Accidentally in Love

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As uncertain as I was about everything I did on land, I was the complete opposite in the water. Swimming brought me serenity and gave me sanctuary from the craziness and chaos of the real world.

I splashed my legs happily in the water as I looked out at the pool after my morning swim, thinking today's dip had been especially helpful. Work had me more stressed out than usual, what with the addition of a large number of high profile clients due to the recent acquisition of the record label, and working off my excess tension through swimming had put me at ease.

Of course, the realization that the guy with whom I'd had a one-night stand was now connected to the company I worked for was also a cause for stress, but thankfully, thus far, Hyper Drive hadn't actually come in to the office.

Glancing up at the clock, I cursed as I stood up and scurried towards the recreation center locker rooms, knowing that if I didn't hurry, I was going to be late for my weekly brunch date with Haley.

After showering and throwing on frayed denim shorts and a t-shirt, I walked outside to find Haley waiting for me, tapping a dark brown bootie clad foot as she leaned against the wall and inspected her nails.

"Cute shoes," I said as I approached her, smiling widely.

My compliment distracted her from my tardiness and a bright smile appeared across her face. "Thanks, I got them on sale."

We never really planned out ahead of time where we were going to eat, so as we walked down the street and chattered happily, we hoped sudden inspiration would strike.

"So how's the love life?" Haley asked, smirking slightly, her neon pink painted nails tapping against the strap of her black leather bag. As my best friend, I suppose she thought it was her duty to ask me the question every now and again.

I rolled my eyes in response. "Nonexistent."

An uncomfortable feeling developed in the pit of my stomach as I spoke, almost as though I was about to vomit. Apparently just thinking about men induced my gag reflex.

Haley let out a frustrated sigh. "I don't understand, a month ago, you had your first ever one night stand and ever since then, I haven't even seen you talk to a man."

I shrugged. Haley was right, of course. Sleeping with Connor had been incredible, especially as it had been so long since I'd slept with anyone. You would think after having such an amazing sexual experience, I would want to go out and have similar experiences elsewhere, but no. After that night with Connor, I barely wanted to be associated with any member of the opposite sex. Maybe it was the shock of figuring out that my first one-night stand had been with an internationally famous superstar.

The urge to vomit once again bubbled up in my gut, but this time it actually threatened to come out, so I hurried to the nearest trash bin and emptied the contents of my stomach into the metal container.

"Are you okay?" Haley cried out as she rushed up to me and began rubbing my back as a soothing reflex.

I nodded, my head still bent over the bin. "It's probably just food poisoning. I tried a new place for lunch yesterday."

Once I was certain nothing else was coming up, I wiped my mouth and smiled wearily at Haley. "Sorry about that."

She waved a hand to indicate she was fine with my public upchuck. "Don't worry about it. At least it's just food poisoning. It could be worse."

I raised an eyebrow at her as we left the trash bin behind and continued walking, keeping my gaze on her as I searched my purse for a pack of gum. "How so?"