Yes, Sweetheart

Chapter 1

You know, some people say that it has to get worse before it gets better.

In my case, it seems to be going straight to worse and skipping 'better' entirely.

Long story short, the day started when I clipped a car on my way to school and chipped some paint off of it. Then I nearly wrecked aforementioned car when leaving the school parking lot, when another driver pulled out in front. In deciding to travel away from my bad luck, I thought coffee would be a nice touch.

But as I reached for the cup the barista had in her hand, another employee bumped into her from behind and knocked the drink out of her hand and - you probably guessed it - all over me.

So at this point in the day, I suppose everything else is just icing on the cake.

"Please, I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do?"

"No, thank you."

"At least can I remake the drink for you?"

I consider the barista's offer, nice as it is. Still, I've had enough coffee experiences for one day.

"Really, it's fine. Thanks."

I turn to leave, begrudgingly accepting the worn 'Sweet Treats & Coffee Cream' coupon that the barista insisted I take.

Folding the coupon in my pocket and calmly leaving the shop, the small bell on the door tinkles as I go. The shop always had a cute, rustic feel to it, with a dark maroon color scene, even more so now that the electronic bell is broken and the store has resorted to using the regular one.

Walking my way down the cobblestone sidewalk and avoiding any potholes that I might have stepped in, I stopped to grab my keys from my purse. When I looked back up in front of where my car was parked, I saw it - or rather I didn't.

No car. My car was gone.

I could feel my knees begin to buckle, and hastily sat on the crumbling cobblestone before I fell and blacked out.

How could this possibly happen? I've never been towed while traveling to this coffee shop before, and I usually come visit at least three times a week. The worst part? My boyfriend Josh had offered to drive me to class so that we could go out tonight, but I told him no, I needed to make sure I was studying for these classes since college is already challenging.

So now I have no date, and no car.

Well alright then.

I stood, brushed the stones off my jeans, and commenced walking down the street towards what would hopefully be the train station.

In a siren-like scream, a car horn beeped.

"Aria, is that you?"

Hearing my name, I search for the voice, leading me to the driver of a black Camaro waving several fingers as hello in a polite gesture.

"Levi?"

A Cheshire grin. "In the flesh."

I shook my head. What in the world was my boyfriend's brother doing by talking to me at a red light instead of watching the road?

Still watching me (and the light at the same time, shockingly), he motioned towards the passenger side of the car.

"Need a ride?"

I pondered. I really could use a ride home, and I didn't see what it would hurt.

"Sure. Thanks," I walked towards the car, opened the door, and got in the vehicle, shutting the door firmly behind me.