Through The Shadows

1

"I can't believe today is my last day here. I don't want to leave," I cried out while on the phone with my best friend, Aoi. "I should've asked for a couple more days. What was I thinking!" I sighed. Aoi started laughing, almost with a I told you so sort of tone.

"What? You don't miss me? You know you have to come back to reality at some point Emory!" she let out a few chuckles. She was right— ignoring the fact that I had a whole life back in Florida didn't mean this trip wouldn't come to an end.

"You're right, I know. The air here is just... different," I said as I sat on my hotel bed.

"I believe you, but stop wasting your time being sad. Try to make the most of your last day in the city of Angels! I'll pick you up tomorrow from the airport."

We said our goodbyes and hung up the phone. Yet again, she was right. I needed to get out of my funk and enjoy the city one last time.

***
(Outfit description)
• Zebra print bathing suit top and bottom
• Black mini skirt
• Black Chuck Taylors
• XPLR necklace
• Sunnies
• Bracelets and rings
****

After much consideration, I decided to visit the Santa Monica Pier. What better way for me to spend my last day in Los Angeles than at the beach surrounded by uniquely beautiful strangers? I grabbed my headphones on the way out of my hotel room and got in my car rental. As I drove and listened to music I rolled my windows down; the hot breeze running through my hair felt like home. After all, I live in Florida.

After a 30 minute drive, I arrived. I quickly snapped a selfie and posted it on my Instagram.

@emorysworld "sun-kissed"

I made my way through the crowds while listening to Frank Ocean. If there's something this California weekend trip has taught me, it's that people don't care who you are. Truly. Of all the places I've been to, this is the most care free I have felt in a really long time. I wasn't Emory Quinn, the pharmaceutical rep. I was simply just a girl. And for that, I am thankful.

Once at the pier, I stood over the rail and watched the waves carefully. It's funny— Florida has lots of beaches. But nothing compared to this. Or at least, not the same energy. I took my headphones out and looked around; there was an ice cream cart a couple feet away. Score, I thought to myself. I ordered a coconut sorbet and as I was paying the man—or trying to— I was lightly pushed, making me drop my sorbet right on my shoes. You have no idea the sadness I felt—it's so hot here.

"Oh my god I am so sorry" I heard a deep and rather apologetic voice.

"No worries.." I looked up, my eyes meeting his. HOLY SHIT. HOLY SHIT. HOLY SHIT. I screamed internally. Right in front of my face, there he was. As real as he could ever be. Colby fucking Brock.

"Let me buy you another one, it was my fault," he offered.

"Truly, it's fine," my voice shook. Before he could say anything else, he looked down at my chest and noticed the necklace I was wearing.

"Oh, is that an XPLR necklace?" He smiled. It was the most beautiful smile I had ever seen.

"It is, it's really nice to meet you." am I even breathing? "I'm sorry to be holding you up. I'm sure you have somewhere to be," Colby looked back at his group.

"Yeah I should probably go, it was nice meeting you too," he gave me a warm smile as he walked away.

I stood there for a few seconds in disbelief. My shoes still covered in watery sorbet. Did this just happen? He's real?

I quickly turned and faced the vendor, apologizing for holding up his line. I gathered my things and took a few steps away back to the rail. Deep in thought, I decided to tan for a bit. If I can't have my coconut sorbet, I might as well feel the sun consuming my skin.

————————————————————————

As I headed back to the car, I stopped in my tracks. The XPLR necklace that was once hugging my neck was no longer there. Of course you manage to lose the one thing Colby noticed about you, Emory. I wanted to punch myself.

I decided to retrace my steps, starting with the ice cream cart. However, the vendor had already relocated. I continued walking by the rail, while looking at the ground. I hadn't gone very far into the pier—where could it be?

While desperately looking through the sand like a maniac, I felt a tap on my shoulder, sending shivers through my spine.

"I think this belongs to you," he said, extending his arm to help me stand up.

"Oh my god, thank you! I was looking everywhere for it." I grabbed the necklace from his soft, cold hands. I just touched Colby Brock.

"I recognized it as soon as I saw it on the floor. I was hoping you'd come back for it," he smiled. God really has favorites.

"I was actually on my way back to the car when I noticed..." I looked toward the parking lot.

"Where are you headed?" He asked, tilting his head.

"Back to my hotel. I have a flight to catch tomorrow morning..." FUCK. Why couldn't this have happened at the beginning of this trip? "I'm not from here, I actually live in Florida. This was just a weekend thing." I smiled.

"Well, if I ever find myself in Florida, I guess I have someone that can show me around." He took his phone out and handed it to me. "Here, add your instagram account."

I grabbed his phone and typed my username. Shortly after, I received a notification.

@colbybrock is now following you.

"Emory.." he smiled as he looked at my profile. "It was nice meeting you. I'll see you around?"

"Maybe.." I offered a cheeky smile.

At this point I'm probably blushing and look like a complete idiot. He turned around with a smile and disappeared between the crowds, as I stood there, replaying this moment in my head over and over.

Colby. Fucking. Brock.