Takes Time To Love..

Chapter 1.

After spending nearly five hours in the studio with Ty, I felt the weight of exhaustion creeping over me. A hot shower would definitely do me some good. Just as I was about to step into the bathroom, I heard my phone buzz on the table.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I walked back to see what was up. It was a text from this girl I had met at the mall a few days ago. She was stunning—hard to forget someone that fine. Her name was Shane, I think... Honestly, I couldn't quite remember, but her incredible figure was etched in my mind!

"Hey, it's Shane! Remember me?"

How could I ever forget? "Of course! How could I eva forget? ;-)"

"Lol, what ya up to babe?"

"About to hop in the shower. I'll hit you up when I get out."

"K!"

*Thirty minutes later*

Man, that shower was everything. I stepped out feeling like a new person. Freshly cleaned, I wandered back to my room to assess my space. At 22 years old, life wasn't too shabby for an aspiring singer like me. As I flopped onto my bed, I glanced at the clock—10:15 PM. 

I saw texts from Ty and Mijo reminding me to hit the club by 11. Then, I noticed another message from my ex, Helen. Seriously? What could she want? I had cut her off after she confessed to cheating on me; I hated her, but a small part still longed for that love. Her message read:

"Chris, I miss you, and I have this feeling you miss me too. I know I messed up and you didn't deserve it. I'm really sorry. Can we start over? Please, just consider it. I love you, babe. I really do, and I'm sorry :/"

I shook my head, chuckling to myself. I didn't need her nonsense—DELETE! It was already 10:20, and I almost forgot I had plans to meet Ty and Mijo. I jumped up, searching for something to wear, still wrapped in a towel from my shower. 

As I sifted through my closet, I found a crisp white V-neck and my favorite Levi jean jacket. Perfect! Now all I needed was the right pair of jeans and shoes. Scanning my options, I spotted my Levi jeans that matched the jacket and the bright red Vans I just picked up. I was set!

I slipped into a pair of polo boxers and a snug white tank, then threw on the V-neck, jeans, and my jacket. But wait—I needed a hat. I snagged my Bulls snapback, pulled it low over my forehead, and gave myself a quick spritz of cologne.

As I checked myself out in the mirror, I thought, "Yeah, I'm that dude!" With a smirk, I grabbed my keys and headed out to my car, ready to take on the night at the club.