Destination: Beautiful (It's back!)

Chapter 2

I always thought love was mostly a game. Still think that for the most part. You just prance around the board looking for quick points and short term advantages, and then you reach the end, the ultimate prize. Love.

I expressed this to Amy when I sat in her apartment on Saturday night, watching friends re-runs.

"Yeah, I guess you could put it like that. But you forgot the penalties, the go back one space or return to start, their big parts of it too."

"You're right." I contemplated how many times I had to go lose a turn. Yeah, a lot.

I had only really been in love once. His name was Travis. We met at Columbia University as freshman. Travis was a Type A law student. He always went by the book, never broke a rule, always a gentleman. He was a good, sturdy boyfriend. Someone to keep around, you know, just to have.

Of course I only say that now. When we were dating I thought he was my prince charming, everything I wanted. I'm not going to say I thought I was in love at the time, because I was. It just kind of hit me one day that he wasn't right for me. We weren't a good match.

"Holly is so lucky to have found Joe." She mused, looking dreamy.

"Yeah, but Ames, its a one and a million chance to have their scenario." I muttered, bringing her back to earth.

She sighed and looked at me disapprovingly, she hated when I was pessimistic. Expecially about romance.

"You know Elle, you shouldn't have given up on love so quickly."

"I didn't give up on love, I just don't go out of my way to find it anymore."

"I know someday I won't find love, It'll find me." She said dreamily.

Oh please

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The rest of my weekend was uneventful. I stayed in my apartment and worked, munching on blueberry ice cream and combos. The I felt bad about eating so much, and hit the gym. Then on the way home I bought a ho-ho. I have no will power.

I found myself awake at the crack of dawn Monday morning, so I took the time to make myself look halfway decent, which was a rare occurrence.

I wore a white sundress and gladiator heels, my brown hair rested on my shoulders and was pin straight. I looked in the mirror on my way out and smiled, pleased with my work.

The commute took longer than planned, but I was still early. My boss hadn't arrived yet, and the building was locked, so I was forced to wait outside.

"Hey you!" I heard from behind me. I whirled around to see The guy from the coffee stand, um, Holland? No. Holden? Negative. Hollis! That's it. He was wearing a Red Sox cap, a white tee, jeans, and converse. Nice work attire.

"Come 'ere." He yelled across the courtyard. I shook y head, but he protested further, finally I gave in.

"What." I said quickly. He tipped his head up to look at me and I caught a glimpse of his eyes. I noticed that they were incredibly blue, probably the most amazing eyes I've ever seen. I shook the thought out of my head and waited for his answer.

"Is your phone broken? You haven't called me yet." he said winking.

"I didn't want to call you. Geez you would think this place would be closed by now the way you treat customers."

"Puh-lease." He said, rolling his eyes. "The ladies love me, well execept you..well, not yet..."

"Save it. Why'd you call me over here?"