Evermore

Chapter 2

I pull into my apartment complex, the clock on the dash reading 11:48. I manage to walk into the building fairly free of pain. I wave at Debra, the sweet old lady at the front desk. She offers a friendly wave and smile back, but there is concern on her face. I shake it off, and step into the elevator.

The elevator reaches my floor and I walk down the hallway to the very end, heels still in my hand. I open my door and almost instantly I am attacked by my dog, a playful little Dalmatian. He jumps up on my legs, the force knocking the shoes from my grasp. He showers my arms in kisses as I manage to close the door behind me.

"Hi Simon!" I exclaim, walking into my apartment and plopping down on the couch. Simon jumps up next to me and immediately lays his head in my lap, his sign that it's time for bed.

I laugh, but comply anyways. I walk into my bedroom with Simon hot on my heels. I rid myself of the tight dress I was wearing and replace it with an old, oversized t shirt. I lay down on the right side of the bed and Simon curls up on the left side. 

I once had a boyfriend that tried to take Simon's place and let me tell you, that did not end well.

For some reason, this reminds me of Harry's text. I go back and forth on whether I should answer it or not, but the first half of me wins and I start typing a response.

To: Harry

Thanks again, Harry. My ankle is feeling a lot better. Let me know what management says!

I hit send before I can think twice, turn my phone off, and settle in for the night. 

It's not long before I fade off to sleep, dreaming of gorgeous band members through my camera lens.

--

The morning light cascades into my room, bathing me in a warmth that gently brings me out of sleep. I open my eyes to see a golden light covering the room. I spring out of bed, quickly changing my clothes and grabbing Simon's leash.

He jumps around my feet as I near the front door. "Alright," I laugh. "Hold still." I manage to clip the leash onto his collar, despite his refusal to stand still, and head out the door. We take the stairs down, as we almost always do with the few exceptions- like when I have a twisted ankle.

My ankle feels so much better this morning that I decide we can go for a little run. After letting Simon do his business, we head to one of my favorite trails that leads up to the Hollywood sign. There aren't many people out at this hour, but it's my absolute favorite time to go for a run and just be alone in nature. 

Before long, we reach the top and sit there for a moment staring at the incredible view. It's times like this, looking out at all of Los Angeles, that remind me just how miniscule we are in the world. It really puts your problems in perspective when you think about the grand scheme of things.

Simon's head on my knee brings me out of my thoughts and I reach down to scratch his ear.

"What do you say we head back, bud?" He responds by reaching up and licking my chin, causing a squeal to slip from my lips and a few heads turn from hikers that have joined us at the top. I take that as a cue to leave and head back down the trail.

It takes a bit longer to reach the bottom as Simon inspects nearly every tree and bush we pass. But eventually, we reach the bottom and head home.

Once we get home, I realize I haven't checked my phone all morning. It's now around 9am and my grumbling stomach reminds me that I haven't eaten anything. I turn my phone on and call my best friend, Vera. She picks up on the second ring.

"Sup biiitch?" Her lovely voice rings through the phone, groggy like she just woke up.

"Hi Vera," I laugh at her friendly greeting. "Want to go get breakfast?"