Chapter 2

I woke up feeling like shit. I was always 50/50 with naps.

Lights danced across the dark sky out my window. Nice view. I stared for a couple of minutes and then got up and walked out on the balcony.

The crisp, cold air sent a shiver through my body. I hadn’t checked the weather. I rubbed my hands up and down my arms as a strong breeze blew by. My curls whisked back away from my face.

I had recently done a “big chop” cutting a lot of my hair mainly to get the damaged blond out. I needed a change and was now rocking my natural, healthy hair - dark brunette. It complemented my green and brown hazel eyes, so I had been told, anyway.

I walked back inside to the fridge realizing how thirsty I was. Inside were some complementary bottles of water left by my new landlord along with a bottle of wine and vodka. A note read “Welcome to your new home. Here’s something to get you started, whichever you prefer.” I chuckled. That was a nice gesture. Normally I’m a wine-sipping type of gal, but vodka would be the next best thing. Since I was in a new town and new home, I thought why not? I poured a shot and held it up as if to toast myself. “Proud of you, girl”.

Wow. I really needed a friend. I was actually talking out loud to myself.

I tossed my head back taking the shot and quickly grabbed the water to chase. My nose crinkled at the strong taste and the burning sensation in my chest.

I checked my texts and social media, answered some messages from friends and family but it was pretty dry. Nothing from Tristan. That kind of hurt, but I wasn’t surprised. I did tell him we shouldn’t communicate anymore, but deep down I wanted him to try.

Damn! Why was I so desperate?

No. I was not going to let him ruin this for me. I needed to force him out of my head and make myself get over him. I had given myself a second chance and I was going to take it.

I grabbed the bottle and headed into the shower.

After the shower I quickly got ready. I was anxious to push myself out of my shell and hit up a bar or club, but putting myself out there like that did not come easy. I was naturally a loner and shy, a true introvert, but once I got close and comfortable to someone I made great connections.

Makeup and hair was quick. I tried on a couple of outfits then settled with a black long-sleeve crop top with a black leather skirt and some boots. I took another shot of vodka and did one last full-body mirror check before heading out the door.

My apartment was in a great location, within walking distance of some of the good bars and eateries. I walked past a couple hoping to catch a good vibe and finally stopped in front of a bar that caught my eye. Moonlight, the signed glowed in the front with a little crescent moon emblem.

The door swung open as someone walked out. I could hear some good music coming from inside, so I walked towards the entrance. The bouncer sat on a stool. He asked for my ID, glanced at it then at me and told me to enjoy my evening.

Here’s hoping.

The music was loud and the lighting was welcoming. I looked around the room taking it all in. It was a pretty decent-sized place. There was a couple of bar areas and a good amount of people.

I was tipsy already. I had a couple shots on a basically empty stomach, but headed to one of the bars anyways and sat down down at an open stool. There was a man standing beside me that offered to buy my drink, but I declined. I hated when men thought they could buy their way into your pants, so I usually didn’t allow anyone to buy me drinks. At this point I was done with men anyways.

A pretty bartender with long black braids turned to me and smiled. “What can I get for you, sweetie?”

“A sex on the beach,” I blurted out. I was nervous and that was my comfort drink. She nodded and walked away. When she returned with my drink she asked where I was from. I told her.

“Why do you assume I’m not from here?” I asked curiously.

“It’s rare to see a new face around here. I pretty much know everyone, she smiled.”

Great. So I stuck out like a sore thumb. I needed something stronger.

“Can I get a double shot of Vodka chilled?” I asked. “I don’t care what kind.” Apparently I wasn’t drunk enough. Her eyes widened and she then turned away.

A few drinks later and I had told her my entire life story. Trinity was a great listener for a busy bartender.

“Girl, you are beautiful,” she said, and I believed her. “You can do so much better.” My cheeks flushed, not sure if it was the alcohol or embarrassment. I shook my head in agreement and laid down on my arms. I can’t believe I had blurted out all my business like that. I was a mess.

I sat up and excused myself to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, I splashed some water on my face in an attempt to sober up. I turned my face side to side and stood back to look at my whole body. Not too bad, I thought to myself.

With a boost of confidence, I walked back out to the bar. Trinity was saving my seat for me and I waved at her like an excited fan. I heard a noise that caused me to turn my head. I should have been watching where I was going. Before I could look back I had collided into someone else spilling their drink.

“Good job, Ray. You’re a total drunk.” I started apologizing to the figure not even seeing who it was. As I looked up, I was staring into a pair of the most gorgeous golden eyes like something I had never seen before.