my own mess, I didn’t even know what’s been going on in yours. Come on, let’s sit—you’ve got to spill everything.”
She eagerly pulled Chloe toward the nearest open table—but just as they were settling in, boom—Kacey was knocked off her feet.
And this time, she was pissed.
- Writer
