Remy Ma reclined on her couch, her phone in hand, staring at the number before finally gaining enough courage to call. She could hear the faint sound of ringing on the other end, her heart beating a little faster with each passing second. It wasn't often that she felt this kind of anticipation, but Andrea was different.
"Hello?" Andrea's voice came through, warm and inviting, pulling Remy out of her thoughts.
"Hey, Drea," Remy replied, a smile creeping onto her face. "I was just thinking about you."
"Were you now?" Andrea teased, a playful tone in her voice. "What's on your mind?"
Remy hesitated for a second, gathering her thoughts. She wanted to keep things light, but there was something about Andrea that made her want to be real, to let down her guard. "I had a great time the other night. I don't know, it just felt... different. In a good way."
Andrea smiled on the other end, feeling a warmth in her chest. "I felt the same way, Remy. It's been a while since I've connected with someone like that."
There was a comfortable silence between them for a moment, both of them reflecting on the ease with which they had clicked. Remy felt a surge of confidence, the kind she usually had on stage, but now it was directed at something far more personal.
"So, I was thinking," Remy began, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "How about we do this again? Maybe this weekend? I've been wanting to go bowling, and there's this spot by the beach we could hit up after."
Andrea's heart skipped a beat. The idea of spending more time with Remy, especially in such a laid-back setting, was exactly what she wanted. "That sounds perfect," she replied, her excitement evident. "I'm in."
"Great," Remy said, relieved and genuinely happy. "I'll pick you up around seven?"
"Seven works," Andrea agreed. "I'm looking forward to it."
Remy could hear the smile in Andrea's voice, and it made her own grin widen. "Me too, Drea. I'll see you then."
They ended the call, both feeling a sense of anticipation for what the weekend would bring.
Saturday Evening
The bowling alley was buzzing with activity, the sound of crashing pins and laughter filling the air. Remy and Andrea had just finished their first game, both a little more competitive than they'd expected.
"Alright, I'll admit it," Remy said, leaning on the scoring table with a grin. "You're better at this than I thought you'd be."
Andrea laughed, taking a sip of her drink. "Don't underestimate me, Remy. I've got skills."
"Clearly," Remy chuckled, shaking her head. "But I'm not letting you win the next one."
"We'll see about that," Andrea shot back with a playful smirk.
After a few more rounds and a lot of good-natured teasing, they decided to call it a night at the alley and head to the beach. The night air was cool and refreshing as they walked along the shore, the sound of the waves creating a soothing backdrop.
As they strolled, the conversation turned more serious, each of them feeling a natural ease in opening up.
"Remy," Andrea began, her voice thoughtful. "I know we're just getting to know each other, but I want to be clear about something. I'm not looking for anything casual. I've done that before, and it's not what I need right now. I want something real."
Remy paused, letting Andrea's words sink in. She appreciated the honesty, and it made her think about what she wanted as well. "I feel you on that, Drea. I'm at a point in my life where I need something real too. I've been through a lot, and I don't want to waste time on something that doesn't mean anything."
Andrea nodded, relieved to hear Remy's sincerity. "So, we're on the same page then?"
"Definitely," Remy affirmed. "I want to build something that lasts. I'm tired of the games, the drama. I just want someone who's going to be there, you know?"
Andrea reached out, taking Remy's hand in hers as they walked. "I can be that person, Remy. But I need to know you're all in."
Remy squeezed Andrea's hand gently. "I am, Drea. I'm all in."
They walked in comfortable silence for a while, both of them feeling a sense of peace in their decision to be open and honest about their intentions. The night felt full of possibilities, and for the first time in a long time, Remy felt like she was heading in the right direction, both in life and love.
As they neared the end of their walk, Andrea turned to Remy with a smile. "I've been meaning to ask you something."
"What's up?" Remy asked, curious.
"I'd love to see you perform," Andrea said, her eyes lighting up. "I've heard so much about your shows, and I want to experience it for myself."
Remy smiled, genuinely touched by Andrea's interest. "I'd love that, Drea. I've got a show coming up next weekend. You want to come?"
"Absolutely," Andrea replied without hesitation. "I wouldn't miss it."
Remy couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. For once, things seemed to be falling into place. And with Andrea by her side, she felt like she was finally ready to embrace whatever came next.
