Loving Again

6

Maya

The early morning sun spilled through the blinds, casting soft golden light across my tiny LA apartment. I sat at my desk, fingers hovering over the keyboard, lost in thought. Writing had always been my way of processing, of making sense of the chaos in my mind. These days, I had a lot to process—a new city, a new career, and new chances at happiness. Well, maybe. If I let myself open up again.

I was working on my book, hoping one day it would be good enough to publish. It was a small dream I kept close to my chest, something just for me. Being an interior designer didn't exactly have off days, but I wanted to carve out time for this before work picked up and consumed all of my energy.

Today, though, I couldn't help but think about Marcus. His playful grin when he'd seen me outside the restaurant. The way he teased me about catching me through the window—his presence lingering long after I'd hurried back home, cheeks flushed. I hadn't been able to stop thinking about him, even when I tried to focus on writing.

But then, like always, my mind wandered to Kendrick —my ex-husband. Jordan and I had been married so young, too young. We were in love, or at least I thought we were. Now, looking back, I realized we hadn't known who we truly were, let alone what we wanted. I was twenty-one, full of hope and expectations, and he was charming, with big dreams that never quite materialized. He left me questioning my worth when things fell apart as if I hadn't been enough to keep us together.

It's why I moved here, to LA. To rebuild. To rediscover myself outside of that marriage. And yet, every time I started to feel something for someone else, my mind snapped back to those memories. It was like there was a wall between me and whatever—or whoever—was waiting on the other side.

I glanced at the clock. I didn't have much time left to get ready for tonight's party. Jordan had invited me to this makeup launch event, insisting I come along. I wasn't sure at first. Crowds and small talk weren't exactly my thing, but Jordan had a way of convincing me, and besides, I figured it wouldn't hurt to get out and meet new people. Maybe shake off the lingering thoughts of Marcus, Jordan, and whatever baggage I was still dragging around.

By evening, Jordan showed up at my place, her makeup kit in tow, ready to work her magic. "We're gonna look amazing tonight," she declared, already unpacking her brushes and palettes.

I smiled at her enthusiasm. Jordan always had this energy about her, something infectious that made me want to be around her. "I'm trusting you to make me look somewhat decent."

She shot me a look, smirking. "Girl, I'm a professional. You're about to be the star of this party. Well, besides the makeup line, of course."

She set to work, applying foundation with the kind of precision that only a pro could master. I watched her in the mirror as she blended shades across my skin, turning me from plain Maya into someone I barely recognized—someone polished, and confident. It felt nice. Different. By the time she was done, my face was glowing, and my dress—a green, turn-down collar long-sleeve lace-up mini—was ready to match the vibe.

"Damn," Jordan said, stepping back to admire her work. "You look incredible. We're about to break some necks tonight."

I laughed, smoothing down the front of my dress. "Thanks to you."

"Please. All I did was bring out what's already there."

The car ride was easy, the two of us singing along to 2000s R&B hits, lost in nostalgia. It felt good, being with Jordan, with no pressure, and no expectations. It was the kind of friendship I'd needed after everything. She parked outside a sleek white building, a line already forming outside, but we didn't have to wait. Jordan was on the list, after all.