Nayeli is a 30-year-old single mother raising her spirited 7-year-old son, in her hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. After enduring heartbreak from failed relationships, including the painful fallout with her son's father, Nayeli has sworn off the idea of romance. Instead, she pours herself into her career and focuses on being the best mom she can be. But life has a way of shifting even the most carefully laid plans. When news spreads that a mutual friend from Nayeli's close-knit circle has tragically passed away, old bonds are rekindled. Among those returning to town for the memorial is Shai Smith, a 36-year-old successful sports trainer who has spent years traveling for his career. Nayeli and Shai have known each other for over a decade, always sharing playful banter and harmless flirtation. They've laughed off their chemistry as nothing more than jokes - two people who were never in the right place at the right time. In the wake of loss, Shai stays in town longer than planned, reconnecting with old friends and reflecting on the fragility of life. As he and Nayeli cross paths more often, their once lighthearted interactions deepen. Despite the spark between them, both Shai and Nayeli carry the weight of past heartbreak. Shai's last relationship left him wary of trust, and Nayeli is terrified of exposing her son to a love that might not last. But as the days pass, their connection becomes undeniable. Through laughter, tears, and the lessons of loss, Nayeli and Shai learn that healing isn't about forgetting the past, but finding the courage to embrace what's ahead. In the echoes of shared memories they discover that sometimes, love doesn't come when you're searching for it.

one-shots and short stories (aka; how astoldbylani got her groove back)

Jessica Brown is a twenty-five year old surgical technician, newly heartbroken and dragged out to get out of her feelings. In the mist she meets Major League Baseball player, Mateo Santos. The two find themselves in a situation they never imagined being in after a night out changes their connection to each other like the never imagined. But it doesn't just change their lives but those around them, forever. Some bonds will be broken, some bonds will be built. How strong is your bond?

"I got you, you got me, we got each other"

Finding herself in a whirlwind of emotions during this years cuffin' season, Alora has been craving for that for feeling of love more than ever and craving it from the last person she ever expected. ----------------------- #UrbanOctober - Contest Entry #Cuffin' Season

23 year old Morgan Bellamy has tunnel vision. She works tirelessly to take care of the people she loves, putting their needs before her own, until she meets someone who put her first. The eye of the storm, a moment of peace, a breath of calm. While she felt like everything was crashing down around her, he was her exhale.

nir·va·na a state of perfect happiness; an ideal or idyllic place. where we see what happens when an emptiness that one thought could never be filled is overflowing. when two lost souls find each other. where a broken record plays a perfect harmony. when after years of searching, you find nirvana.

"Don't worry baby, you know that you got me," Sequel/Spinoff for Kismet

kis·met /ˈkizmit,ˈkizˌmet/ noun destiny; fate. how do you know when you've met your soulmate?

"You could tell me you love me a million times over, but them words don't hold no weight in my heart till you show me. Show me you love me, and you can have all of me." cover by: @britxcvi