PRESENT“Two matcha coffees, please.” I close my eyes momentarily, reminiscing yesterday’s flow of events. "And can you put some extra cream on top?"“Ten dollars.” The girl at the coffee counter rolls her eyes at the 'extra cream comment,' which brings me back to the day I met Daniel. As I hand her the money on the counter, I can’t stop going back down the memory lane. My past flashes right in front of my eyes. The girl shuffles on her feet to prepare the coffee on the counter. "There you go."It’s the same coffee house where we met a couple of months ago. At that time he looked genuinely interested in knowing me. He still does want to figure me out. But, the way he acted earlier is a giant slap of reality on my face. We can never be anything more than acquaintances and, at the most, friends.Only if I knew it back then.***THREE MONTHS AGOMy mind raced with thoughts as I hastily took long strides towards the old Paul’s cafè down six blocks from the Main Street. Boy, I shouldn't ha

FOUR YEARS AGO“How does this black one look on me?” I showed off my hips to Carrie, then moved again to face the mirror, smoothing the wrinkles out from the body-hugging silk dress. “I forgot how my hips looked."Carrie was going through our shared dorm closet, and from her side of the closet threw a blue halter neck dress at my face. “I know. Try this on, miss prude. You have such a great body, but you’re always hiding them behind your boyfriend’s jeans and shirts. Get a grip girl.” She gave me an enthusiastic look while thumping her fist upwards in the air. “Get a grip."I put the flimsy rayon material against my chest and sized myself up and down. “Do you think I’ll look good in that?” I fluttered my eyes when I looked at her and thinned my lips. "Can I really pull this off?"“Well, someone is going to get that Cassiel guy. It better be you, Lee.” She smiled at me as she came closer. She took the dress out of my hands and put it over my head. “Go on, get ready. This dress is whack

PRESENTTHREE MONTHS AGOI watched myself stumble as I felt dizzy, vodka and too many cosmopolitans finally acting on my toes, and I just couldn’t think straight. Jeff was cheering me on, and he and Carrie were close to pushing me on the stage to sing my favorite song, Moonlight.I was way too drunk to hesitate or revolt against it. Carrie was walking me by the waist to the little concrete stairs and Jeff gave me a playful shove as I took the last step upstage. I walked confidently on stage as I stumbled towards the front of the deserted microphone stand sitting in the middle of the platform. My slingback wedges thankfully gave me more balance than the pencil ones I usually wear for night outs with friends. How I did not fall face front into the concrete and break my nose so far was a mystery and a miracle.I coughed as I placed my lips closer to the mouthpiece of the microphone, stabilizing myself by putting two hands around it. “Hi everyone! I-I’m here-e-e to rock your world tonight

PRESENT“Did you get those raspberries on your way home, honey?” Cass's voice reverberates throughout the entire house. He’s working in the kitchen. I can hear him rolling the dough with all the noises he’s making. "Or the pasta sauce I had put on our grocery list?"“No. I'm sorry, love. I forgot!" I yell as I draw the front door to a close. "You should have texted me that to remind me!" Then I exhale a sigh. "You know how forgetful I am, right?"I walk into the living room area to put my handbag, which also has my laptop down on the table. My phone vibrates as I get another mail from the magazine I work for, telling me that the work’s deadline is set in the incoming three weeks. I get another message from my boss to reassure me if I got the email.Yes, you snotty little piece of work. I got the mail. Just don't try to make my life hell!My head in the magazine company is doing this on purpose, in other words, adding to my workload because she wants to hire another part-time writer

PRESENT“And what do you need me for?” I try not to snap at him. I keep it curt. Where the hell did this wife come from? Has he been married before? He never said anything about this person in all the days we have been acquainted with each other. "If you have a wife, why don't you hang out with her?"“I need you here with me so we can act like we are dating.” He’s so obvious and persistent in his answers like it means nothing to him. “You know I need you to get her out of my house.”“I can’t do that. I don't think that I'll be available. I'm sorry for saying this, but you need to call one of your model fuck-buddies who can help you out in this situation.” I mimic him in a sarcastic tone. Then I can't control my anger any longer. “And from where on earth did your wife materialise in thin air?” I take a deep inhale. “And why are you calling me? How dare you?”“Please, Lee. I absolutely need your help this time.” He’s taking a pause before he continues. “Melissa isn’t that important. She