Love by Design

The Encounter

Chapter One

The beat of the music pounded. Carley Wright looked down at the gyrating crowd from her position above the dance floor of Club Orchid. The dim lighting gave the club a sexy vibe. She closed her eyes and swayed to the rhythm, taking small sips of her cosmopolitan. Starting tomorrow, she wouldn't have as much time to party. She would be starting her new job bright and early. Sure, she should be at home resting and preparing to impress her very first client, but she just couldn't refuse a night out with her friends. She was a wild child at heart and lived for the nightlife of Miami. Besides, she saw the night as an opportunity to celebrate landing her first job. Who knew when she would get the chance to go clubbing again in the near future? She was sure her job would be keeping her busy from now on.

"Hey Carls, congrats on the new job," Chelsea Newton said, swaying her hips and holding a drink in one hand. She has been Carley's best friend, since the eighth grade. The women have always been inseparable, sharing the same need to have a good time.

Carley flashed a brilliant smile, "Thanks Chels, I'm super excited."

Chelsea raised her glass, "Here's to success." Carley raised her glass in agreement. "So I guess this means you won't be hitting the clubs with me as often," Chelsea threw her friend a sad look.

"I will always make time for you Chelsea, no matter how busy I get, I promise."

A smile spread across her lips, "Glad to hear it. I'm so proud of you honey. You are really changing your life for the better."

"I know and it's about time." Carley was starting to get tired of being labelled a wild child and party girl. Yes, she was those things, but she hated to hear it for other people, especially her parents. She was an only child and her parents often looked at her with disappointment in their eyes. She had barely made it through high school, and had dropped out of college during her first year. She was never one to commit to anything. Looking back she doubted if she had ever focused long enough to finish anything in her life.

She was now ready to prove to the world that she could make something of herself. Capitalizing on her creativity and flare, she decided to become an interior decorator. It was the perfect career choice. She would have the freedom and opportunity to showcase her vibrant personality- mist of the time. She recently obtained her certificate in interior decorating and completed an internship with a prominent design firm. She surprised even herself when she managed to complete the course. By sheer luck, she immediately landed a job after her internship. Things were definitely falling into place.

It felt good to finally be able to say that she has a legitimate career. She smiled at the memory of sitting her parents down and breaking the news. When she had announced that she has something to tell them, they were of course apprehensive. Carley had a habit of dropping bombshells on them, much like when she announced that she would be dropping out of school. When she broke the news of her new job, they had been unable to believe what they were hearing. But they soon realized that Carley was nothing but serious. For the first time in a long time she had witnessed proud expressions on both of her parent's faces. Carley glanced at her watch. "Wow its past midnight already. Chelsea, I'm afraid I have to get going. I have an early day tomorrow."

"Yeah of course, you go home and get your rest. Make sure you call me tomorrow evening, I want to hear all about your first day."

Carley smiled, "Will do hon. Catch you later." She gave Chelsea a quick peck on the cheek and head for the exit.

An hour later Carley pushed her apartment door open. She stepped out of her impossibly high heels and began to peel of her party dress. She smiled to herself. She couldn't wait until morning to get started on her first interior decorating project, as an independent decorator. She glanced around her small apartment. She would soon earn enough to upgrade her living arrangements. She had decided to decline her parents' offer to continue living with them or to loan her money to get a nicer apartment. She was their only child and even thought she often disappointed them, they always made sure she was taken care of. She wanted to at least try to make life on her own.