“Oh my God! It’s you!” Kasey exclaimed after a long gasp.

“I…I never thought I’d see you again. This is amazing and surprising.” Luca Brandon told his roomie’s beautiful date. Jeremey Fox stared at Luca and Kasey. Confused by the situation, he kept still and remained silent. He waited for his instincts to tell him the right moment to ask questions. He had a lot of questions.

“Nor I, Luca. And here I thought, a freaky Friday was the weirdest thing the universe could conjure up.” Kasey said. Luca laughed.

“Well, I guess the universe proved you wrong, Kasey.”

“I know! I mean this is New York City. What are the chances of meeting a one-time friend in a city of millions, twice?” Kasey asked. For courtesy sake, she picked up the train of her gown and walked closer to Luca, the green-eyed god, she’d seen in her dreams for over a week.

“Pretty slim, Kasey Jones. Pretty slim.” Luca Brandon smiled and so did Kasey, like a teenager in the presence of a crush.

“And speaking of pretty, you look amazing.” Luca eyed Kasey from the flowing skirt of her gown, to the slender curves of her waist, the smooth of her caramel skin and a thigh that peeked through a slit on the dress. She was astonishing. He chocked.

“Oh…I…Thanks.” Kasey stuttered. Jeremey’s curiosity grew, entangled in the prickly stems of jealousy. He felt like a third wheel in his own story. Luca noticed and smiled at his roommate with a heavy heart.

“You got a good one here, Jeremey. She’s amazing.”

“Yeah, I know.” Jeremey said with a cheeky smile.

“What?” Kasey asked, in sudden realization of the situation.

“Kasey Jones, this is my roommate, Luca Brandon. Luca, meet Kasey Jones. Although it seems you already met.” Jeremey said through twisted lips.

Luca played with the curls of his hair like one clueless and Kasey pinched her dress.

She hated the spark in her eyes. It shone brighter than it did, when she was with Jeremey. Though she laughed during their date, it seemed she smiled happier the moment she set her eyes on Luca. A ball of guilt was stuck in her throat, she had to set things straight.

“Um…We…We met during that game I told you about. The one hosted by GOG.” Kasey explained.

“Yeah.” Luca said with a smile. His eyes met with a gold ring in one of Kasey’s fingers. His smile grew so wide, it was almost creepy. In an instant, he remembered his kiss with Kasey under the mistletoe. He glanced at Jeremey who folded his arms with arched eyebrows that expressed suspicion, though he did his best not to show it. Guilt ate Luca up.

“Shit!” He thought.

“Jeremey, I didn’t tell you the details of the game because…what happened during the game was not…I had no idea…” Luca stuttered. Sweat escaped the pores of his brilliant skin in haste, like rushing streams. He was interrupted by Kasey who stepped in with a shaky voice.

“He had no idea we’d meet again like this and what happened during the game was really embarrassing. That’s why he didn’t give you details I’m sure. It was a drinking game and at some point, we had to do belly shots…There were other drinking games and a lot of barfing followed. Like I told you at the restaurant, it’s a really long story.”

“I see.” Jeremey said with a stern look. He took in a deep breath.

“It’s fine. I don’t suspect you both for anything. Besides this is only a first date, I have no say in the matter. We’re good Luca. It’s not like you predicted meeting Kasey like this after the embarrassing game or whatever it was GOG organized. I’m really surprised they’d host a drinking game. It just seems irresponsible for a company of their reputation, but hey, who am I to judge. And Kasey, if this isn’t working out, that’s cool. You don’t have to push it. The date wasn’t your idea, it was Cindy’s. Sure, she’d want tonight to work out perfectly, but I believe we’re adults and we get to decide if being together is what we want or not. Right?” Jeremey asked Kasey.

“Right. I’m sorry if I…” Kasey hated the look of disappointment on his face. Was her crush on Luca, that obvious? Would it be it right to reject Jeremey and jump at the second chance she got with Luca? Would it be right, to escape the awkward situation and take a taxi home?

Kasey took a glance at a pendulum clock behind an expensive marble vase, in the living room. It was past midnight.

Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Kasey was about to utter her decision, when Jeremey’s phone rang loudly.

“Please, excuse me. I need to take this.” Jeremey ran up the stairs in his home. A door banged in the distance.

Kasey’s eyes met with Luca’s. They stood still for a good ten seconds and after a forced cough by Luca, their eyes were on their toes. With a smile, that is.

“Belly shots, huh? Isn’t that more embarrassing than a kiss?” Luca asked.

“Oh, please. At least I came up with something. I really hope he isn’t mad or anything? The date was going really well and I feel like I ruined it.” Kasey said. Her eyes roamed the up-to-date interior décor of Jeremey Fox’s home. It was simple, exquisite and spacious. It was perfect.

“How so?” Luca asked.

“That’s the tricky part. I don’t know. It was just a blind date and obviously, I wasn’t certain that anything would come out of it but…”

“But the fact that you followed him to his house, makes you feel like you owe him something.” Luca rolled his eyes.

“Yeah. Why the eye roll though?”

“It’s just sad.” Luca said.

“What is?”

“Oh, nothing. Just the fact that a lady has to feel obligated to reward a guy the moment they’re in his household. I mean, don’t get me wrong, sure ladies know what they’re getting into when they say ‘yes’, to a guy’s invite. It’s just kind of depressing that a guy can never ask a girl over to his place, without her thinking it’ll lead to something else.” Luca explained like a Women’s Rights activist.

“Mm…a feminist too. I like.” Kasey said with a smirk.

“Oh please. You flatter me.” They both laughed.

“Look, this was a blind date. You guys just met and honestly, it’s okay to take a step back. Well some people would say ‘no’ to an invitation like this one. Your situation is like deciding to have a one-night stand with a dude you just met.”

“Now, I sense judgement in your voice.”

“Yes, a bit of judgement is there Kasey. You said ‘yes’ to going home with a stranger. A stranger, Kasey?”

“And you kissed me the first time we met!” Kasey said.

“With consent my lady and let’s not skip the part where you kissed me back.” Luca fought back.

“Touché.” Kasey replied. She blushed.

Luca laughed and so did Kasey. Their voices echoed in the living room.

“Can you two, keep it down!” Jeremey yelled from upstairs.

“Yup. He’s definitely pissed.” Luca said.
“I really screwed up, didn’t I?”

“No, you didn’t. You met someone you hadn’t seen in a while and you acknowledged the fact. Besides, Jeremey is a great guy. He’s not the type to feel petty, jealous or insecure.”

“And why should he be jealous?” Kasey asked with a smirk.

“Mm…beautiful and she’s got the smarts too. I like.” Luca replied. “Jeremey will be fine. He’ll calm down after a while.”
“Speaking of ‘a while’, I’ve been standing for quite a while. Cindy said these are four-inch heels, but it feels like I’ve been walking on sixes.” Kasey complained. She made short kicks with her right leg.

“I knew it!” Luca proclaimed.

“You know what?”

“I noticed that you looked taller. You weren’t this tall the first time we met. You were shorter.”

“Excuse me, I’m five seven. In the female world, that’s tall. That’s an inch away from model standard.”

“I know. I’m not mocking you, Kasey Jones. I know you’re a tall person. It’s just, when a girl’s shorter than a guy, it’s cuter.” Luca said, drawing close to Kasey. He smelt like Lavender. Kasey assumed he’d just had his bath for the night. The black tank top he wore, gave Kasey a satisfying view of his biceps. He was built like a comic book hero, but in a tasteful non-fictional way. A string of pearls sat on top of his prominent collar bones. A single gold chain bearing a familiar gold ring for a pendant, encircled his neck, right below the pearl necklace.

He wore a pair of black sweatpants. He had both hands in the pockets of his sweatpants. A pair of slide sandals, protected the sole of his feet.

His hair seemed a bit wet. Its curls were well defined and his eye lashes stood out. His green eyes shone brighter under the chandelier above them. He was beautiful. Kasey’s heart skipped a beat. He was two steps away.

“So, I’m not cute right now? Is that what you’re saying? If a tall woman puts on heels it isn’t a crime, you know?” Kasey asked, trying to console her weak knees.

“I know. And you’re right. I’m not saying you’re cute. You’re not cute right now, Kasey Jones. You’re breath taking.” Luca said in a whisper. He was a step away.

He took his left hand out of his pocket and slid back a rouge strand of hair that danced on Kasey’s forehead. His hand was warm. Kasey shuddered. Her breath paced faster and so did his.

Kasey wanted to thank him for the comment like any courteous lady would, but she couldn’t. Her voice was buried deep in her chest, beneath the loud thumps of her heart beat. He was close. Too close.

Her eyes crept down his smooth skin, luminated by the rays of light from the chandelier. He did not wear bracelets, unlike the first time they met. Long slits ran across his wrists, and two long scars crawled on dorsal sides of his forearms.
Kasey’s heart was filled with sadness.

“And that’s why I wear bracelets and sleeves. That’s a story for another time. Right now, I’m just grateful we found each other again.” Luca said. He tilted Kasey’s chin. Their faces were separated by half an inch. Their lips were close. They could feel each other’s warm breath.

Luca took his right hand out of his pocket and held Kasey’s hand. Fingers interlocked in warmth.

Less than five centimeters apart, Kasey and Luca’s lips played hard to get and in a deep breath, a voice sent an electric shock down their spines.

“Kasey! It’s really late and…Oh, I’m sorry. Am I interrupting something?” Jeremey asked.

Kasey took a hasty step from Luca. She slipped. Luca caught her in one arm. With her back arched against his arm, her eyes were locked in his. Her heart beat at a faster pace. He pulled her up so quickly, her body slammed against his chest. Skin on skin, green eyes were locked on brown.

“Yeah, I’m definitely interrupting something.” Jeremey said. Kasey and Luca pulled back.

“That’s right. I’m still in the room, so when I leave feel free to use any of the rooms in the house.” Jeremey’s words were filled with spite, but his facial expression lacked any indication of vexation.

“Cindy’s been interrupting the call with my client. I didn’t pick up my personal line and she raided my business line with her curiosity as well. I’m sure she must’ve called you Kasey. Just send her a text that you’re fine. It’s late, so it’d be rude of me to send you home. There’re two extra rooms here. You can use one. Luca will show you the way. I had a nice time at the restaurant, but I guess you’re someone else’s. It was nice to meet you anyways. You’re a cool person.” Jeremey said with a turn.

“Jeremey wait! I’m sorry I ruined the…”

“That’s enough Kasey. It’s okay, really. I actually like someone else and I’ve been too much of a coward to tell her. I went on a date with you, knowing that. I should apologize, not you. Besides, some things aren’t meant to be.” Jeremey turned. His eyes met Luca’s. “And some things are meant to be.”

With a smile on his face, Jeremey Fox retired for the night.

“At least he’s going to bed smiling.” Luca said.

“Yeah, that’s a good thing I guess.” Kasey said. They both laughed awkwardly.

“Come on, I’ll take you to one of the extra rooms. It’s got everything. There’s a really fancy bathroom, so you can finally get out of those heels and take a hot shower.”

“That will be incredible.” Kasey said with a sigh of relief.

“I’ve also got an extra pair of pajamas that you can change into. It’s brand new too. Might be a little big on you though.”

“It’s okay. I’ll wear it. Thanks. Before I forget, I need to call Cindy or I’ll get an earful tomorrow.” Kasey said, her arms instinctively linked in Luca’s.

“Cindy sounds like a handful. I get the feeling she’s like Jeremey.” They both laughed.

Kasey Jones and Luca Brandon, retired into the night with smiles on their faces and warmth in their hearts. Little did they know, the unsure feelings they had buried in their hearts would blossom into something new and undeniable with time. Love the seedling, had found its roots.

“Hello? Yeah, Tracy? You said you’re ready to give me info on…We broke up a long time ago and that shouldn’t be a reason for you to withhold information on…YOU broke up with me!” Luca let out a deep sigh, he lay on his back, drowned in the comfort of a huge mattress. A mobile phone kissed his left ear.

“It’s all in the past. Just because you’re the curator who handled the sale of my painting, doesn’t mean you can keep information regarding the buyer, ‘just because you want to’. Are you going to tell me, who bought my painting or not?”

There was a long pause on the other side of the line and the art curator, who overlooked the sale of Luca’s first painting displayed in Jeremey’s studio uttered a name unexpected.

“Wait a minute!” Luca sat up and held the communication device with his hand.

“Can you repeat that name again?... Does she know the full meaning of the initials on the painting?... She doesn’t? So, she doesn’t know I’m L.B. Smith? I’m sorry I just…Okay, thanks, bye.” Luca tapped his phone’s screen and the call was over.

Overwhelmed, he walked to a window in his room. White flakes of cold, dropped on the roofs and treetops in New York. Lights, neon and not, spotted the night. Yellow little squares were lit up on sky-high, sky buildings.

On that beautiful night, Luca heard something that made his heart thump loudly. He placed his hand over his heart. He never believed in fate, but his encounter with Kasey Jones had proved him wrong.

Eyes still on the landscape view of the city called New York, Luca Brandon whispered into the night.

“You bought my five-hundred-dollar painting for a thousand! Were you crazy or is the universe saying something? Of the millions of souls in New York, you just had to be the buyer. The joy I felt that day…It’s you, Kasey Jones. It’s you.”