Crimson shadows

eaming at the elegant older couple standing before me. The warmth in th

g families, eager to celebrate Christmas and New Year's together. The lobby had been a whirl of act

ez," I added, my smile unwavering. They offered a gracious nod and a soft

. Just then, Shantel, my co-worker and closest friend in the hotel, appeared beside me, with her

grab you anything while I'm out?" she aske

help but smile-stressed or

still new to her. "I just want to sleep. My cheeks hurt from smiling all day,"

here all day," I replied, my fingers still deftly sorting through the weekend reservations. I onl

olling her eyes. "So wha

st, so just a cup of coffee an

I can get in that diner." With that, she sauntered off, and I couldn't help

s always been my dream. So when the opportunity to work as a receptionist at one of the biggest hotels in New York

ve ever known; my mother was an only child, and Abuela has been my everything. Whenever I asked about my dad, she'd call him a nightmare and refuse to say more. Whatever his story was, it was buried deep wi

r pizza from the day before. But we still danced and laughed, grateful to have each other, even though we had no idea where our next meal would co

urgery. Chemotherapy has been tough on her, and just when I thought I had saved enough for the surgery, I discovered my boy

ycheck in cash, stashing away every dollar I can. By the end of the month, I'll finally

ork for the week. It's Friday, which means I have the entire weekend to my

nging. I fish it out of my jacket pocket and s

the moment I answer, forcing me to pull the phone away

!" I groan, exhaustion

ot going to believe this!" she squeals, her excitement

I chuckle, my c

? I need to see your

ense! Just spill it

e you?" s

ing around her. "I just left work. I'm

lly don't want anyone raining on my parade tonight. So, how about this: y

w better. Whatever she's dying to share must be important, and who am I to refu

ct! Lo

you

he memory as I slide into the backseat of my cab. We've been inseparable ever since. So inseparable, in fact, that when I decided to move to New York, she packed up her life and moved with me. She's become Abuela'

kind that stretches across generations. They're old money, but even so, her dad is a high-powered attorney, her mom a renowned actress, and her older brother is also an attor

end, isn't home yet. Imani was right-I'm not in the mood for anyone to rain on my parade tonight. If James isn't sulking over the money he doesn't have after another failed gambling attempt, he's probably out drinkin

ting ready. Thirty minutes later, I'm admiring my reflection in the mirror, feeling more like myself than I have in days. Honestly, I h

ne is a deep cowl that does wonders for me, and it's easily my favorite part of the dress. I've managed to tame my wild ginger hair into a sleek ponytail that cascades down my back. As I turn

e spots me. I burst into laughter, strutting down the ste

xcitement. Imani is my number one fan, always ready to hype

ee how good my girl looks. "Oh my goodness, you look amazing, babe! What's going on?" She looks different tonight-stunning, as always, but there's some

enough." She winks at me, her smile stretchi

nd, though it could just be her charm working its magic as usual. We make a beeline

don't spill the tea right now!" I plead, fee

hen, she starts gesturing wildly with her hands, trying to tell me something.

the realization hits me. Imani joins in, our squeals of excitement cutting through th

did I not know?! I'm going to kill him!" I gasp

reak for the week? Well, he booked me a flight to Cuba, and I didn't ex

week off work and gone with you when you said he wanted both of

both of us!" she says between fits of laughter. I can't tell if it's

ing!" I urge her, ha

beach. I was blindfolded the whole time, and when he finally took it off, I almost passed

their love just keeps growing stronger. They're the kind of couple that makes you believ

always known how to do well is have a good time. No matter where we are, as long as there's music,

ergy perfectly. Just when I think the night couldn't get any better, Rico shows up. The mome

aking my way over, ready to give them a h

ook a playful shot at him. "You proposed to my best friend, and not only was I not inform

f the club. Once the noise faded enough for us to talk, he turned to me, with my best friend, Imani, nestled

ing a text or an email? Something like, 'Hey, I'm about to

e blew me a kiss and winked. I shook my head, feigning anger. "But come on, deep down I knew I had your blessing because you love m

the ring is gorgeous," I said, as Imani

ico bragged, looking at Imani with such love that it made my heart

t back... or maybe not. I need to find the bathroom." I doubt

where anything was. Somehow, I ended up on the second floor, though I couldn't recall how I got there. The bathroom definitel

ll, maybe six-two, with a body built like he walked straight out of a movie scene-athletic, muscular

His jawline was so sharply defined it could cut glass, and the short stubble gave him a rugged, dangerous edge. A fading scar traced from his left brow to his hai

e time?" His voice, deep and smoo

me." My stomach churned, and I realized

id, no hint of amu

d, trying to regain my composure. "You... you wouldn't happen to know where-" My word

I think-" But before I could finish, another wave hit, and this time, I threw up on his chest. I was mortified. This is what happens when you b

isturbingly calm as he shut his eyes, as if willing himself not t

friend appeared out of nowhere like a guardian angel. How she fo

in her eyes as she took in the state I was in. "Shit... did you... oh no, did you throw up on him?"

I walked into him... I tried to apol

ry," Imani called out to the man

t of my way. You're lucky you're a woman. Why drink if you can't ha

un mono crecido!" I shouted after him, anger flaring up despite

ark and menacing as he stalked toward us. Imani lean

demanded, his voice low and dang

eback I had fled my mind. My courage eva

get out of my club before I have you thrown out." With th

thed, as if she couldn't

blem too," I muttered as

The guy smelled like a brewery," s

ixture of shame and exhaustion.

e burning up!" She sounded so far away, her voice fading as the room began to spin.