4. Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Ava

As I sat listening to Sam talk about Miami, my heart seemed to beat wildly in my chest. It's been a long time since I've felt truly excited about anything. She had this way of painting a picture with her words, making the city sound like a magical paradise. I couldn't help but feel a pull towards it, a longing to experience it for myself.

"The beaches are unlike anything you've ever seen," Sam said, her eyes sparkling with memories. "The sand is white and powdery, and the water is crystal clear. It's like being in a dream."

"I just love the warm weather all year round. It's such a nice change from the cold winters we have here," Lydia adds in.

"Yeah, I could totally live somewhere like that. The weather is always perfect, the beaches are endless, and there's always something fun happening. I love Seattle, but our winters are harsh," Tyler chimes in.

I nod in agreement as I imagine myself walking in the evenings, the warm weather a constant that I would love.

"That sounds so great. I like to walk in the evenings and jog in the summer. It would be so nice to do it all year," I add in.

"The sunsets in Miami are unlike anything I've ever seen. The sky turns into a painting every night. You would love it," Sam tells me.

I smile at her and my heart seems to flutter a little.

"As much as I enjoy the weather, what I really love is being surrounded by people from all walks of life and different cultures. It makes the city so vibrant."

She went on to describe the vibrant culture and diversity of the city, the endless sunshine and warm weather that seemed to never fade. It all sounded so enticing, so different from the small town I grew up in.

"Oh yeah, the club scene in Miami is epic. I don't know if I could hang anymore, but it's definitely fun to go out on the town," Lydia sighs.

"Hey, we aren't old yet!" Tyler scoffs.

We laugh at him as he pouts. We may still be in our early twenties, but none of us can drink and party like we did a few years ago. Growing up and getting real jobs honestly changes you.

"There's just something about the vibrant culture and warm weather that makes me feel alive in Miami," Sam says, and I can feel her love for the city through her words.

I wanted to go there, to explore this place that seemed to have captured Sam's heart. But at the same time, I couldn't shake the turmoil within me. My heart and mind were at war, struggling with my feelings for this woman.

I knew I should resist, that getting involved with her would only lead to heartache. But as I listened to her talk, I couldn't deny the pull I felt towards her. I wanted to go to Miami with her, to experience all of this magic together.

But I also knew that giving in to those emotions would only complicate things further. So, I sat there, torn and conflicted, as Sam's words continued to weave a spell over me.