𝐶𝑙𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑟 [ Nessa Barrett]

REAL LIFE

October 18th 2024
                                 Ralph's birthday

Ralph woke up that morning, staring at the ceiling, a mix of dread and anticipation coiled in his stomach. It was his birthday, but that was the last thing on his mind. Months ago, Thea Moore—his ex, the girl who'd shattered his world—had arranged an elaborate birthday party. She'd paid for the venue, booked the catering, set everything up in advance, back when things had still been perfect—or at least, so he'd thought. He had assumed he could skip it now that they were over, but birthday texts from friends left him little choice.

"See you tonight!" they said. "Can't wait to celebrate, man!" No one mentioned Thea, but Ralph knew she'd be there. She never missed a party, let alone one she'd organized. So he took the hint, deciding that if he was going, he would show up looking his best, smelling his best, with the confidence of a man who didn't care about her anymore.

He'd cleaned up over the last few weeks, both his apartment and himself. Thea's things were now packed in a box, tucked into the back of his closet, like he could contain the memories of her as easily as packing away old clothes. He showered, shaped his beard, and put on her favorite aftershave, the scent she'd always loved. In his nicest casual outfit, he looked at himself in the mirror, reminding himself that he wasn't going for her. He was going to have a good night, to celebrate his birthday, nothing more.

The venue was buzzing when he arrived. Celebrities, friends, strangers—all mingling under the glow of chandeliers and dim lights. Thea was there too, surrounded by her usual crowd, with some new guy practically glued to her side. Ralph felt a flicker of jealousy but brushed it aside, determined not to let her ruin his night. She was just a part of the past, a memory he was leaving behind.

The night went surprisingly well. People laughed with him, toasted to his new year, and for once, he almost believed he'd moved on. Then, across the dance floor, he spotted her: his one-night stand from months ago, the girl who'd been a brief escape from the mess his life had become. She wore a tight dress that hugged her in all the right places, dark hair cascading over her shoulders as she danced with a blonde friend. His mind traveled back to that night, and he found himself walking toward her.

"Mind if I steal her?" he said, nodding at the blonde. She smiled, stepping away, leaving the two of them alone. His one-night stand was clearly tipsy, a gleam in her eye as she wrapped herself around him, whispering about that night months ago, her words hot against his ear. He chuckled, his hand slipping to her lower back as they swayed, the memory of that night sharp and intoxicating.As the song changed, he leaned down. "Wait here, I'll grab your friend."

But before he could make it across the room, a small figure stepped in front of him, stopping him in his tracks. He knew the scent instantly, Thea. He didn't need to look to recognize the way she moved, the air around her heavy with familiarity."What do you want, Thea?" he muttered, holding back a sigh.

She chuckled softly, her eyes on him, inching close enough to breathe him in. "You smell nice," she said, her voice low and laced with a hint of something he didn't want to acknowledge. He chuckled, disbelieving, one hand running over his mouth in a nervous reflex. He'd been doing so well tonight, he thought.

She stepped closer, her hand resting on his stomach, then leaned up on her tiptoes, her mouth close to his ear. "You won't find anyone better than me, Ralph. You know that." With a smirk, she brushed her hand across his back and walked away, leaving him standing there, mind reeling. Her words lingered, settling like embers in his chest, unraveling every ounce of the strength he'd built up.

He turned to find Nessa—the brunette he'd planned to spend the night with—but she was already lost in the crowd. Thea had gotten under his skin, and there was no pretending otherwise. He made his way to the bar, pouring drink after drink, each one dulling his frustration until he couldn't remember why he was angry at all.

Before he knew it, he was tangled up with Thea again, the two of them pressed together, just like old times. Clothes scattered around her hotel room, her body curled up beside him, her breathing steady as she slept. He lay there in the quiet, admitting to himself, if only for a moment, that he hadn't wanted this to end. But he knew he couldn't stay.

Rising quietly, he pulled on his clothes and slipped out of the room. As he walked through the empty hallways, he dialed Archie's number, knowing he'd need a ride. The call rang once before he picked up."I need you to pick me up," Ralph said, his voice low, his stomach twisting with the weight of regret. "I made a mistake. I'll explain when you get here."

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AUTHOR SPEAKS.
Okay the idea for this book are coming, Nessa and Ralph will be formally introduced very soon with the contract, please be vocal and vote, comment anything you'll like to see happen in the book or what u like or dislike as it gives me motivation to write, as many know I can never finish a story for the life of me but hopefully we can get through this one