Destination: Beautiful (It's back!)

Chapter 1

When ever I was asked what my perfect man would be like, I always knew the answer right away.

Blue eyes

Likes to cuddle

Sports Fanatic

Preferably works out quite often

A nice smile

and looks as close to Jake Gyllenhaal as possible

It had been a list I had been making for 21 years now. Well, I doubt I was making it as an infant, but you get the idea.

Never had this man ever crossed my path. Not even close. My friend Holly had found love in high school, the ultimate romantic avenue. I, unfortunately was stuck on the road of a million blind dates with pretentious jerks and college drop-outs.

The thing I guess that separates me from the rest is that I'm just normal. I'm average height. I'm not too big, not too thin, also rather flat chested. I have dull, brown hair cut at mid-length. My name is even boring. Elle Jones. Two syllables of blah. 

I guess if you don't have beauty, you always have brains. But honestly, I would turn in my bachelors from Columbia in a heartbeat if I could find someone. I don't think that the man from my list is just going to waltz into my life like a movie. I don't believe in that 'destiny' crap. Destiny is just a lousy stripper name, not something I can hold on to while I wait for my knight and shining armour.

"Can you not slam the door?!" My roommate yelled after me as I left our apartment. I ignored her and hurried down the steps and out the door onto the sidewalk. I blew a piece of hair that had fallen from my messy bun out of my face.

I was going to be late, again. I worked for a magazine called Zink. I wrote for the fashion section, which I didn't complain about. I would love my job if my boss wasn't a total d-bag. But, I tried to make the best of it.

I decided I could get a coffee from a small stand near my work. I hadn't seen it before and wondered if it was new. Maybe it would be my New York thing. Everybody has something that they claim to only know about when the live in the city. Whether its a hole in the wall pizza joint, or a cozy Italian restaurant, you feel like its yours.

I stepped up to the stand and pored over the menu. I glanced up at the attendant. He had his feet propped on the counter and he was leaning back, reading a Sports Illustrated. 

How professional

I cleared my throat to get his attention. He looked up and said:

"The coffee here sucks, I would try it lady." He gave me a sarcastic smirk and looked back at his magazine.

"Look I don't have time for this, can I please just get a coffee."

"Just 'cause you ask for something dosen't mean you're going to get it. Heck, I ask for girls numbers all the time, and if I had them, I wouldn't be here."

"You don't have to be such a jerk." I said , tapping my heel impatiently. "Who do you think you are?" I inquired, trying to sound tough.

"Well that's easy, I'm Hollis. Hollis Maverick." He said matter-of-factly. "And you are."

"It dosen't matter, can I get a coffee or not." I looked at my watch, I didn't have time for this.

"I'll get you a coffee if...if you go on a date with me."

I laughed, "Go on a date with you? Why the hell would I do that? Anyways, I have to go now, thanks for wasting my time."

"Wait, I'll get you a coffee, hold on." He sighed, got up off his stool and went to retrieve my drink. I took it gladly and walked away.

"See you later stranger" He called after me. I just walked into work, ready to face my punishment for being 20 minutes late.

An hour later I was sitting at my desk. I typed an e-mail with one hand and absent mindedly peeled the paper of my coffee cup with the other.

I checked over the email and sent it, and then picked up the torn pieces of paper. I noticed something on one of the pieces. The number five. I noticed that the other strips had numbers on them too. I pieced them together and read them aloud.

543-0124

-Hollis

I laughed and rolled my eyes, disregarding it and returning to my work.

But I found myself two minutes later, putting the number into my phone. I had no idea why. The guy from the coffee shop was anything but charming. He might have been good looking, but it wasn't worth the attitude.

I finished my work earlier than planned (despite being really late) and met with my friends for a drink that night.

I got slid into our booth at the bar around eight. Our whole group was there.

Holly was my best friend in the world. We grew up together and did everything together.

Next to her was her Fiance Joe, I had known Joe for a while too. He and Holly had been dating for ages, so he was always there.

Then Amy, my friend from College. Amy was extremely smart, she graduated Salutatorian of our class. She also was a great friend and an amazing listener.

Then there was Greg. Greg and I had dated in high school, and remained great friends. Everyone hopes we'll get together again, but I don't see it happening.

I was greeted with smiles and hello's when I sat down. I ordered a Corona and listened to the conversation that was already going on."

"Acrylics are so much better than that shiny coating. Whats it called? Schlack?" Holly said in a sarcastic tone.

"Yeah, and it's so much easier, and its better for your nails." Amy said calmly. I watched both guys roll their eyes. They both got into their own conversation about some hockey thing.

I let my mind wander and I found myself thinking about home, my sister getting married soon, being dateless.

Then I thought about Hollis, the guy from the coffee shop. I thought about his offer. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to go on a date with him. 

I laughed to myself.

There were two million people in New York City. I didn't have to settle for some jerk at a coffee stand.

"Ooh Elle looks all dreamy.Who you thinkin' about?" Holly asked, a gleam in her eye. She always put so much effort into my search for a man, maybe even more than I did.

"Oh, no one." I said smiling at her

And that was it, he was no one.

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A/N

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Love and Kisses

-Abbey