Chapter 1
-They will have a HEA. English is my second language, so please forgive any mistakes.
Everything is nearly finished, thankfully. Finally, the moving part is done. I just moved to this new place, a lovely apartment with plenty of space, good lighting, and a great neighborhood. This is one of the first things I’ve accomplished on my own, and I can’t describe how happy I feel right now. I start dancing around my living room, filled with pure joy, and even with all the boxes, bags, furniture, and books scattered everywhere, I can’t help but giggle. This is it; I have my own place. My own bright new space!
However, there is one who is not pleased. My critical cat, Mimi (a female white ragdoll), is staring at me with clear disapproval, knowing I am the reason her peaceful life has been disrupted by all the moving and chaos. I get it, Mimi. I really do. I give her some pets, trying to win her affection back, but it seems like that won’t happen anytime soon. She bolts across the room and hides in one of the empty boxes on the floor. Alright, Mimi, I’ll leave you be... for now.
As I look around the room, I feel exhausted, but I want to get everything organized and in its right place. My thought is that the sooner I arrange everything, the better it will be for me. It’s not even lunchtime yet, so I have plenty of time to make real progress. A few hours later, I cleared some boxes, organized the essentials in my closet and bathroom, and was about to tackle the kitchen when someone knocked on my door. I think it might be one of my new neighbors coming to say hello.
I approach the door, open it, and stop in my tracks, my mouth slightly agape as I gaze at the most handsome man I’ve seen in ages. I blink slowly, trying to focus, but he remains right there, matching my gaze with his own. He stands tall, impressively so, with a fit physique, light blond hair, and captivating tattoos adorning his arms. He leans casually against my front door, holding a box that looks like it came from a bakery. What a sight to behold!
“Hey there, neighbor,” he greets me with a warm smile. “I live next door, and my name is Mason. I apologize for not being around to help with your move. But now that I see you, I really wish I had been here,” he adds, his eyes locked on mine. “I’ve brought you some baked goods to welcome you, and I’m here to help with anything you need. I’m at your service,” he concludes, presenting the box with a big grin. Oh my goodness! His voice is deep and charming, and his manners are impeccable!
“Thank you... that’s really kind of you,” I reply, accepting the box from him. “But you really don’t have to; I mean, you must have things to do.”
“No problem at all, darling,” he cuts in. “I’m free. Let me help you, okay?” Is he just being courteous?
“I think I could do with some help, but only if you want to. If you need to go at anything done elsewhere please don’t hesitate to go; I won’t be upset. And if you are busy, I completely understand.”
“I’m not busy, sweetheart. What’s your name?” he inquires. “My name is Mia.”
“Hmm... I like that. Can I come in?” he asks, taking a step closer. I suppose it’s not a big deal to let him inside. “Of course, come on in. Just a heads up, it’s a bit messy here. But maybe you could help me rearrange the television and bookcases?” I suggest. “Absolutely, beautiful, no problem at all. Just show me where you want it,” he responds, and before I know it, he’s already getting to work.
Meanwhile, I’m still holding the box, watching this stunning stranger assist me with my furniture. He’s dressed in a white shirt and black jeans, and I feel a little lightheaded from how attractive he is. He seems so incredibly cool! “Do you have a man?” he suddenly asks. A man? “Like a husband?” I propose.
He chuckles and adds, “Or a boyfriend, perhaps.”
“Actually, no, I don’t... I mean, I don’t have a husband, boyfriend, fiancé, or anything like that.”Mia, stop rambling!
“Alright,” he pauses his work and looks straight at me. “So, I’d like to take you out this weekend. There’s a lovely restaurant nearby. We can enjoy dinner and chat. How does that sound?” A date? As in going out? As in having dinner? Oh my... He continues to gaze at me, waiting for my response. “We can go the day after tomorrow so you have more time to get ready, okay?“I’m at a loss for words. My cheeks are heating up, and my heart races faster. “Mia?” he prompts.
“Yes! I mean, that sounds great. Dinner would be lovely.” He flashes a charming smile and goes back to organizing the items I requested. He just invited me on a date after knowing me for only ten minutes... What a daring guy! This is thrilling! Oh my, I have a date! A real date with a wonderful man. Everything is going to be perfect!
-The Very Next Day-
I’m getting ready for my date with Mason. It’s just tomorrow night, but I’ve already mapped everything out. It’s been ages since a truly nice and gentlemanly man asked me to dinner, so I might have gone a bit overboard.
I just got this gorgeous new dress, had my hair and nails done, and even treated myself to a lovely new perfume. I might have exceeded myself, but I can’t help it; I’m so excited and want everything to be perfect for this date. I realize it’s just a date, but every relationship starts somewhere, right? I’m in the elevator of my apartment building and I’m carrying all my new things with me. A huge smile is plastered on my face, and I feel butterflies in my stomach just thinking about the last message Mason sent me.
He asked for my number and texted me this morning, saying, “Beautiful, let me know if you need anything else, ok? I will see you tomorrow at 7 pm. Take care.” Oh, Mason, I don’t know much about you yet, but you already have me feeling all giddy! As the elevator doors open, I take a step out, look straight ahead, and then freeze. There he is, standing by his door with one hand resting on the wall.
He was holding the face of a redhead while kissing her. Suddenly, I felt a wave of panic wash over me. Mia, breathe. Stay calm, I told myself, but the panic took over. I froze for a moment, then quickly stepped back into the elevator, trying to hide and pressing a button without really knowing what I was doing. As the doors closed, I pressed myself into a corner, overwhelmed by a deep sense of humiliation. My face felt like it was on fire, and I felt so small and embarrassed.
A terrible knot formed in my stomach as I realized there would be no date. That was fine, I told myself, as I hurriedly left the elevator and made my way to my car. I jumped in, closed the door, and took a few deep breaths to calm down. I figured he would text me later, explaining that something had come up. It wasn’t a big deal; after all, I had just met him. There was no reason to feel ashamed. I touched my hot cheeks and closed my eyes, feeling mortified. He didn’t have to ask me like that; he could have just said he couldn’t make it. Now, I felt like a complete fool.
I rested my forehead against the steering wheel, feeling incredibly foolish. Tears of embarrassment began to fall, but I managed to hold myself together. I started my car and drove off, waiting for the happy couple on my floor to head out.
-The Next Morning-
I got a message. Hey beautiful, I’ll be at your door by 7 p.m. sharp, okay? Get ready. Mason.
