A Shot at Love

It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere

I have two choices right now: take a deep breath and open Tinder, or take a deep breath and pour myself a glass of wine. It's 5 o'clock somewhere, and I'm choosing the latter.

I hurriedly turn off the running bubble bath and dart into the kitchen, sidestepping half-unpacked boxes scattered throughout my new apartment. Swinging open the refrigerator, I grab a chilled bottle of rosé. Screw it. Who needs a glass?

Twisting off the cap, I take a gulp straight from the bottle and situate myself on the dusty blush velvet barstool. Placing the rosé on the white marble countertop, I pick up my iPhone. It is now or never. Just as I do, another notification pops up: "Tinder - Noah sent you a new message." Oh my God. I take another sip of rosé and tap to open the message.

"Hi Kingston, I'm Noah. I see you're up for a game of Two Truths and a Lie. May I accept your challenge?"

I bite my bottom lip, tucking one bare leg under the other for comfort as I begin typing. "You may, but I will need Two Truths and a Lie in return."

"A woman who knows what she wants. I like that. Challenge accepted." Noah replies.

Before I can respond, he adds, "I can play the piano. I grew up in San Francisco. I can't stand it when people pay with exact change."

Just then, another message from Noah appears. "I'm not sure this game is quite fair through text. We will have a higher probability of winning if we play in person. Let's meet. 7pm at The Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills?"

My heart races. In-person? Tonight? I hesitate briefly, the rosé whispering encouragement, and the allure of a new beginning in this city nudging me forward. My fingers tremble as I type, "Valid point. Looking forward to continuing our game tonight. 7pm at The Polo Lounge. Wear a red tie."

Noah's reply arrives swiftly, "Noted. I'll see you at 7pm."

And my freak-out starts now.

I pull up BNI and begin drafting a post, "LADIES. EMERGENCY. Tinder match has now turned into drinks this evening at The Polo Lounge!  Who's in West Hollywood and can help with outfits? xx"

A surge of likes start flowing in, and Priya Parrish comments, "Hey babe! I get off work in 30 minutes. I can be over by 5p. Yay! We are finally uniting. Text me your addy."

This is perfect! Priya and I have built an incredibly close friendship through Babes Night In. We both went through breakups at the same time and video-chatted every day while I was traveling. We shared everything virtually - from rom-com movie nights and ice cream dates to Pilates workouts—doing whatever it took to navigate our heartbreak. I cannot wait to finally meet her in person!

I text Priya eagerly, "Baby girl! It's happening! Here's my address: 8358 Sunset Blvd #444, Los Angeles, CA 90069. Enter 116 at the gate. There is guest parking underneath the building."

Priya replies, "We're doing it, girly! Proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone and doing this. Your first 'real' date since -he who shall not be named- (Santorini hottie doesn't count, lol). Love you and see you soon!"

I blush thinking back to my Santorini fling with Nikos —a delicious man who truly embodied the 'Greek God' stereotype. With a sculpted body honed from years of sailing, sun-kissed skin that radiated a Mediterranean glow, and chiseled features framed by raven-black hair, he was the epitome of Greek allure.

Nikos exuded effortless confidence and a charisma that bridged any language gap, easily making friends with both locals and tourists—exactly how we crossed paths.

They say people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Nikos was for a reason. His soul was gentle and kind, a completely selfless individual. He helped me close the chapter on heartbreak and opened the door to a new one, filled with hope and possibility. And he wasn't bad to look at either.

As I reminisce about Nikos, my phone buzzes again, snapping me back to the present. A new text notification appears. "Text message from Justin - I miss you, K. We really need to talk. Please call me back."

*Chapter Chat* - Would you call Justin back and give him a chance to explain himself?