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The sound of things breaking echoes through a small apartment hallway followed by shouting and insults.
If you saw the neighbors reactions, you would think it's normal and in this particular complex it actually was.
This was a rough area with many low on their luck, but in this case, the situation is a bit different. You see, two lovers are currently having a spat. One was well off from a wealthy stable family, and by no means were they spoiled. The other came from a family that didn't have much, but they worked hard for themselves and ended up with everything they always wanted, but they changed in the worst way.
"SERIOUSLY I CANT BELIEVE THIS! WE'VE BEEN TOGETHER FOR SIX YEARS AND I COME IN TO YOU BALLS DEEP IN SOMEONE ELSE!?"
"IT'S ALWAYS MY FAULT HUH! WHAT ABOUT YOU? EVERY TIME I TRY GETTING INTAMITE WITH YOU ITS ALWAYS 'IM REALLY TIRED, NOT NOW' OR 'IM NOT IN THE MOOD'."
The insulted party throws another object, a vase that was a gift from a mutual friend, the same one that was under the man thirty minutes earlier...yes they have been at this for a while.
"OH WELL IM SORRY YOU PICK DAYS IVE HAD LONG SHIFTS OR IM FEELING HORRIBLE. THOSE TIMES YOU ALWAYS HUFFED AND WALKED AWAY, YOU NEVER ASKED WHATS WRONG BEBE HOW CAN I HELP. WHICH BY THE WAY WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE. YOU ARE SO GOD DAMN SELFISH I CANT BELIEVE YOU. AND YOU!!!"
The woman whimpers and looks up teary eyed at the man, making him puff his chest out and point at the other person.
"DON'T YOU GO AFTER HER! SHE DID NOTHING WRONG."
The other lover throws something else nailing the door behind the other two.
"NOTHING WRONG! NOTHING WRONG MY ASS! SHE IS MY BEST FRIEND, CORRECTION WAS MY BEST FRIEND. SHE KNEW WE WERE TOGETHER AND HOW LONG WEVE BEEN TOGETHER AND SHE WILLINGLY FUCKED YOU IN OUR APARTMENT IN THE BED THAT I BOUGHT. HOW DARE YOU TELL ME SHE DID NOTHING WRONG. YOU KNOW WHAT..."
The other lover sighed shaking their head in disappointment, their shoulders slumped showing the toll that the discovery of their friend and partners betrayal took on them. Their tired form shook as they looked at the two with tearful, puffy red eyes.
" I'm done with the both of you. I don't know how long this has been going on but we are through. You are both dead to me."
They go and grab anything that has to do with their personal government information and throws it into a sling bag. They move to grab their wallet, keys and motorcycle helmet, occasionally kicking debris out of their way.
"YOU'LL PAY FOR ALL THIS DAMAGE DO YOU HEAR ME!"
The other person turns around helmet in hand and places it down. They pull a checkbook out and write out a check in more than what would cover the damages they caused and handed it to the man.
He stares at it and back at his now ex-partner.
"This is...a lot."
The other lover stares at him as they reach to grab their helmet placing their checkbook back in their sling back.
"Yes and no, the extra amount is for her. Don't think I didn't notice your pregnancy symptoms...and to think I was so happy for you when I picked up on them, i was aware you jad a boyfriend. I just assumed you werent ready to introduce him to everyone, i feel sorry for him to have a snake like you as a girlfriend.
You two enjoy your damn lives."
The heartbroken young adult left the apartment slamming the door behind them. They apologized to any neighbors that poked their heads out to see if the fight was being dragged into the hallway.
As they went down the flight of steps they stopped by the landlord's office and took themselves off the lease informing them of the situation in the possible new tenant that would be taking their place.
The landlord sighed and stood patting them on the shoulder.
"You've always been a pleasure to see it's a shame he threw such a hardworking partner away the way he did. Here before you go, check these apartments out let the landlord know I sent you and she'll help you out. Afterward, go get a damn drink, I heard the argument from here you need to get shit-faced tonight maybe take someone back with, a man or woman who cares just get a good lay yeah."
They laugh at the landlord's advice, he always did have a way with words and maybe...just maybe he's right.
"We'll see Charles, I'm not sure if I will go out tonight. I may just relax and take it easy."
^^^^^
(Skip to the new apartments brought to you by the broken vase)
As I turn off my motorcycle I look around the outside of the leasing office.
It would seem my old landlord is wanting me to play the 'fuck you I'm doing better without you card'. Everything is well kept and the building seems new. I shake my head with a smile, he was kinda like a second dad after all this shouldn't be surprising as it is.
I get off my bike and head inside immediately spotting a woman in a prestine black suit, she pulled it off well, might I add. Her hair was cut short with layers and pushed to the right side, showing off an undercut and some piercings going along her ear.
She turns around hearing the chime of the bell above the door and smiles.
"Ah you must be _____, Charles gave me a heads up in advance and filled me in. The man can be impatient sometimes when it comes to the tenants he sends my way, but then again it just means he cares about you."
She holds out her hand and I shake it reaffirming I am who she was told about.
"Good, good I'm Lisa Romero a pleasure to meet you. Now let me show you the unit I have picked out for you."
We begin to walk towards the apartments and end up on another side where some condos were located.
"Now as I said Charles filled me in on the situation and you see me and him go way back, unfortunately for you, we tend to get protective of good tenants, and with that comes petty behavior but we handle it professionally of course."
She gave me a cheeky smile before continuing.
"He gave me the information about your original price range but explained why you went with that. You are a very thoughtful person to take your significant other's feelings into account when searching for a living space, I agree with Charles the man was an idiot. I however want to give you an option and if you can't afford it well, we have plenty of other things I can show you."
She pulls out some keys as I look around the front of the condo, the garden to the left had beautiful well placed flowers, and the little patch under one of the windows to the right had a full healthy yellow rose bush.
The building itself was pristine, a basic white color with black wooden window shutters and under the windows little hanging gardens as well that weren't in use.
I looked up noticing Lisa watching me with a smile.
"You like flowers?"
I nod my head with a smile as I look over the garden again, if the outside looks like this I wonder how the inside looks.
"I do my mother was big on gardening so it's something I grew fond of. If I may ask did the previous tenant add the hanging gardens under the windows or is that something unique to this unit?"
Lisa looks at the windows and grins!
"Haha yes, that would be the previous tenants doing. A lovely young lady with a cheerful personality. She cleared them out before leaving and left fresh fertilized dirt in for the next person if they so wished to use them. Now as we enter you will notice it is fully furnished so no need to buy furniture unless you really want to or if the current furniture doesn't fit your taste."
I looked around at everything and was pleasantly surprised with how the building already made me feel at home. It was a cozy cottage like asthetic that gave a feeling of warmth and comfort.
There was also already a TV which caught my attention.
"Ah yes she also left that behind, said the next person can use it if they so wish."
I smile and nod the previous tenant sounds like a certain giving soul.
"Now let me show you to the two rooms, we will pass the guest bathroom which by the way is a full bath so if you did get a roommate you wouldn't have to share your space and the master bedroom has one attached to it. Now, like down stairs the bedrooms are furnished and the previous tenant may have also left some surprises in them as well."
I laugh a bit following behind looking at the little floating shelves on the walls holding false aloe plants.
We stopped at the first bathroom and needless to say I was shocked, it was spacious, the bathtub shower combos was not basic either. The tub was a soaking tub large and welcoming with a waterfall shower head.
I noticed the shower curtain matched the cottage theme of the condo which was super cute.
As we moved on Lisa filled me on the history of the property and the previous tenant as well as the price range for this unit.
She went into detail on what was covered and what I would have to cover. We had a bit of a back and forth with questions and answers. I'm pleased that I could set internet up without needing to be at my unit I would just have to inform Lisa so she could let them in and observe them installing the necessary equipment.
I took a moment before we went around the first bedroom to shoot my brother a text telling him I'd need him to bring me my car if he's free to do so. Which got an immediate 'what did he do?' Text. Well this will be fun to explain, I really don't want to discuss this with him...he tends to make poor decisions when it comes to family being harmed in anyway.
Not long after we got into the master bedroom my phone went off and low and behold protective big bro.
Lisa looked at me and I smiled pointing to my phone she nodded and walked over to sit in a hanging chair near the window.
"Hey bro, currently looking at a new place is it an emergency?"
"Address now!"
I glance up at Lisa and sigh grabbing her attention, when she sees my facial expression she starts laughing.
"Portecitve older family member eh? If they want the address it's 627 Lilac Grove. (and whatever city state zip you want)"
I nod my head with a thankful smile and relay the information to my brother.
"Alright me and Hworang will be there soon. I'll be riding back with him. You're really lucky you caught me on an off day sib."
I laugh at him but I knew it wasn't good news when he brought Hworang with him. That man can be just as bad as my brothers.
"Alright see you soon, and don't start any mess I'll have to clean up bro."
I hung up and looked around the room, it was so cozy and it smelled of the forest after rain. I looked around searching for what was making the scent and Lisa laughed point at the wall where an air freshener was plugged in.
"The previous tenant grew up in a rural area tons of trees so she did what she could to make this feel like home to her. You can change it if you want."
I shook my head side to side with a smile on my face enjoying the scent.
"No absolutely not its a very calming scent for me. I really wish I could have met the previous tenant she has really good taste."
Lisa laughed and stood up she placed her hand on my shoulder and guided me to the master bathroom.
"Oh just wait till you see the bathroom if you were impressed with the guest bathroom you are going to flip."
As she opened the door and flipped the light switch, my eyes widen the whole bathroom was custom. The sink was a gorgeous black marble the sparkled under the light, it was big enough for two people to comfortably use if need be. Same for the mirror above it, that ran the length of the sink.
The flooring was a Aspen Black Oak laminate wood floor that felt and looked like the real deal.
The tub was a soaking tub with Aspen Black oak paneling on the outside of it to match the floor, two windows framed either side of the tub letting natural light in. Next to the tub was a shower area with a ceiling mounted water fall head and on the back of the shower was greenery that trailed down the wall but stopped a few inches above the ground.
The toilet was rather fancy as well a black Swiss maiden mounted on a wall and separated from the bathing area by a beautiful potted plant.
As we walked back out she smiled at me.
"So what do you think, you interested?"
I nodded enthusiastically with a wide smile.
"Oh absolutely I can write up a check and fill out the paper work today."
Lisa laughed as my phone went off again, I pulled it out of my pocket to check and once again it was my brother.
"What's up now bro?"
"Listen Hworang made a point, your moving yeah so I know how your shit stain hated you gaming so ya left your stuff with me, I'm bringing your console, handheld, and games. We're also picking you up some groceries which I assume is why you wanted your car so we'll let you know when we roll up alright? Oh, and you can tell me you love me and how much of a good big brother I am when I get there 'cause I also let ma and sis know and they'll be dropping you off a new wardrobe."
I sighed and shook my head with a soft smile on my face, as usual, he is doing the most, just like our father.
"Alright, I'll call to see what her eta is then. By big bro see you when I see you."
I watched Lisa go sit at the table with her binder and pulled out some paper and she waived me over once she was situated.
She looked at me as I sat down and smirked.
"I'd say after you call your mom give and internet company a call, here's a few that give discounts for our tenants and this one specifically is what alot of the gaming tenants use. Your brother is pretty loud so I heard he was bring your console."
I nod in agreement, I could get the internet out of the way while I wait for my family to come.
"Hi sweetie how are you doing?"
I sigh, my mom always knew when something was up and the tone of her voice gave away alot.
"Well started out like shit but the landlord and his friend Lisa made it turn around. You are going to love my new place ma sis will too."
"What did he do sweetbee?"
"Okay listen you can not tell the guys or dad, they will loose their shit. I came home from work and found him and Cloe together and I mean balls deep together. I may have thrown shit around..."
I heard my mother sigh over the phone and my sister screech in anger.
"I'm sorry sweetie, but at least you have Charles looking out for you and now his friend. I'm sure your new place will be lovely we'll be there in about 25 minutes your brother already sent us the address."
"Thank you mom, I'll see you and Kate soon love you both bye."
After I got off the phone with my mom I dialed the internet service the other gaming tenants use and got that squared away before going back to giving Lisa my full attention.
"So I already went over a majority of the terms mainly because I noticed how you lit up at certain areas and seemed to fall in love with the unit as we went on I would have been surprised if you declined. All you need to do is sign and pay love and the unit is yours."
I excitedly grabbed the pen and paused.
"Oh hold on I need my brother to grab me somethings other than groceries."
I dailed my brother really quick and waited a few rings before someone that wasn't him answered.
"He cutie and I'm assuming freshly single what's up?"
This man, I shake my head chuckling.
"Hey Hworang can you and my bro pick me up some herbs not like to cook with but to plant there's tons of little window planters and I'd like to plant some herbs in them and if possible some lavender plants and strawberry plants."
I heard him laugh and I smiled, he may be a flirt but he was harmless.
"Sure thing, making me excited to see your new place. Give us 15 minutes and we'll see ya soon."
I laugh as I begin to sign the papers with the phone tucked between my ear and shoulder.
"Alright see you soon then Hworang and behave yourself my sister and ma will be here too."
"Will do cutie, see you in a bit."
I set my phone down and finish up signing the papers as I hand them back to Lisa and grabbed my check book from the bag and filling it out and handing it to her.
Lisa grabbed the key and handed it to me with a smile on her face.
"I'll make sure the water and electricity are working in the next 10 minutes enjoy your new unit and I'm happy you'll be staying with us."
I shake her head and escort her to the door to see the internet guy pull up and right behind him was my mother and sister grabbing tons of bags out of the back of my mom's BMW.
I greet the internet guy and show him where the hook ups are and let him get to work as I headed to help my mother and sister.
"Hi ma!"
My mother turned with both arms full of bags and goes to hug me wrapping her arms around me. I return the hug with a smile as I see my sister grin at me.
"You here to help me and your sister?"
I nodded my head and pat my little sister's back.
I grab the remaining bags and close the trunk up.
"So what all did you guys get cause this is definitely not just clothes."
My sister laughed as we walked into the unit.
"Well besides clothes we grabbed you some necessities, soap, shampoo, conditioner, etcetera."
I hug my sister as she puts the bags down and she laughs at me. Knowing her she got me the good stuff and since she went clothes shopping with my mom I'm going to have a lot of drip.
"You guys are the best. Ya know that right?"
My sister puts her hands on her hips with a grin and nods.
"Well of course we're the best we're your family after all. Also before bro and Hworang get here tell me one of the things you broke was that dumb vase Cloe gave you as gift back when you and James started dating."
I laugh I feel like Kate was always suspicious of Cloe, they definitely never got along thats for sure.
"Yes I most certainly did."
She had a proud look on her face as we started going through the bags and sorting things into categories.
Pants/dresses, shorts/skirts, shirts, sneakers/heels, some makeup, a tooth brush, tooth paste and then beauty supplies.
After everything was sorted my mom, sister and myself started transferring things up to the master bed room.
I giggled every time I heard the surprised or pleased noises coming from my sister and mom.
"This unit is very much you big sib."
I looked at my sister with a smile and saw my mother nodding in agreement.
"Wait till you guys see the bathroom it even shocked me."
We got everything in the closet and moved to the bathroom to get the rest of the items set up. As soon as we walked in I heard my sister let out a soft 'fucking hell' making our mother swat her arm.
"Language Kate!"
Kate laughed at our mom, she wasn't the only one with the worst mouth but she is the one that cursed around our mother.
"Yes, yes I know mother, but this is just...wow."
I laughed as my mom smiled silently agreeing with her as she looked around.
We walked back down after everything was put up to see my brother and Hworang walk in arms and hands loaded up.
"Did you two do the one trip deal?"
They both laughed after exchanging a look and safely putting some of their haul on the table and the rest on the kitchen counters.
I watched my mom, sister and brother start putting the groceries away and noticed Hworang point to a certain bag with a grin.
"Got you precious green babies in that bag."
I rushed over taking a peak grinning and whipped around to face him.
"You are with me let's get these babies in the dirt. Your on the herbs they'll go in the front bottom windows I'll take the strawberries and lavender up stairs and plant them."
Hworang chuckled with a nod and grabbed the varying herbs before heading back to the front door.
"Oh cutie we won't ask what happend buuuuuut me and your brother got to talking and well we have a friend we want you to meet plus the three of us planned on grabbing drinks this evening. Wanna join?"
I look at my brother who just nods at me continuing to put food up and I go over to Hworang with the plants in my arms.
"I didnt plan on doing anything tonight but Charles wanted me to get out and have fun so i guess yeah sure I'll join you guys, but I make no promises of hitting it off with this friend."
Hworang grins as he hears my brother laugh knowing damn well the two would end up being friendly not even 10 minutes after meeting.
"Oh wait until you meet him before you say that and don't let him catch wind of that shit stain ex of yours man would fight him for free."
All of us take care of our little tasks we set our selves to, as I came back down the internet guy chatted with me letting me know he was finished and headed out. I glanced around seeing my mom, sister, brother and Hworang hanging out in the entry way room.
My brother perked up with a grin and waved at me.
"Change of plans gremlin me, you, and Hworang are gonna grab food with our pal before we go drinking. This dufus wants to go to a club and no way in hell am I doing that on an empty stomach so get changed."
I groan making them laugh before I turn around to head back upstairs my little sister trailing behind. She always liked helping pick out outfits, I'm surprised she hasn't decided on going to a fashion school yet it's always been something that she took an interest in.
As I got in the shower I could hear her rummaging around in the closet making little comments of 'nuh huh' or 'nope'.
I chuckled she was very particular about how you should dress for a club, not too revealing but still hot enough to grab attention, but comfy enough to dance for hours on end."
I heard our mother screech at the boys.
"YOU CANT BE SERIOUS YOU TWO!?"
I hoped out and dried off meeting my sibling at the bed as they laid out my outfit.
"Since your eating before clubbing I chose something appropriate for both public places and clubbing, spicy yet modest. What ya think?"
I pat her head getting a proud huff from her.
"Good job sis it looks good."
"Alright well I'm going back downstairs I want to see what made ma go off on the boys."
I laugh as I saw her run off and heard a 'what did you guys do?' from my baby sister.
I put my undergarments on and start slipping into the outfit my little sibling laid out.
Small things like this is her way of helping out kind of like part of her love language.
Once I was done I checked myself over and headed down stairs to watch my mom lecture the boys while my sister laughed.
"Your sibling just got out of a relationship no matter how nice the guy is do not push them into another relationship so quickly."
I chuckle shaking my head and pat my mother's shoulder.
"Ma it's alright, I'm upset and angry at my ex but I'm not gonna get hung up on the piece of shit. If by some miracle their friend and I click like some weird romance rom con I'll give it a shot. Plus Charles said I need to get a good lay."
My mom gasped as I smirked making the boys and my sister burst out laughing at the scandalized look on my mom's face.
Hworang calmed down and snickered giving a mischievous look at my mother.
"Now I haven't slept with him being straight and all buuut his last partner that well cheated on him and got nocked up told someone in our circle that he was one hell of a beast in the bedroom and that information traveled the grape vine. I heard shit I didn't need to about my pal and had to watch as pretty girls threw themselves at him only for him to scare them away with a glare and an aggressive fuck off I'm not interested."
I perked up at the information about the friends partner. There is no way, the world's not that small and Hworang makes him sound jaded. What are those two thinking trying to hook us up?
I huff and slap Hworang's arm playfully, he's way to nosey for his own good.
"Alright well I'm hungry so let's go."
I snatch my sling bag and head for the door followed by my family and Hworang.
As we step out we all say our good byes to my mom and little sister and wave them off before hoping into the car.
I leaned against the window occasionally chatting with Hworang and my brother, apperntly we were going to a popular hole in the wall to not just get food but to pre-party too.
These two planned this out pretty well and I have a feeling they have more planned with how they keep snickering at eachother.
As we pull up and step out of the car I look at the building. Even though it was a hole in the wall it was wholesome looking on the outside.
My brother and Hworang walked up on either side of me with a smile on their faces.
"So our friend already had a table and got water for all of us, he's just waiting for us before ordering."
I tilt my head to my brother getting a bit curious about this friend, he seemed thoughtful or at least considerate. We walked in and I saw Hworang wave at someone off to the back corner, the guy leaned back and ran his hand over his face. He definitely had to deal with Hworang more than I normally do, he finally waves back and I follow after the two men.
The two of them choose to sit on one side together leaving me to sit with their friend. Of course, they'd do this, little weirdos.
I sit down next to him and glance at him, he was huge maybe around seven feet but he was handsome, definitely better looking than my ex, beefier too.
His loose curly brown hair looked so soft and his tan skin was flawless.
He had a redish orange shirt that look like a light, breathable fabric it was completely unbuttoned and dear God what was wrong with his partner to cheat on a man as fine as this guy. I look at my brother who was smirking at me, bro definitely caught me checking out his friend.
He mouthed 'like what you see over there' at me and I just picked an ice cube out of my water and threw it at him making Hworang laugh and their friend peek up from the menu to catch my brother throw the ice cube back at me only to miss hitting the wall and bouncing off onto the floor.
"If someone slips its totally your fault bro."
He looked at me offended and snickered at Hworang who was cackling.
"Bet its gonna be you."
I frowned at him as I sipped on my water and flicked him off. I heard a soft chuckle from the man next to me.
"Okay so brat, that big guy next to ya is Miguel, Miguel this is the little sibling you hear me and Hworang chat about quite often."
The man, Miguel leaned back and looked down at me with a raised brow. I was still sipping on my water as I waived at him before putting it down.
"Nice to meet ya Miguel."
He hummed observing me before turning back to the menu.
"Pleasure Senorita/Señor!"
We ended up ordering our food and some adult beverages and began chatting.
I watched Hworang shift with a mischievous look but the way he had himself positined was like a man ready to run if needed.
"So Miguel I may have let it slip about your ex. Sorry not sorry!"
Hworang adjusted himself more with one leg out of the booth in case he needed to get up quickly as Miguel looked up at him with narrowed eyes.
"Why the hell would you do that, el cabrón? You damned noesy idiot."
Ah now I see why Hworang was on guard he knew Miguel wouldn't like his personal information discussed with a stranger.
I tilt my head at him my curiosity getting the better of me.
"I don't like to dig into someone's personal life but due to some recent events ummm would you mind telling me her name?"
My brother chuckled at me and leaned back looking at Hworang.
"Good luck brat even we didn't get to meet her or learn her name and were his friends."
I huffed at them and crossed my arms.
"You're both also headaches, you only met my ex by accident and I still cringe thinking about that day you two were so embarrassing."
Miguel watched us and sighed before taking a deep drink of his beer.
"Her name was Cloe, she hid what she was doing really well until her morning sickness. I had been busy with work for a while so we hadn't been intimate so I knew it wasn't mine."
I froze absolutely floored, I looked to my brother who's jaw was open and Hworang had a look of disbelief until he started chuckling making Miguel snap his head over at him with a glare.
"It is not funny Hworang."
Hworang shook his head and held his hand up to give him a second.
"Oh man I can't believe this you were dating their best friend."
I tossed an ice cube at Hworang's forehead.
"EX-ex best friend!"
My brother glanced at my eyebrows raised.
"Now how did that happen? You two have been friends since you were tots."
I tighten my fists in my lap and glower at the table.
"She's why I left and got a new place let's leave it at that."
Hworang stood up abruptly with my brother.
"Hell no thats not being left alone." They said simultaneously making me shoot them a glare.
My brother sighed and sat down dragging a complaining Hworang with him.
"Sib, this ain't just about your dumb ex, Cloe was like family and not only did she hurt you but she hurt our pal Miguel. Is it your exs sib?"
I look up and shrug I wasn't positive if it was or not nor did I care.
"Don't know don't care but if it isn't Miguel's than probaly, unless she was fucking around with more than just my ex."
Miguel sighed and leaned on the table as the waitress took our plates and left the bills which my brother seemed keen on picking up.
I watched as Miguel turned to me a tired look on his face but his eyes burned with anger.
"How did you find out?"
I blinked trying to process his question and smiled sadly.
" I had come home from work and we'll they were in the bed going at it. I guess they decided they didn't care if I caught them or not."
He observed me for a second and I felt myself being pulled into a side hug as I finally realized tears had been falling from my eyes.
"He's a moron, you are a beauty and from what those two idiots say about you he should have considered himself lucky to have you."
I rub the tears from my eyes and look up at him wide eyed and blink owlishly as he starts to grin.
"Small world though huh, Senorita/Señor?"
He's even more attractive when he smiles, I nod my head shyly.
"Yeah pretty small world."
My brother and Hworang snicker as they get out of their side of the booth.
"You smell that man?"
"Yeah smells like puppy love."
I watched Miguel as I felt my face heat up. He watched the red spread across my face and smirked as I squeaked and turned away burying my face in my hands.
"We should get going so we're not stuck in a line at the club."
We all nod and leave the restraunt, the club wasn't too far in fact I was only a five-minute walk away so we went on foot and managed to not be too far from the door but I noticed two people I didn't want to see.
I didn't think before I moved closer to Miguel grabbing his arm to ground me.
Miguel looked down seeing his friend's sibling staring at something, they seemed uncomfortable and weary. I followed their line of sight to see Cloe and a man I assumed this one's ex walking inside after having their IDs checked.
I leaned down close to their ear so only they could hear.
"Do you want to give them a show, angel?"
They tilted their head up to look at me with wide eyes and blinked trying to process what I just told them until it finally clicked making their face become a cute shade of pink.
I wish I had met my friend's little sibling before Cloe, maybe neither of us would have been hurt if that happened and if my sister was still alive she'd like this little angel more than Cloe, this I know for sure.
I watch as they slowly nod either nervous or unsure if it was a good idea.
"I'll let you lead, I'm normally the wallflower at places like these."
I chuckle at them, how did I not ever meet this woman/man with how long I've known their brother not once have I gotten a glimpse of this beauty.
I can her him and Hworang chuckling at us and I glanced back at them to mouth to them that we saw Cloe and their ex go in. Both men glowered at the main door ready for an excuse to fight.
We were finally able to get in after waiting for another five minutes. The music immediately attacks our ears as we weave through the people to head towards the bar.
We see Cloe and the other man at the edge of the bar and I huff sitting down. I watch the little angel try and sit in another seat and I stop them grabbing them to sit them on my leg making them squeak and grab onto my knee for stability.
"Ummm Miguel?"
I leaned forward brushing my ears across their ear.
"You told me to lead did you not?"
I watched them gulp and their ears turn a deep crimson. I ordered us drinks and chuckled when Hworang leaned over letting me know the other two most certainly saw their group.
"You should have seen the look on Cloe's face she was not happy man."
As we started on going through drink after drink both myself and Miguel started opening up more to each other and instead of some petty play to make our two exs jealous we started sharing a genuine enjoyment from each other's company.
I learned he had a little sister that passed away it was involving something I saw in the news a while ago it broke my heart when I saw the images on the TV, so much useless destruction.
All I could do was hug Miguel and try not to cry as I remember one of the still frames showed a man holding the bride, that was Miguel his little sister died in his arms.
I felt him return the hug burying his face in my hair. We broke away hearing a commotion and we look to see my ex confronting my brother and Hworang as Cloe hung back behind him with a cheeky smirk on her face.
I'm starting to think Cloe was playing this game for a long time. As I think back about my failed relationships she seemed happier when I was just as single as her and my ex's seemed to be disgruntled when ever Cloe would wave them off to spend time with me.
She looks over at us and frowns a look of anger crossing her face until the smirk was back on her face as she strutted over to us and leaned her chest against Miguel's arm forcefully shoving me back away from him causing me to get stuck wedged against the bar.
"Miguel come play with us, my partner doesn't mind sharing."
I watched as she threw a glare at me only to let out a screech as Miguel shoved her off him and helped me back to where I was on his leg prior.
"I'd suggest you go play whore with someone else Cloe."
I watched as Cloe huffs and storms off dragging my ex with her and the other two turn looking at us confused, making both myself and Miguel shrug.
The two walk over to us and let us know their going to split.
Hworang pats us on the arm with a small smile.
"They really just ruined our damn mood but you two have fun yeah you deserve it."
My brother grits his teeth seething in the others direction.
"I really wanted to punch that asshole in the fucking face. Nock him off his high horse thinking he's some kind of damn God or some shit."
I pat my brothers arm grabbing his attention.
"Don't let him get to you he's just being a dick because well..." I gesture to myself and Miguel.
"He wants to start something to ruin all of us being out but if you really want to split I won't blame ya. They way Cloe acted makes me want to leave to."
Miguel nocked back a drink and rubbed my back.
"I say don't let the la puta ruin your evening. Just like your ex was trying to get under their skin she was trying to get under ours."
I looked up at him and smile softly, he was right she didn't like he was with me and my ex didn't like I was with another man. We shouldn't let them ruin our night.
I hear one of my favorite songs come on and wiggle around and pat his arm making him laugh.
"What is it ángel?"
I point over at the dancer floor with my best puppy dog eyes. I have no idea if this man dances but right now Lo Que Me Pasa by Juan Magan ft PeeWee is playing and it always makes me super happy for some reason.
He laughs and gets up making me slide off his leg I laugh as he grabs my hand and walks towards the dance floor excitedly.
I noticed before my brother and Hworang could escape two girls approached them and asked them to dance and they hesitated for a bit before agreeing. Neither of them, too far away from me and Miguel and they look like they are having fun again.
I smile as Miguel spins me before pulling me back as we both sway to the music.
This man is so much more different than my ex he is passionate about everything he does or at least that's the feeling I'm getting from him even now.
I haven't had this much fun and years. So far this man has made me laugh, smile and feel safer than I did when I was with my ex. I don't know if I should do this so soon but I want him, I need him to be mine.
I sure hope this isn't just the alcohol in my system.
I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck pressing myself closer to him testing the waters as we sway. I watch as his eyes darken and he leans down brushing his nose against mine.
I lean up closing the gap and connecting our mouths and oh my god I now understand when people talk about seeing stars because as soon as he kissed me back it was like he took my breath away, as if he was stealing my soul from my body.
We separate, both of us heavily breathing, and turn when we hear two idiots cheering as the girls with them giggle and wave at us.
We both grin and Miguel drags me off the dance floor towards the doors as we hear my brother, Hworang, and the two girls laugh at our urgency to leave.
As we walk back to the vehicles I notice Miguel had wrapped his arm around my waist protectively as he kept himself alert. It was late and this side of town could get rough every now and then, to see him act like my knight and shining arm was so sweet I couldn't help but lean into him. I caught a small smile pull at the corner of his mouth.
This man somehow weaseled his way into my heart so quickly...or again it could be the alcohol, but fuck it I deserve this we both do. We deserve to feel like we have someone that cares about us.
I didn't notice we finally reached the cars and he had guided me to the passenger side, I heard him chuckle.
"Where did you travel to ángel?"
I blushed as I got in embarrassed that I zoned out that much.
"No, where special really just was enjoying the walk with you is all."
He closed the door and walked around climbing into the driver's seat and starting the car.
As he put the car in reverse he placed his large hand on my leg as he leaned back to look in the review mirror before we finally speed off.
I sighed as he squeezed my thigh, there's something about this man that's addicting. I lean my body against his arm and leave a kiss on his bicep.
"I'm really happy my brother talked me into joining you guys, your something else Miguel."
I hear him chuckle and he squeezes my thigh again.
"You haven't seen anything special yet ángel. Once I have you I'm not letting go I hope you're ready for that."
I blink owlishly at him and giggle laying my head back on his arm.
"I think I'd like that."