Oblivion {James Rodriguez} {Book ONE}

una cita

A/N: "Una Cita" is Spanish for "An Appointment".

Officially a week has passed since I called Daniela, and nothing happened.

She never picked up in the first place: my call went directly to voicemail.

I admit, that was the final mark of defeat for me. How was I going to get a hold of James now? It was nearly impossible, and surrender was a more than likely option. My solutions ran scarce, as that phone call was my first and last attempt at getting in touch with him again.

"Hey, meet me at Brocco's in an hour. I'm with some friends." Lola's text flashed on my phone.

I contemplated her offer. It was a sunny Sunday morning, and I had nothing to do except review my case options for the billionth time. I was actually planning to stay in, have a lazy day and watch a movie but an afternoon out seemed like the ideal way to spend the last hours of freedom before Monday.

"Define 'Friends'?" I replied back.

The last time Lola invited me to a dinner with 'friends', the entire executive board showed up. I didn't trust her choice of words anymore.

"Me, Dylan, Melissa, Carter and one more person that I'd like you to meet."

I didn't know how to react to Carter being there... I guess he heard of the entire thing with James and I. I hoped not, of course, but he always finds his own ways. I was a bit anxious to see how he'll react towards me now that everything's a bit more dilute, but I made a mental note not to raise my expectations too high.

"I'll be there. You're paying, though ;)"

"Actually, Carter's paying because he's the rich guy everyone hates." Lola went for the joking tone.

I would not accept anything for me that was paid by Carter, so I texted her back saying: "Ha ha. Don't order for me, I'm coming soon. Have fun."

"See you there."

I locked my phone and tossed it on the couch. Looking around the empty, semi-messy apartment, I sighed. Kitchens needed to be cleaned and bathrooms scrubbed, so I went to work immediately. I was confident that I'd be done in forty-five minutes, so I can have maximum fifteen minutes to take a quick shower and get ready.

Starting with the kitchen, I washed a few remaining dishes and emptied the clean ones from the dishwasher. Holding my nose with one hand, I grabbed the trash bag and speed-walked out of my apartment and into the dumpster alley right next to my building entrance and deposited the smelly pile.

I entered my apartment and inspected my kitchen from a distance. Clean enough.

Next was the bathroom. It wasn't as much of a headache as the kitchen was, but organizing all the endless cosmetics neatly did take a while. I lined the bottles to the left of the sink and other relevant items to the right. There was about a hundred bobby pins scattered in every corner, and I made a mental note to always check the bathroom if I was running short of them and not flip my drawers around like a maniac. Seriously, how did they even end up here?

Exactly forty-five minutes later, my household duties were done. Wiping the sweat off my forehead, I grabbed a cute, casual outfit and headed to the shower. Thankfully, I was blessed with the gift of being able to take effective showers under 6 minutes, so I hoped out and got dressed immediately.

I brushed my hair and left it open as pulling it up into a ponytail would ruin the flow of the outfit. As far as make up was concerned, I opted for an all-natural look with only minimal eyeliner and foundation. A touch of lip-balm was added as well.

I quickly inspected myself in the mirror. Not bad.

I grabbed my phone and my purse before making my way out of the building and into the beautiful L.A sun.

I made a direct beeline for my car that was parked right next to the entrance. Entering the vehicle, I placed my bag on the passenger seat and switched on the engine.

Before I can pull out of the parking, I sent Lola a quick text telling her that I was on my way.

Driving down the highway in my area was always an adventure. I lived in the more relaxed and laid-back areas of Los Angeles, so flea markets and tiny vintage stalls spread out along the sides of the road were common sightings.

Thankfully, Brocco's cafe was only fifteen minutes away by car, which made it a very convenient place. I easily found a parking right in front of the entrance, something that always satisfied me.

The cafe wasn't that crowded, except for the outdoor tables. Couples and families sat enjoying the warm afternoon sun and making loud conversation. The social atmosphere was refreshing, and I couldn't believe I wanted to stay in during such a beautiful day.

I locked my car and headed for the entrance of the cafe. Before I can pull the doors open, someone called my name.

"Mia, over here!"