Chapter 2 : Brielle

I took a sip of my steaming cappuccino, the sweet warmth settling my nerves. "Babe," Kyle called, his voice riding above the crowd. I smiled and wove through the throng of people. "What took you so long?" he teased, holding my hand as we began walking. "New York foot traffic," I joked, nudging him playfully.

"So," he said, glancing down at me with a smirk, "It's Thanksgiving. What do you want to do?" I raised an eyebrow.

"It's seven p.m. on Thanksgiving. What could we possibly do?"

"Bwardoff's," he said casually. My jaw dropped.

"What? Are you serious?" Reservations at Bwardoff's took months to secure. He hailed a taxi, and I clung to his arm, grinning ear to ear.

Dinner was exquisite, the warm ambiance and impeccable service making it feel like a dream. But as I scanned the menu, Kyle's voice changed pulled me back. "So," he said, brushing my knuckles, "what's your plan for the apartment situation?" I groaned, the thought of my ex-roommate Kayla leaving me high and dry souring my mood. "I'll start looking for cheaper apartments tomorrow," I muttered.

Kyle frowned. "You're breaking your lease?"

""Well," I began hesitantly, "I was thinking maybe I could move in with you?"

Kyle released my hand, coughing. "Brielle, we talked about this." "I know," I said quickly. "But it's just for a year. I'll be done with clinical soon, and my schedule won't interfere with yours." Kyle shook his head, his tone firm.

"It's important for me to stay on schedule. I'll ask around for apartment leads, okay?"

I forced a smile as the conversation shifted, but inside, frustration simmered. I bit my lip as the conversation moved to Kyle's work. I understood but we had been dating for three years. Was it so wrong to want to live with your boyfriend?

"Well I had fun tonight. Thx for staying with me for thanksgiving, babe." "Didn't want you to be all alone," I teased. He pulled me in giving me a deep kiss. Under the bright stars the moment felt perfect. He would defiantly be getting lucky tonight. Kyle whistled for a taxi.

"So, I'm going to see you tomorrow, " Kyle announced.

"What?" I paused. "Yea. Got to go into work early." "So, I'm going to be alone tonight," I gawked. Kyle clicked his tongue gripping the door. "Excuse me, Miss. Are you coming in or not?"

"I will come over tomorrow night, " Kyle whispered. He kissed me on the cheek and helped me into the car.

As the driver drove I watch Kyle wave goodbye. I had miss going home to my mother for him. I mean we would have went over Aunt Liz house. God I would have to see my horrible cousin, but at least I could hang out with mom afterwards. I payed the driver and headed into my building.

I slipped off my heels, sighing. I took my shower and slipped into bed. Looking at the ceiling I sighed. Tomorrow I would start apartment hunting. Hopefully I would find something cause I definitely didn't want Kyle's friends helping.

The next day, apartment hunting proved disastrous. Every place was either a shoe box or widely out of budget. "Are you Ms. Smith?" "A tall dark skin woman asked nervously laughed. "I'm sorry. Um can I take your card." She handed me the card and I quickly left.

By end of the day, I was defeated. Sitting in a corner at Starbucks, I called my mom. "Baby, how are you?" she asked cheerfully. "Awful," I groaned. "Apartment hunting is a nightmare. Nothing fits my budget or standards." "Perfect!" She exclaimed. "Perfect?" I repeated, baffled. "Well, I might've found a place for you," she said, her voice lilting with excitement. She sent me photos, and I nearly gasped. Hardwood floors, granite countertops, high ceilings—it was perfect."What's the catch" I asked, narrowing my eyes. It's 1, 500 a month," she said. "And you'd have a roommate." "Who?"

"It's Mateo's place," she admitted.