Book 1 of Monte Carlo Series
Escaping her chaotic past, Katrina moves to Monaco to start a new life. With a single bag and a guitar, she sets on a brand new journey to reacquaint with herself and maybe find love along the way.
Meeting Sofia on her first day in Monaco felt like a stroke of luck. Katrina had no idea where to go or what to expect in the country, but Sofia stepped in and showed her around, introducing her to various hangout spots while they spent the day getting to know each other and picking up a few essentials.
"I know we just met, but is it too soon to ask why you're in Monaco?" Sofia asked, sipping her drink.
"I'm not ready to share my story yet, but like many others, I came here to lay low. I just want to stay away from people," Katrina replied.
Sofia joked, "You're not a wanted criminal from where you're from, are you?"
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not that interesting," Katrina laughed.
"I won't ask any further then. I'm sure you'll open up when you're ready. If you came for peace, that's what you'll get."
Trying to change the subject, Katrina asked, "What do you do for a living?"
"I'm a full-time barista and a part-time artist. I do freelance photography and paint. Here, check out some of my work."
Sofia showed Katrina some of her art, and it was incredible. She was clearly very talented.
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*these photos are just artworks from google and pinterest
"You're so talented! You should really consider doing art full-time," Katrina said.
"In an ideal world, I'd love to focus only on art, but reality is different. I'm not as well-off as some people here. Not everyone in Monaco is a millionaire."
"I get that, but I really hope you don't close the door on pursuing art full-time. You've got so much potential," Katrina encouraged her.
"Thank you. I appreciate that you like my art. What about you, what do you do?" Sofia asked, curious.
Katrina felt a strong urge to be honest with Sofia, but part of her was still hesitant. They'd just met, but she felt a surprising comfort in their conversation. Eventually, she decided to open up a little.
"I used to be a full-time musician before I moved here."
"Used to? Why did you stop?" Sofia asked, noticing the past tense.
"It just started to feel suffocating. I was beginning to hate the one thing I loved most, so I decided to stop before it ruined me."
"That's heartbreaking. I can't imagine how it feels to fall out of love with something you were passionate about. Do you still make music?"
"I play a little, but I haven't created anything new to share with the public."
Music had always been a huge part of her life. Her parents, from different backgrounds, could barely communicate through words, but music was their bond. Her father would always say, "Where words fail, music speaks." For Katrina, music had always been the way to express what words couldn't, and it broke her heart to walk away from it.
"You know, I have a cousin who makes music too. He's a pianist, and he's really good. It's a shame you're not making music right now."
"One day... I'm sure I'll be ready to share my music again."
"It's getting late. I should head inside. It was really nice hanging out with you. Don't hesitate to text if you need anything."
"I will... Thank you for today, Sofia." Katrina waved goodbye, but just before heading inside, she called out to Sofia again.
"Yes?" Sofia turned back.
"Thank you for being my first friend in Monaco. Merci."
"Ravi de vous rencontrer. It was my pleasure. Welcome again to Monte Carlo."
