THE MAN WHOM I LOVED

chatting for hours, and the co

me?" Austin asked, his eye

a moment, unsure

nally, smiling. "Bu

nd they set off i

tice the attention they were drawing. People were staring at Austin's brigh

the celebrity," C

e either love my style or hate it. But he

've never seen anyone pull o

hen you're a master of spontaneity. Yo

n's carefree spirit was infectious. She found herse

taneity was also a little bit reckless. Was she ready

id, hesitantly. "Can

eplied, looking at h

ou've ever done?" she asked, wonderi

for another time. But let's just say it involved a

sounds... intense. I'm not sure if I'

oco. I'll ease you into it. But

n flowing easily from one topic to another. They strolled down

cool night air and the sound of crickets chirping in the trees. They s

o her and said, "I had an amazing time tonight, Coco.

chest. "I had a great time too, Aust

delight. "I think you're pre

ered if he was going to kiss her. But instead, he simply

," he whispered.

e smiled back at him. "Goodn

lked away, leaving Coco to float in

ing about Austin and their amazing date the night before. She replayed every moment in her hea

t from Austin. "Good morning, beautiful. I had an amaz

age. She couldn't help but feel a flutter in her

morning! I had a great time too. Looking

nt and anticipation. She knew that she had found someone special in Au

er at the office, eager to hear mor

was waiting for her outside, eager t

la exclaimed, as Coco walke

s amazing, Ange. He's so charming and f

"I knew it! I knew you two would

he details,and Angels listened

, as they walked to the car. "You deser

ittle giddy. "He really is, Ange. An

again, "Yaaas, g

, okay? This is just the first date with

king Angela's w

t I have a good feeling about him.

great. Just remember to take things slow and don't feel pressured to do any

r Angela's concern and advice. "I will

d's support and encouragement. She knew that Angela would always be th

t, getting to know each other better with each passing day. They went

she loved how he made her laugh and think. She was surprised by how mu

mor and her infectious enthusiasm. He admired her strength a

share their hopes and dreams, their fears and insecurities. They supported and e

the sunset, Austin turned to Coco and said

pped a beat. "I

/

by, Austin had to

n for 2months. He was excited to finally see his vision come to l

Coco felt a pang of sadness

o said, her eyes we

u too, Coco. But I'll be back before you know it.

t few days talking and texting each other constantly, sh

layed, he couldn't help but think of Coco and how much he missed her. He sen

new male employee started at her workplace. His name is Etha

t smile. Coco found herself enjoying his friendly company, b

sking her questions about her interests and hobbies. Coco tried to brush it off as m

ait to see him again. She confided in Angela about Et

"Don't let Ethan get too close. Austin trusts

Ethan was fun to be around, and she enjoyed his company. But her heart

ow, Ethan had sec

easing flirtation at work. She tried to brush

..

ork, A mysterious lady approached behind him wit

and emotions you've captured in it. I'm Sophia, by t

ulder to find Sophia, a fellow artist

or weeks, and it's great to get such positive feedback." H

definitely have talent!

ion, and Austin was drawn to

tinued to work together at the studio they

ative processes. Sophia was impressed by Austin's insights, Sophia showed Austin her own artwo