Chloe
AsIpullontothe street, my hands tremble. Super Woman must have jumped into my body. That’s the only reason that I can fathom my ability to run from Bronson Campbell. That man is way too handsome with his perfectly tailored suit and amazing hair. Don’t even get me started on his blinding smile. The sound of my phone ringing makes me jump.
Seeing Brittany’s name appear, I press the answer button on my steering wheel. “Hello?”
“Chloe, I’m so sorry. I didn’t think you should leave without us honoring your Mountain View crush, but I never thought Bronson would actually appear—”
I jump in, hearing the distress in Brittany’s voice. “Don’t. Don’t worry about it. Honestly, you did me a favor. Without the whole embarrassment factor, I wouldn’t have had the strength to walk away from that man.”
“Well, I actually learned something interesting. Bronson knows—”
I cut her off again. I could still turn this car around with the allure of some swoony Bronson fact. It’s a chance I can’t take. “Brittany, I have to go. Thanks for everything.”
I click end before she can reply. Mountain View Press, editing, Bronson Campbell…they are all things in my past. Sunshine Shores, blazing my own trail—that’s my future.
As I step outside the Orlando airport, I feel the suffocating, wet heat envelope me. I’m a Denver girl, born and raised. We never had enough money to go on vacations growing up, but, since working for MVP, I have gone on a few business trips. Twice to New York and one time to Los Angeles. Neither of the trips prepared me for this sweltering humidity.
I raise a hand to my hair, my poor, droopy, frizzy hair. In an attempt to fluff it, I give it a little poof, but it's no use. My bangs are plastered to my forehead, so I swipe them to the side. This is not how I wanted Aunt Val to see me for the first time in three years. I mean, we’ve FaceTimed recently, but I still wanted to make a good impression. You know, show her that the niece she’s letting live with her isn’t a complete slob.
I consider taking off my navy jacket, but all I have underneath is a white tank top. I’ve never been a tank top person. Exposing my shoulders feels risqué. I know it sounds stupid, but I feel safer when I’m more covered up. I guess you could say jackets are my safety blanket…as are pants. I intentionally don’t look down at my khaki-flared ankle pants. I’m positive they are sweat stained. This is humiliating. And don’t even get me started on my high-heels. I have to shuffle to the curb just to keep them from slipping off my feet.
Squinting against the sun, I see a white, compact car slowly pulling up next to me.
It’s Aunt Val. As she gets out, I can see she’s dressed in a white sundress with flip flops. She’s practically radiating light.
“Hello sweetheart!” Her arms are outstretched, but I put my hand up to stop her.
“Hi Aunt Val. I’m sweating through every layer. I wouldn’t—” but it’s too late.
Aunt Val embraces me tightly. “I’m so glad you’re here. You look great! Like you stepped right out of a business meeting.”
I’m too self-conscious to enjoy her hug. I can’t imagine that I smell pleasant. I definitely don’t have the energy to tell her that these are my everyday clothes. “Thanks Aunt Val. You look…incredible. Florida life suits you.”
She put one hand on her hip. “It really does.”
I slide my suitcase in the trunk and open the passenger door. After buckling, she smiles over at me. There’s a light, easy joy emanating from her. I wish I had that. My vibe is more stiff and anxious. More anxious than usual lately while I’ve been anticipating this gigantic life change from a safe and comfortable present to an unknown future.
A fresh wave of panic hits me.What have I done?My breathing speed increases, and my chest feels tight. I close my eyes, trying to remember the relaxation techniques I’ve been researching the last two weeks.
“Are you okay sweetheart?”
“Mhmm.” I say, exhaling. “Just been feeling nervous about the move.”
I feel a hand pat my knee. “You did make a big change, but I think you’re going to love it here. And remember, you can always get another editing job if you want. This is just a stop on your journey.”
I take another deep breath. My aunt’s confidence is soothing. Opening my eyes, I look over at her. “How do you do it?”
“Do what?”
“Move so often. And not just from different states, but different countries too…and change jobs.”
“Oh I like adventure and learning new things. Taking on new challenges makes me feel alive. Or…maybe I just get bored easily.” My aunt flashes her sweet grin towards me.
For the first time, I really take her in. She reminds me of Diane Keaton with her light hair and effortless chic style.
“I hope your adventurous spirit rubs off on me.”
“Oh I don’t think your parents would be too happy about that.” Aunt Val smiles to herself as she keeps her eyes on the road.
