A Shot at Love

A Date with the Past

I find Noah waiting for me with a smile, exactly where I left him. In his hands are my belongings, neatly gathered from where they had been scattered just moments before.

"Everything good?" He asks.

"Oh yeah, my mom just called, but I'll call her later," I reply. "Our relationship has been...unique, ever since she remarried, but that's a conversation for another day."

"Ahh, I understand," Noah nods. "Kingston, can I ask you something somewhat personal?"

"Of course, but FYI – I'm on birth control," I reply, wincing back to when I originally got on the pill thinking I was going to give myself to my ex, Justin. The birth control ended up balancing out my hormones and regulating my period so I never got off of it - it's a good thing I didn't.

Noah's serious expression softens into a smile. "You're very intuitive," he says. "I wanted to make sure we're on the same page. You caught me a bit off guard there," he admits shyly.

"We're good!" I assure him, slipping my feet into Noah's Gucci slides. "I've been tested, all clean. How about you?" I ask, recalling my recent annual pap smear. Not that I'd have anything—I've never been touched before Noah. Now, I just need to figure out how to tell him my big secret.

I can't help but wonder about the last woman he was with. When was it? What was she like? Who was she to him?

Noah's voice brings me back to reality, "I'm positive I'm not positive with anything," he smiles. "I haven't been with anyone since I was last checked. It's been some time. Let's get you home, beautiful." He bends down to place a delicate kiss on my lips and opens the front door. Together, we walk down the cobblestone path to the waiting limo, where Huggy graciously opens the door for me.

"Thank you, Huggy," I smile.

"The pleasure is all mine. I'll give you two a moment," Huggy replies, stepping aside.

Turning to Noah, I breathe in his scent one last time. "Thank you for an incredible night," I gush.

"Of course. I can't wait to see you again," he grins.

"I'll text you my address for tomorrow. Have a great meeting and the rest of your day," I say, lifting onto my tiptoes to steal one more kiss. Noah leans in, and for a moment, we lose ourselves in each other's touch.

We are interrupted by a joyful Huggy, "Things are heating up at Chateau Westbrook! Get it, you two," he cheers. Noah and I pull back from each other, laughter bubbling up at Huggy's exuberance.

"Okay, that's my cue to go. I'll see you tomorrow," I smile up at Noah, gathering my things from his arms.

"Take care of yourself, Kingston. Good luck on your first day." He says, kissing my forehead.

I turn around and step into the limo, settling in. Glancing up, I wave at Noah and he smiles, closing the door. As we pull away, I look back to see Noah, his hands tucked into his grey sweatpants pockets, watching us drive off. Ugh, he's just too stinking cute.

As the wall divider rolls down, Huggy inquires, "Noah mentioned we're heading to West Hollywood?"

"Yes! I'm right off of Sunset and Queens Road," I reply.

"And we are off! I've got to ask, did you win your game last night?"

I laugh in disbelief, "Believe it or not, we both lost! Isn't that crazy?"

Huggy joins in with laughter, "I was sure you'd win! You seem to make Noah very happy. I don't think I've seen him smile like that - ever!" He adds gleefully.