Chapter 14
Mia
I found this quaint little café last week, Marie’s Café, and it has quickly become my safe haven. It’s a little sanctuary where I momentarily forget about the outside world. Sunlight pours through the large windows, illuminating the lush green plants spilling over the shelves and hanging from baskets. I settle into a cozy corner on one of the green plush sofas, a spot that is almost made for quiet reflection or to focus on my writing.
As I get comfortable, Marie, the owner of the café, approaches me with her usual warm smile. “Your usual, I’m guessing?”
Realizing I now have a ‘usual’ brings a small, contented smile to my face. “Yes, please.”
A couple of minutes later, Marie returns and sets down my iced coffee with extra cream and sugar. Just how I like it, despite knowing it’s not the healthiest choice. Alongside it, she places a chocolate cookie. I look up, surprised. “I didn’t order this.” I point at the cookie.
She simply smiles. “It’s on the house.”
“Thank you.” Being at ease with her, I ask, “There’s a waterfall near my cabin, but it’s not on any map and seems unknown to everyone. Ever heard anything about it?”
She pauses, her silver hair catching the light as she turns to me. “Oh, my dear,” she starts, her voice a gentle hum. “There are many things in those forests that aren’t for everyone to see or know. Secrets that have kept themselves hidden.”
“But a whole waterfall?” I press, intrigued by her response. “It seems like such a place would be famous.”
Her smile softens, and she leans in slightly, as if to share a confidential secret. “Ah, but not all wonders want to be found. My mother used to tell me stories about a couple that was deeply in love that the forest itself gave them a secret place—a waterfall, hidden away from prying eyes. A result of their love, shielded by nature.”
A chill runs down my spine. “That sounds more like a fairy tale.”
“Maybe,” she says, her smile turning mysterious and her brown skin glowing warmly under the light. “But not everything in this world needs to make logical sense, my dear. Some truths, we feel them in our heart rather than understand with the mind. And maybe some secrets are meant to stay just that, secrets.”
I pondered her words as she walked away, her presence leaving a trail of warmth. Maybe she’s right, and Jake’s family wanted to keep this waterfall a secret, or a surprise.
I am sipping my coffee when I notice an older couple sitting together. The woman is reading a book. It reminds me of my parents, how they would sit together with my mom’s legs draped over my dad’s lap as he mindlessly massaged her foot; he’d watch his game and she would read her book. Those memories bring a bittersweet smile to my face. It just reminds me how they will not get to grow old together.
I blink back the tears that threaten to spill. Don’t cry, I silently plead to myself, taking another sip of my coffee, focusing on the coolness it brings. It’s moments like these, quiet, where the memories come flooding in the hardest.
Typing away on my laptop, I receive a text message from Sarah. The last time we were together, she insisted we exchange numbers and grabbed my phone to add her contact.
Hey, Mia! Jake, Alex and I are going out this weekend. You should come.
This weekend, that’s my birthday. I was thinking more like a quiet night in my room with a tub of ice cream. It’s my first birthday without my mom. But maybe a little distraction wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe it’s what I need.
Sure, that sounds fun, I text her back.
I put my phone aside and focus back on my writing. I need to stop comparing my writing to my mom’s and remember why I started writing in the first place.
I love writing. Creating worlds and characters that can become someone else’s escape. I need to get all these stories out of my head and onto paper. Although, loving it doesn’t mean I’m automatically good at it.
I remember when I submitted my short story to my high school’s story contest. It was a dark romance about a girl who falls in love with her brother’s best friend, who was ten years older. Her parents passed away, and her brother inherited the family business. She was a kid then, so they basically raised her. I know it was a little taboo, but the feedback was harsh. The teacher in charge of the contest said my writing was disturbing.
I guess that was the final straw that shattered my dream.
Maybe I should have submitted something sweet. But isn’t writing about expressing yourself? And that was the story I wanted to tell.
These past few days, I’ve been focusing on outlining. All I have so far are the main characters, and what they look like. I still need to work on their deeper conflicts, what drives them, and what makes them who they are. I need to keep track of plot lines, the characters’ arcs, conflicts, and all the settings.
It’s a dark fantasy romance, and that also requires a lot of world building, and that is a little scary. My story is about an island with a secret world beneath the ocean. Even though the surface world remains unaware of their existence, their fates and destinies intertwine. I’m afraid the story is just in my head and I’m not able to bring it to life on the pages.
* * *
Today is my birthday and I’m going out with Sarhan, Alex, and of course Jake. Sarah and Alex are meeting us there.
I stand in front of the full body mirror, admiring my reflection. Over the years, I’ve learned to love my body. Although I don’t work out a lot, I love every curve, even the stretch marks on my thighs.
For tonight, I’ve chosen a rich chocolate burgundy dress, the color so deep it glows against my skin. My grandma sent it to me as a birthday present. It’s from one of the most prestigious fashion lines in Paris, BCAK, Black Couture At Kingley . The company is Black owned by the Kingley family, who apparently are friends and business partners with my grandmother. They distribute her wines.
The dress fits snugly, hugging every curve, with a bold slit on the side that playfully reveals my leg with each movement. The plunging neckline is daring, more than I’m used to, but tonight is special. It’s my birthday. I haven’t dressed up or gone out in a while, not since she got sick. Maybe this is a chance to let go a little. I could use the distraction.
Turning around, I smile at how my backside looks in the dress.
I pair the dress with gold heels, adding inches to my height. A small gold clutch carries the essentials: lipstick, a phone, and a little courage. My hair is straight, a change from its usual wild curls. I wanted to try something different. The thought of Jake waiting for me downstairs makes me even more nervous, even though I know this isn’t a date—we’re just carpooling.
But when it comes to him, I can’t hide the smile that plays on my lips.
Descending the stairs, Jake is already waiting. Green eyes that are brighter under the light are observing me and scanning me thoroughly, making my heart beats faster in my chest
Deep breaths Mia.
With each step I take, his smile grows wider, the intensity in his eyes deepen. By the time I reach the bottom of the stairs, I’m a jumbled mess of nerves. He leans in, and murmurs, “You’re beautiful.”
Butterflies flutter around my stomach. “Thank you, you don’t look too bad yourself.” I look up at him, and drink him in. His black polo shirt clings to his biceps, and his black jeans show his long, toned legs. He’s gorgeous.
“Ready to go?” I break the spell.
He nods, a bigger smile spreading across his face. That smile is dangerous.
“After you,” he says, and I walk past him. I don’t need eyes on the back of my head to know he’s still checking me out. He’s definitely looking at my ass.
Once we reach his car, he opens the door for me. “This is not a date. You don’t have to open the door for me.” I chuckle, reminding both him, and myself.
He pauses, his expression serious. “I don’t care what this is. When you’re with me, I open your door.” His jaw tightens, and the muscle in his cheek twitches.
A shiver runs through me at the intensity of his gaze. I nod, the words catching in my throat. He holds the door as I slide into the passenger seat, the cold leather presses against my skin. He closes it gently and heads to the driver’s side. And of course, he drives a manual.
I steal a glance at him. His expression has softened, but the edge is still there.
I watch as he switches gears effortlessly, his forearm muscles flex with each movement.
“Is it hot in here, or is it just me?” Then I realize I say that out loud a little too late. I adjust my dress, attempting to cool myself down. His arms catch my attention again, drawing my eyes involuntarily. There’s something about the way he moves that’s magnetic.
He throws a quick smirk my way. “Want me to turn up the AC?” he teases. He knows exactly what’s making me flustered, and it has nothing to do with the AC.
“Just shut up and drive,” I huff, crossing my arms defensively.
He bursts out laughing, a rich sound that fills the car.
I hate his laugh.
Do you, though? The little voice in my head whispers.
Well, I hate the way his laugh sends tingles through my body and the throbbing sensation between my thighs. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, ignoring the heat building inside me.
About an hour later, we pull up into the parking lot. Jake shifts the car into park and turns to me. “Just wait a second. Let me open the door for you.” He unbuckles his seat belt.
“It’s okay, I can get it.” I reach for the door handle, opening it before he comes around. As I try to step down from the jeep, I lose my balance and stumble forward. In an instant, his arms are wrapping around me, pulling me into his chest. His heart pulses beneath my ear. He smells like sandalwood and lavender. It’s both comforting and intoxicating, and I close my eyes, lost in the moment.
His brows furrow and his eyes fill with worry. Why does he care if I’m hurt or not?
His hand reaches up, gently brushing a strand of hair away from my face, his touch lingering. “Next time, wait for me. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you.” He growls, the sound coming deep from his throat. It sends my heart racing, heat pooling low in my belly. My breath catches in my throat, and goosebumps spread across my skin like a wave.
The cool night air outside the restaurant brushes against my face, carrying the scent of nearby flowers and the soft chatter of people walking by outside the parking lot. Every inch of space between us crackles with electric tension, making the air feel heavy and alive.
I fight the overwhelming urge to close the distance, knowing I shouldn’t. Giving in would blur the lines and risk everything. I remind myself why I need to keep my distance, even as my body yearns to bridge the gap.
Gently, he sets me down from the jeep running board and on my feet, making sure I’m stable before releasing me. I take a moment to steady myself.
“I’m okay,” I assure him, avoiding his gaze, wiping my sweaty palm on my dress.
His blonde hair looks golden under the dim light in the parking lot. The flutter in my chest won’t settle, and I’m hyper-aware of every movement he makes, every brush of his hand as we walk side by side.
He insists on being a gentleman by opening the door for me, but I can’t fall for those acts. We might get along, but that doesn’t change the fact that he is still that guy who sleeps around with women, not even bothering to know their names.
As we walk in, we immediately spot Sarah and Alex. They’re sitting in a round plush booth, accompanied by a woman I don’t recognize. Blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing a white, off the shoulder body-con dress, like the one I almost chose for tonight. That would have been awkward.
Jake is focusing his attention on her. “Jessie, what are you doing here?” His jaw tightens, and his skin turns ashen, draining of color. He looks like he’s seen a ghost.
“Hi, Jake,” she smiles, but he doesn't smile back. A frown forms on his face as his brow furrows and his lips press tightly together.
“Can we talk?” Her eyes almost pleading.
He looks away momentarily, as if gathering his thoughts. “We have nothing to talk about,” he says, his tone flat, clearly not wanting to engage. He glances at me briefly, an unreadable look in his eyes, before turning back to Jessie. Her presence is clearly affecting him.
“Please, Jake.” She steps closer, her hand reaching out to touch his arm, her fingers trembling. Her desperation is palpable.
He sighs, his shoulders slumping. “Fine, but not here.” He grabs her wrist and leads her outside, leaving me standing here.
My fingers curl involuntarily, nails digging into my palm as I watch them disappear outside. I slide into the booth next to Sarah and Alex, feeling a bit out of place. Alex signals the server over, and he orders his drinks and Sarah orders hers.
The server then turns to me with a charming smile. “And for you, miss?” His deep brown eyes meet mine.
“Surprise me with something strong, please,” I say, my gaze then shifting back to the door where Jake and Jessie just exited.
He nods, a knowing smirk crossing his face. “One special drink coming right up.”
I should be having a good time, the music is great, and the ambiance is amazing, but my mind keeps wandering back to Jessie. Who is she? Ex-girlfriend or girlfriend.
“I see you, girl,” Sarah teases, breaking into my spiraling thoughts. “Did I mention you’re looking amazing tonight?”
I force a laugh, turning my head towards her. “You’re looking gorgeous yourself.” I smile back at her, my fingers tapping nervously on the table before my eyes drift back to the window.
“You, okay?” She asks to catch my attention again. Her eyes linger on me for a bit longer, searching my face.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I nod, giving her a weak smile. “So, what’s the story with Jake and Jessie?” I try to sound casual, ignoring the tightness in my chest as I think about their private conversation outside.
“They go way back to high school, it’s complicated.”
“Interesting. High school, huh?” I force a strained smile. Complicated how? I want to ask, but I don’t want to seem too interested.
The server brings us our drinks right on time. I consume mine quicker than I should, the glass barely leaving my lips before it’s empty. I try to find something to focus on since my mind seems to be occupied with thoughts of Jake and Jessie. Not that I care what they’re doing outside. Are they arguing, making up, kissing… I stop myself and start observing Alex and Sarah.
I can’t help but notice the way Alex has been looking at her. His eyes light up whenever she speaks or laughs, tracking her movements with an intensity that borders on admiration. Yet, Sarah seems completely oblivious to the depth of his attention. She treats him like a friend. Or maybe she’s aware but chooses to ignore it, fearing it might complicate their friendship.
But looking at Sarah and Alex makes me think about Jake and Jessie. Were they friends before? They look sort of perfect together. They would probably have gorgeous babies with blue or green eyes.
I grab my glass to take another drink, but it’s empty.
I need another drink.
Sarah and Alex, wrapped up in their own bubble, barely notice as I slide out of the booth, muttering a hasty excuse. At the bar, I order another drink. “Hit me up with your best drink please.”
He flashes me a charming smile and gets to work. A few seconds later, he slides me my drink. “Thanks.” I smile, grabbing the drink, and gulping that rapidly too. It’s good, really good, but it doesn’t help with the knot in my stomach.
“What are you drinking, sweetheart?” a husky voice interrupts my thoughts. Sweetheart? I turn my head toward the voice, looking him up and down. Starting from his shoes and moving up to his face. Tall, probably in his 30s, dark eyes, very big muscles that strain his vest jacket, short, impeccably styled hair. I mean, the guy is hot. When I reach his eyes, he smirks.
“Something amazing with alcohol in it.” I take another sip.
“Can I buy you another one?”
“I don’t see why not. Like I said, it’s amazing.” I smile at him, bringing the straw to my lips and taking another sip, looking at him from under my lashes.
He signals the bartender. “Another of what she’s having, and a whiskey on the rocks for me.” The bartender nods.
“What is a beautiful lady like you doing here alone?” He leans in, his hand finding its way to my thigh.
He certainly doesn’t waste time, does he?
“I’m not alone now, am I?” I bat my lashes at him. The alcohol gives me enough courage to flirt with this guy who’s definitely out of my league.
“I guess not.” His smile widening into a dazzling, sexy grin that lights up his face.
“So, what brings you here, sweetheart?”
“The same reason everyone is here, a good time.”
“What kind of good time are you looking for?”
I lean closer, and whisper, “Hmmm, what kind are you offering?”
“The kind that you will remember forever.” His hand trails up my thigh. His touch makes my skin crawl.. It doesn’t burn my body and makes me yearn for more the way Jake’s touch can.
I push his hand away, forcing a smile.
“What is it, sweetheart? I thought you were looking for a good time.”
“Well, I changed my mind.” I stand up to walk away, but his hand grabs me. “Let me go.,” I try to pull away, but he doesn’t.
“You heard her, let her go,” says a voice from behind me. Turning, I see Jake with his eyebrows drawn together.
“We’re just having fun. No need to make a scene.”
“You call that fun? She told you to let her go.” His tone is low and dangerous.
The man lets me go, raising his hands in surrender. “I didn’t know she was with someone.”
I turn and walk away while Jake gets into it with the guy. I’m glad he came to help me, but I’m still mad at him. We came together, but he left me alone to go be with Jessie.
“Wait, Mia, where are you going?” His long legs quickly catch up to me outside.
“Home.” My steps are quick and uneven, the heels and alcohol conspiring to make the world tilt.
“Let me take you.” He reaches out to touch my arm, but I pull away instinctively, the memory of the other man’s grip still fresh.
“I can take a taxi; just leave me alone.” I’m walking as fast as these heels will let me.
Earlier, I felt sexy wearing them. Right now, I just want to take them off. The cool night air brushes against my already wet cheeks with tears. I’m not even sure why I’m crying.
He reaches out again, his grip gentler this time, pulling me back until I’m pressed against his chest. He lowers his head to meet my gaze, brows furrow as he notices the tears. “Why are you crying? Did that guy inside hurt you?” His jaw tightens, and his nostrils flare as he takes a deep breath.“Tell me, and I’ll go back inside and break his nose.” He growls, his words barely escaping through clenched teeth.
I shake my head, not trusting myself to speak. “It’s your boyfriend, isn’t it? Call him; I need to speak to him,” he demands, his body coiled with tension.
My eyes drop to the ground, unable to look at him. He lifts my chin up with his hand, forcing me to meet his. The softness in them makes my heart flutter against my will. “What’s wrong? Talk to me, please.” He breathes.
“Nothing, I… I just want to go home.” I pull away from him and walk away. I hate these damn shoes for slowing me down.
“Okay, I’ll take you home then.”
“No, go back to your girlfriend… Or whatever you guys are.” The word tumbles out, uncontrollable and acidic. Slicing through the air, louder and sharper than intended as heat flushes my cheeks.
“She’s not my girlfriend, and there’s nothing between me and her.”
“Well, that’s not what Sarah told me. Not that I care anyway,” I say with a dry chuckle.
He stops, grabbing my arms again and pulling me towards him.
He needs to stop doing that.
His eyes narrow, unblinking, as if he’s trying to read my very soul. “Is that why you are upset? Because of Jessie.” His grip on my arm tightens, pulling me closer. His other hand moves to lightly touch my chin, tilting my face up toward his. “Are you jealous, Mia?” He’s so close to me, I’m sure he can hear how fast my heart is beating.
Jealous? That doesn’t make any sense. Why would I be jealous?
I shake my head. “Of course not, I…I have a boyfriend, remember?” I sound less convincing than I hoped for.
He raises an eyebrow, a challenge in his gaze. “Then call this boyfriend of yours. I want to talk to him.”
His request catches me off guard, and a lump forms in my throat. “You can’t ask me to do that…”
“Call him, Mia,” he insists, his tone shifting from asking to demanding.
Tears well up in my eyes again. “I can’t… Because he doesn’t exist. I lied, okay?” My voice barely audible against the storm of my making.
There, happy?
His eyes narrow, hurt flickering across his face. He opens his mouth, then closes again. “Why?” He finally breathes out.
I look away, blinking back the tears. “Last time… I was scared, and I had no idea who you were so I lied. After that it was just easier for you to think I had a boyfriend.” I turn around to gather my thoughts and make sense of the confusing and hurt swirling inside of me.
“Mia, I…” I turn around, my name on his lips like a prayer. I watch as he runs a hand through his hair.
“I don’t even know why I’m upset, maybe because today is my birthday. And I wanted to spend it with you guys…” W ith you . I swallow the rest of my sentence, the truth too heavy on my tongue. “This is my first birthday without her… I didn’t want to be alone. But you, you forgot I existed the moment you saw her.” I dare to look up at him through blurry eyes, and there’s a tenderness in his eyes that I didn’t expect.
“Mia, I didn’t know it was your birthday. You should have told me. I’m sorry.”
“It doesn’t matter, okay? You can go back to her,” I say despite the tears that blur my vision and the sobs that are threatening to overcome me. I need to put back the walls that he managed to break through. Even when everything inside of me is screaming for him to stay.
“You really expect me to just go back inside leaving you like this?” His eyes reflect hurt of his own. “God, I know you find it hard to believe, but I care about you more than I can understand or even explain.” His thumb wipes away my tears. His gaze is intense, piercing through my soul, and for a moment, I’m lost in it.“What do you want to do? It’s still your birthday. Let me make it up to you, please.” His hand rubs my cheeks.
I blink, part of me wanting to lean into his touch. “I don’t know. What about Jessie?” Hope and confusion entangle inside me.
“Can you please forget about Jessie for now? This is about you.” He smiles at me with that sweet smile that has the power to put me in a trance.
I nod, allowing him to pull me into his arms. I melt into him, a warmth against the chilly night air. Why does it feel so freaking amazing when he holds me like this?
After a few moments, he steps back, pulling out a tissue to dab at my tears gently. “How about a smile, for me, please?” he teases, tickling my nose, sparking an unfamiliar yet comforting sense of déjà vu, bringing a smile from me despite everything.
He takes my hand and leads me towards his car. “Come on, I know just the place to take you.”
When we reach his car, he opens the door for me. A light smile plays on my lips as I slide into the seat. “This is not a date.” I glance up at him, catching his amused expression.
“Got it, not a date.” He chuckles, closing the door after me. I watch him walk around to the driver’s side, my heart still fluttering. It’s strange, this ability he has to stir a silent storm inside me.
We drive away from the bar, and he makes a quick stop at a store. Through the car window, I watch a young couple outside their car. She is sitting on the hood, with him standing between her thighs. Her giggles float in the night as he whispers something in her ear before leaning down to kiss her.
I look away, not wanting to pry on their intimate moment, or maybe I’m just jealous. Jake returns with a few bags, which he places in the trunk.
“What did you buy?” I ask as he gets into the driver’s seat, to which he replies with a secret smile. As we drive further, the road becomes a dirt path, bumpy and dark. The only lights coming from the headlights of the jeep. After a few minutes, he finally stops and parks. “Wait here for a minute,” he lets me know before stepping out of the car.
He comes back shortly and helps me out of the car. We walk towards what appears to be a lake boardwalk. There’s a blanket on the floor with a bottle of champagne, flowers, cupcakes, and a candle. “Let's just sit, and watch the stars.” He points towards the blanket. “It’s the best view.”
He’s right. The view is breathtaking, with the dark lake in front of us and the water gently lapping against the wood. The sky lights up with stars unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
“I was thinking of getting you a cake, but I wasn’t sure about your favorite, so I got a mix of cupcakes instead.”
“This is…really nice. You really didn’t have to.” A warm feeling spreads in my chest.
It’s the alcohol.
We sit down on the blanket and Jake hands me the box of cupcakes. “Pick your favorite,” he says, and chuckles when I pick the chocolate one. He takes out a small candle and a lighter from his pocket, placing the candle on top of my cupcake, lighting it up for me. “Make a wish.”
I close my eyes, wishing to publish my book, and blow out the candle. Opening the champagne, he pours us each a glass.
“Happy birthday, Mia,” he toasts. “You only get one sip since you already had too much to drink.”
“Thank you, and I’m not drunk.”
“If you say so,” he chuckles. “So, how old are you?” Casually sipping his drink.
“I’m 23, and you?”
“I’m 25, my birthday was in March.” His eyes crinkle with a smile. They look brighter now under the moonlight. We sit there, sipping champagne under the stars, the night air cool.
For a moment, all the awkwardness and confusion of the evening fades away, leaving just the two of us in a peaceful bubble, and the surrounding beauty.