A Shot at Love

The First Day

"Kingston! Over here, babe!" Priya calls out as I spot her black Mercedes parked in front of the building next to mine. I quickly walk over in my silk bubblegum pink pantsuit, paired with a cherry red button-down shirt. Dodging the grass in my black patent leather pumps, I open the passenger's side and hop in.

"Hi, mama! Thanks for picking me up," I squeal, planting a kiss on Priya's cheek and buckling my seat belt.

"Of course! Are you ready for your first day?" She asks, merging onto the road.

"Heck yeah! A little nervous about meeting everyone I'll be working with, but more excited to start my dream job, you know? How about you? How's everything going with the promotion?" I ask.

"The promotion is going—still learning a lot, but hoping to get into the swing of things sooner than later," she chuckles. "Thank goodness I've got you in the building. Are we doing lunch today?"

"As long as all goes well and I can take a break, definitely," I reply.

"Okay, just text me and let me know what time you're thinking because I have a bit more flexibility."

"Yeah, you do! Because you're a gangsta boss lady!" I grin.

"You are too! It's your first day – give it time," Priya reassures me.

"I know, I know. I'm excited to meet my editor. He used to write for the magazine, and I loved his voice and spin on stories. He—"

Just then, my phone vibrates. It's a text from my mom.

Hi Kingston. Tom and I were chatting, don't forget to wear a themed mask to the party! It'll be easier to blend in so there is no drama. You can see your brothers, we can get our family photo, and all will work out! Good luck today.

I laugh under my breath, "She is unbelievable," I exclaim, baffled.

"Who?" Priya questions.

"My mother. She's having this big birthday party on Saturday, guilt-tripped me into going but—"

"Wait. Isn't she married to your ex's father?" She asks, concerned.

"Yes! Justin will obviously be there, but she thinks it'll be okay because it's masquerade-themed and everyone will be wearing a mask," I share, still stunned. "You can't make this stuff up," I laugh. "Like, hey Justin, didn't see ya there with your mask on," I joke in disbelief.

"Do you want me to tag along?" Priya questions, making a left-hand turn.

"So, this is where it gets a little messy," I begin. "When I first found out about the party, I was on my way home from Noah's and on such a high from the weekend that I asked him to go with me," I reluctantly divulge.

"Oh my gosh! Does he know the full situation?" She asks.

"Not at all. But I'm seeing Noah for dinner tonight and will fill him in. I completely understand if he doesn't want to go, but I really would love for him to. It's so weird, girl; I just want to be around him all the time. I can't stop thinking about him," I share, smiling as I visualize Noah.

"Well, maybe it won't be such a bad thing. You'll be less approachable; everyone will see you've moved on, and you can try to have some sort of common, cordial ground with your family and Justin," she adds, pulling up to a modern, state-of-the-art high-rise building.

"I sure hope so," I reply, looking up at the intimidating structure above.

"Why don't you get out here, and I'll go park? I'm going to grab a coffee before I head up; I don't have to be in for a bit," Priya shares.