Fast fall slow burn

I thought I’d never find love again—not after me and Tristan broke up. We were together for two years and had two beautiful baby girls. After everything we went through, I just didn’t see how love could find its way back to me.

But life has a funny way of surprising you. And it all started on the night of my birthday get-together…

“Hey best friend,” Nicole said as we sat on the couch, scrolling through our phones. “Who do you wanna invite to the party?”

“I’m not sure,” I shrugged. “I don’t really talk to people like that. Besides you and Lila.”

“Well, Lila can’t come,” she said.

“Why not?” I asked, curiosity instantly piqued.

“Because my sister’s coming, and I don’t wanna make her uncomfortable.”

“Ah, gotcha.”

“Oh! And my boy best friend is coming… with his homeboy.”

“Wait… the one y’all were talking about on the phone the other night?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“Oh, okay then. I don’t have a problem with your boy best friend—but come on, let’s hit the store before they close,” I laughed, grabbing my purse.

“Bet! Let’s go.”

As we walked back from the store, bags in hand, we chatted more about who else to invite. Of course, we called up a few people from high school—well, mostly my high school friends. Nicole didn’t mess with too many people like that anymore. But honestly, as long as she wasn’t thinking about her ex, I was happy for her.

“You sure your best friend and his homeboy can come?” she asked again.

“Yeah girl, as long as his homeboy don’t try to talk to me, we good,” I joked.

She laughed. “Okayyy girl.”

Little did I know, that statement wouldn’t age well.

Back at the house, we were rushing to get everything ready before everyone showed up.

“Nicole, come on! We gotta prep the food before people get here,” I called.

“I know, I know! But should we get dressed first?” she asked.

“You can. I’ll start on the food.”

“Okay… but I don’t know what to wear.”

“Well, show me what you got.”

She pulled out two outfits. “I got this lingerie top with some jeans, or this orange romper.”

“Go with the lingerie. It’s giving cute birthday vibe.”

While she hopped in the shower, I started thinking about how the night might go, who all was coming, and how weird it was not having Tristan around anymore. My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

I jumped, rushing to answer it.

“Hey, sister!” I grinned.

“Hey! Is that my baby mama here to celebrate her birthday?” she teased.

“Girl, yes. And I missed Nicole’s cooking too much to stay away.”

“You look cute! I love that outfit.”

“Thanks, but I don’t know… I might change,” I mumbled.

Eventually, I came out the bathroom and helped set up the drinks and food. Guests started showing up one by one. And that’s when he walked in—King Killa, also known as K.K.

The way he carried himself? I could already tell he wasn’t like the others. Something about him stood out. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but he had this quiet presence that grabbed my attention.

“Dee, we’ll be back. Going to the store with Jay,” Nicole said as she and Cay walked out the door.

“Okay, y’all be safe!”

As the door closed, I looked around and realized—I was the only girl in the room.

“Well,” I laughed, “I guess I’m one of the guys tonight. Let’s take a shot!”

We all grabbed cups, poured up, and toasted to me—my birthday.

Nicole and Cay came back not too long after, ready to turn up. “Girl, can you please finish the food?” Cay whined. “Austin act like he been starving for days.”

“He always like that,” Nicole laughed, going back to the kitchen. After she finished cooking, she headed off to change, while everybody else ate. I didn’t even get a plate right away—too busy making sure everything was perfect.

Hours passed. We took more shots, danced to some music, and laughed about Nicole’s ex, who randomly started messaging her and ruining the vibe. I tried to help calm her down, but the liquor was finally getting to me.

Feeling tipsy and a little tired, I went to sit next to Nicole’s boy best friend—but he got pulled away to help deal with our drunk bestie. So, I scooted over next to K.K.

Something about his vibe was just… calm. Quiet. Different.

“Hey,” I whispered, leaning a little closer. “Can I lay my head on you?”

He nodded, no words—just a simple, chill agreement. I rested my head on his shoulder, and my eyes drifted to the pink hat he was wearing.

Now I usually don’t go for anything pink, but the way he wore that hat? It was cute.

“Can I try it on?”

Without saying a word, he handed it to me. I slipped it on, smiling. “Does it look good on me?”

He smiled back and nodded again. Still not saying much—but that only made me more curious. Most guys are too eager to talk, to impress. But K.K.? He was chill. Easy. Real.

After more shots and music, the night started winding down. One by one, people headed home… except for Nicole, her boy best friend, and K.K. Nicole and her best friend went into her room, and I stayed in the living room with K.K.

“Hey best friend, have you seen my phone?” Nicole called out.

“Nope. Didn’t you just have it?”

“I did, but now I can’t find it!”

We all got up and looked, but the phone was nowhere to be found. Eventually, the guys went outside to smoke, and somehow, me and Nicole both fell asleep.

What I didn’t know—what I couldn’t have known—was what I’d wake up to the next morning.

And that night? That pink hat? That quiet smile?

It was just the beginning.