3. Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Sam

The plane's descent into Seattle's landscape was a gradual immersion into a world buzzing with life and misty rain. I peered through the oval window, the cityscape sprawling out like a living organism, its arteries pulsing with the rush of traffic and the vibrant energy of urban life. My heart thrummed in sync with the engines' hum, anticipation coiling within me tighter than the seatbelt across my lap.

"Welcome to Seattle," the pilot's voice crackled over the intercom, a cue for reality to sink its teeth back into my daydreams. I stepped off the plane and into the terminal, my carry-on trailing behind me like an afterthought. SeaTac Airport buzzed around me, a symphony of hurried footsteps, rolling suitcases, and languages blending into a cacophony that somehow signified I was exactly where I needed to be.

The air outside was brisk, carrying the scent of rain-soaked streets and coffee, the latter almost palpable in its ubiquity. An Uber ride later, the city's scenery became intimate as we navigated through neighborhoods, each turn bringing me closer to Lydia's place, closer to Ava.

"Here we are," the driver announced, pulling up to Lydia's familiar address. As I stepped out onto the sidewalk, my gaze was drawn upward to the row of windows that lined the second floor of the townhouse. Somewhere behind those panes of glass was the reason why my heart had ventured across the country—Ava.

I took a deep breath, the cool air filling my lungs with resolve. This was it, the threshold of what could be the most significant chapter of my life. Or perhaps, just another page in the book of chance encounters. Either way, I was here now, ready for whatever came next.

The wheels of my carry-on thrummed a steady beat against the pavement as I navigated the sidewalk that led to Lydia's apartment. The city's eclectic pulse was a stark contrast to the sterile hum of corporate life. A light drizzle misted the air, casting a soft glow on the sidewalk and creating halos around the streetlights. It was quintessential Seattle weather, and I found an unexpected comfort in it. Lydia's apartment building loomed ahead; its brick facade graced with black iron gates. I had forgotten how much I loved Seattle. I had moved to Seattle in high school when my parents kicked me out of their house. Seattle had this cool, artsy vibe that made you feel at home and peaceful.

"Sam!" Lydia's voice resonated down the staircase before she appeared, blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, her tall frame descending toward me with open arms.

"Hey, Lyds," I said, my nerves dissolving into the warmth of her hug.

"Come on up. I can't believe you are here!"

"I know, I think I may have lost my mind," I laugh. I promised to come and visit over the years but never made it work. I just couldn't seem to find a way to leave work, but something inside of me forced me to take the leap this time.

"Tyler thought you would flake, so I can't wait to see his face when he sees you. And Ava's excited to meet you." She flashed a knowing smile, leading me upstairs to their apartment.

The apartment was cozy, a blend of vintage furniture and colorful textiles giving it a lived-in feel.

"Oh, shit. You finally showed up," Tyler announced, rushing to me and offering a side hug.

When Lydia and Tyler first started dating, she brought him to Miami for a visit. He and I hit it off instantly and we text whenever I get the chance. He's a cool guy and he loves Lydia.

"Don't give me a hard time. You know I'm busy," I countered, smirking at him.

"Well, we are going to make this vacation the best!" he cheered, causing all of us to laugh.

A soft giggle caused me to turn from Tyler and Lydia. My heart began to race as I spotted the face that had brought me to Seatle. There, framed by the bay window, stood Ava. Petite and demure, her brown hair fell in soft waves around her face, and when she turned to greet me, the kindness in her eyes struck me.

"Sam, this is Ava," Lydia introduced.

"Hi," Ava smiled, extending her hand. Her touch was gentle yet sure, echoing the quiet strength I'd sensed in her photo.

"Hi, you must be Sam," Ava said, her voice a melody that seemed to dance on the cool breeze. She was petite, with delicate features accentuated by her warm smile. Her brown hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her face like the delicate brush strokes of an artist's painting.

"Guilty as charged," I chuckled, extending my hand. Instead of a handshake, she pulled me into a hug, taking me by surprise, but it was a pleasant one. It was the kind of hug that felt like coming home, even though we'd only just met. "It's great to meet you finally. Lydia has talked about you a lot," I murmured, taken aback by the immediate sense of comfort that enveloped me.

"Only good things, I hope," she quipped, a playful glint in her eye.

"Of course," I chuckled, finding myself already leaning into the easy banter.

We gravitated toward the plush sofa, the conversation flowing as naturally as if we'd known each other for years. We spoke of our shared love for indie music and hole-in-the-wall bookstores, laughing at the uncanny similarities in our tastes. Lydia and Tyler sat nearby, their presence a comfortable backdrop to the connection unfurling between Ava and me.

"Seattle's music scene is pretty great. You should check out some local gigs while you're here," Ava suggested, her enthusiasm infectious.

"I'd love that," I replied, acutely aware of how her mere proximity sent a ripple of excitement through me. "Maybe you could show me your favorites?"

"Sure, that sounds fun," she answered, a genuine warmth in her expression that I longed to bask in further.

"Tyler has a whole list of things he has planned," Lydia interjects.

"Yeah, and the first thing is to beat your ass in bowling," Tyler seethes.

I can't help but laugh. The last time we all hung out, I beat him bowling. He had vowed to whoop my ass in a rematch, and I guess he was eager to make that happen. Tyler was so easygoing until it came to winning.

"Are you still mad about that?" I teased.

"I can't prove it, but you cheated," Tyler yelled.

We all burst out laughing as he shook his head. Lydia just gave him a sweet smile.

"Don't worry, I believe you," Lydia said, turning and winking at us. "Anyway, we are going to have fun. All of us."

She is completely unaware of my plan, and I doubt that she can see how much I want Ava already. Everyone thinks this is just a friendly visit, but of course, I have my own motives.

"Cool," I reply.

"I can find somewhere else to stay the next few nights if you want. I don't want to intrude on family plans," Ava says.

"That's not necessary," Lydia and I both say, though my voice is louder.

Lydia eyes me warily, and I can see the wheels turning in her head. She is watching me now. I doubt she is on to me, but she clearly sees something is going on.

"I just mean, I am excited to spend time with my cousin, but you are welcome here, too," I add.

"Yes," Lydia gushes. "Ava, you are practically family anyway." Lydia dismisses Ava's concern and waves her hands around. Even Tyler nods in agreement.

Ava glances around the room nervously and then smiles. "Okay, but the second that I'm in the way, please tell me."

I can't imagine this beautiful woman ever being in the way. I've only known her for a few minutes, but I can already tell she is kind.

Later that evening, Tyler ordered pizzas, and we sat around the living room, talking while the television played the nightly news in the background. I had taken the office as my room during my stay. Tyler had blown up an air mattress, but honestly, I was considering getting a hotel room just down the block.

"So, tell me about Miami. I've never been," Ava asks, as she sits back on the couch.

"It's a really cool place to live," I admit. "There's always something going on, and the culture is phenomenal. You get beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and access to anything and everything you could ever want."

"Yeah, when Lydia and I go, we love hitting the nightclubs and local restaurants," Tyler chimes in.

As much as I rave about Miami, I don't get out much. I spend most of my days and nights at work, but I would love to change that and add some fun to my life with a beautiful woman by my side.