1 Chapter 1: The End is a New Beginning

Kinley

Kinley had waited all day for her date with her boyfriend, Sam. They had been dating for three years now and her gut told her tonight was going to be very memorable. After all, he was taking her to Carl's Steakhouse. It was their favorite place, but they only ever ate there on special occasions.

It wasn't their anniversary or her birthday, so the only other possibility was a proposal. At least she hoped. She wasn't getting any younger and the thought of an impending wedding had her stomach full of excited nerves.

Sam picked her up and drove her to the restaurant. They both order the New York Strip and talked casually. After a second glass of wine, Sam's face turned grave.

"What's wrong?" Kinley asked.

Sam grabbed her hand from across the beige linen tablecloth.

"Kinley. I have to tell you something."

"Yes?" she asked.

"I fell in love with one of my students. We've been seeing each other for a while now. I couldn't keep it secret any longer. She and I just fit and you and I, well, we just never quite did."

Kinley jerked her hand back.

"Are you being serious right now?" she asked.

"Yes. I am sorry. I should have told you when it first happened, but I didn't want to hurt you."

"Oh, thanks. Yes, waiting has lessened the blow."

Kinley rolled her eyes, stood up and threw her napkin down.

"Kinley--"

"--No. You don't get to continue speaking to me. I am going to the bathroom. I would like to not see your face when I return."

Kinley walked to the restroom and turned to watch Sam walk out the front door without even looking back.

She felt her heart tear in two. This isn't the memorable night she thought she was going to have.

***

Kinley waited a good fifteen minutes before heading back to the scene of Sam's crime. She sat down and rested her face in her hands as she tried to choke back the tears accumulating behind her eyes. She could no longer stop them. The tears fell hard and fast to the table below.

Then suddenly her pulse quickened, and a mesmerizing smell filled her nose.

It was unlike any smell she had ever smelled before. It was musky and natural, almost like she was out in the forest breathing in the fresh air. It was calming and heart-racing all at the same time.

"Ma'am, are you okay?" someone asked.

She removed her hands from her face and her eyes instantly connected with a drop-dead gorgeous waiter. For a moment they looked like a deep amber, but when she took another look, they were baby blue. Regardless, she felt like she would melt into the floor. This man was stunning from his dark as night hair down to his worn-out black boots. There was something about him.

"Yes, I am okay. Let me get you money for the check."

She reached into her purse and he placed his gallant hand on top of hers.

"The check has already been taken care of."

"Oh. Did he at least leave you a decent tip?"

He paused for a moment before answering. "Yes, it was decent. I called a cab for you. I hope that was not too presumptuous of me. I figured he left you here without a ride home."

"That he did. Thank you so much for everything."

She threw her purse strap over her shoulder and headed to the front door. She stopped before pushing it open and turned to find the waiter again to ask his name, but he was gone.

She stepped out into the night. The wind hit her face and she was expecting it to be cold, but it wasn't. All she could feel was warmth. The cab was parked on the street waiting for her to get in. She slid into the back seat.

"Where to?"

"Max's bar on Fifth," she said.

"Alright."

The cab pulled up in front of Max's. People were standing outside smoking cigarettes and chatting. The thump of the music from inside could be heard through the cab windows. I reached into my purse and pulled out my wallet.

"Your fare has been taken care of."

"By who?" she asked.

"The waiter who called for a cab."

"Really?"

"Yes Ma'am."

A hopeful feeling took over.

"Did he leave a name?" she asked.

"No, sorry."

"That's okay. Thanks. Have a good night."

She got out of the cab and stepped onto the curb. There were drinks calling her name so that there was a name she could try to forget. But even with her heart hurting there was a new name she wanted, no needed, to know. She couldn't get his face, his voice, his everything, out of her head. This mysterious man had definitely made an unmistakable impression on her and she just couldn't shake it.

She walked up to the door and the bouncer asked for her ID. She pulled it out, he did a double take and she smiled proudly as he let her through the door.

The lights bounced off the walls as people were dancing, kissing, and sipping their favorite drinks. The atmosphere instantly changed her mood and she knew she was in for a great night.

She walked up to the bar and took a seat on the stool. The bartender saw her quickly and asked for her order.

"Rum and coke please. No, diet coke please."

"Coming right up."

She walked away and started mixing up her drink.

"Here ya go," said the bartender as she handed Kinley her drink. Kinley smiled and handed her a credit card.

"Keep 'em coming."

"That kinda night, huh?" said the bartender.

"You have no idea."